I recently came across an article in a national news weekly titled "How to Get More Appreciation." I discovered that the first step in getting more appreciation was to learn to accept compliments graciously. Of course, when it comes to real estate, appreciation is more tangible. But when you're selling your house, you can think about ways to get compliments for your property -- which will help its value rise, or appreciate.

Here are some suggestions:

• Enhance the exterior appearance by painting or decorating and keep the lot clean. Landscaping and keeping the bushes and yard trimmed add to curb appeal and that has a direct impact on value. This includes cutting bushes and shrubbery to a level at or below the bottom windowsill. Shrubs are not appropriately used as privacy devices. They also shouldn't be considered house shades!

• Use a good color combination. A study done many years ago found that any house painted yellow with white trim and dark green shutters might sell for up to 10 percent more than the same house painted another color. I am not sure I believe that, but I do believe that some color combinations go together better than others. I also know that most folks have a better eye for color than I do, so I always hire a decorator to help me with color selection.

• Fix an oddity. An agent friend tells the story of one of his listings that just wouldn't sell. Everything about the house was typical for the neighborhood except the mailbox post. While other homes in the area sported a 4-by-4-inch cross post painted white with black numbers, this $500,000 house had an old rusty metal pole with an over-the-hill mailbox, which was barely attached to the pole. Eventually, the agent used his own funds to replace the mailbox and post. The house sold within a week.

• Replace countertops. This is a sure-fire appreciation booster and is relatively inexpensive. If you have old and worn laminate from the 1960s, it's time to give your kitchen a new look. Today's buyer wants to see clean, seamless counters in the kitchen, and solid surface countertops add a fresh look without breaking the bank. Some are much more expensive than others, so shop and compare.

• Replace old electrical system. If your home is more than 50 years old, consider asking an electrician to give you a quote on a new electrical system. In the late 1950s and early 1960s, our electrical codes went through several major revisions, first replacing fuses with safety breakers, then adding grounding for all outlets and finally a requirement for additional protection in kitchens and baths. During this period, the electrical consumption of the average home increased dramatically. While not inexpensive, an updated electrical panel adds a modern look to an older home and wards off embarrassing questions like "where can I safely plug in my computer?"

• Remove awnings. This will allow more light into the house, making it feel brighter, larger and less gloomy.

• Remove any burglar bars. Any outwardly visible signs of neighborhood fear can undermine the confidence of a potential buyer, who will want to feel safe at home.

• Don't have vehicles parked on the street in front of your house. Homes with appropriately sized garages do not need street parking, and a car on the street is a sign of inadequate parking space.

• Be an active supporter of your neighborhood schools, whether or not you have kids in the system. A well-supported neighborhood school can make a house worth more than a similar house in a neighborhood where the schools are not so great.

• Get involved in community associations and events. Homes in an active and involved community tend to sell faster and get more money than those in passive areas.

-- John Adams is a broker and investor. His Web site is www.money99.com.