10 upgrades to help sell your home

The following article is gleaned from from MSN.com from the real estate section

Preparing your home for the market is often less about aesthetics and more about fixing fundamental flaws. Here is 10 upgrades savvy buyers may be expecting.
1. Copper pipes
Pluming is usually out of sight and out of mind, but upgrading pipes should be a mojor priority for sellers of older homes. copper pipes are a big improvement of galvanized pipes, which corrode over time. Home era: pre-1960's
2. Electrical
Homes built before the 1970s often do not have enough electrical "oomph" to run all the electronic gadgets that are part of modern daily life. Today's homes typically have 200-amp service, so keep your home competitive by upgrading to at least 100 amp. Home era: Pre-1960s-1960s.
3. Furnace
Furnaces usually last from 12 to 14 years. Although this upgrade is relatively expensive, you'll need to bite the bullet if your unit is nearing or has passed its expiration date. People who bought a new home a dozen years ago or so are especially like to need this replacement. Home era: 1990s.
4. Kitchen Cabinets
Refurbishing old cabinets can quickly pull you kitchen into the 21st century. Replace dated cabinet hardware with stainless steel or nickel knobs, pull and hinges. Bring solid wood cabinets back to life by cleaning, sanding, staining, painting and replacing veneer. Home era: 1960s.
5. Kitchen Countertops
The saying "all real estate is local" is true right down to the kitchen coutnertops. In some neighborhoods, laminate is still acceptable. On others, you'll need to go with granite or corian. Check out your negihbors' kitchens to find out what is standard on your block. Home era 1980s.
6. Roof
Shrewd buyers are always concerned about the age of a home's roof. Have your roof inspected if it is more than 10yrs old. If it make the grade, include the inspection report in your buyers packet. If you must replace, cut costs by choosing 20 year material over 30 year material. Home era: 1990s.
7. Siding
A dated exterior can be fatal to your home's curbside appeal. Sometimes, a fresh coat of paint is all you need to cover a multitude of sins. In other cases, you may need to replace the siding altogether. Home era: 1970s.
8. Termite inspection
Termites are tiny insects that love to feast on wood, including timbers in homes. Homes in Southern states are particularly vulnerable to this pest. Termite inspections are relatively cheap and are especially important in older homes
9. Water Heater
Water heaters typically last about a decade before running out of steam. Installing a high-efficiency water heater can cut energy use by between 10% and 50%, making your home more attractive to cost-conscious buyers.
10. Windows
Single-pane windows have gone the way of lava lamps and beanbag chairs, so be sure to upgrade those aluminum slider windows. Not only will your home look more enticing, but you'll also trim heating and cooling bills by 25%. Home era: 1970s