The type of Web template you choose for your website will depend on your needs and on what suits best for your website's subject. To get a professional designed website will obviously mean that you will have to invest a little if you can't design one yourself. However, a lot of people don't pay to get a basic template because they can get one for free on certain websites.
For example, as you can see, this website's template is very simple because I don't need a complicated or professional layout since this is mostly an informative website. However, someone who wants to open a business website will have to buy a professional looking template of course.
A simple and basic template with a little bit of coding might be sufficient for your website's needs without paying for a professional one. In fact, I provide you a couple of templates that resemble to mine at the Free and Simple Templates page for free.
Also, I would strongly recommend you to get an already-made template instead of trying making one yourself if you don't know or have time to create one. It certainly makes a lot of work, but also creativity and originality, which is something that not everyone's has.
It is not wise from your part to buy the coolest and professional template just to attract a lot of visitors since it is not graphics that make visitors come to your website. Content still remains the number one way to get a lot of traffic.
Remember that before you buy a template, be sure to check out the free templates that your Web builder provides. Sometimes, when you buy Web builders such as Cool Page, Microsoft Frontpage or CoffeeCup HTML Editor, they come with templates that you can use freely. Many of them are professionally designed and are worth to check them out.