I cannot state this any clearer than this..."YOUR HOME MUST BE CLEAN, CLEAN, CLEAN...."
 
When you are selling, and more importantly, showing your home, remember:

• everything MUST be spotless, all rooms and surfaces should be clear of needless clutter, and
• colors, fixtures and furnishings should be as neutral as possible.

But also keep in mind that it needs to be homey. Not easy to do, huh?

Clean

• Odors can turn prospective buyers off immediately. Think of a home that you looked at where there was an odor coming from the kitchen or basement. Not very pleasant was it? If you know you are showing your home in the evening, don't have fish for supper.
• Your most cost effective "fixup" would be to clean your walls with 50:50 bleach/water, then paint.

Unclutter

• Home buyers do not like clutter. People like openness. Be very conscience of small areas. Remove clutter wherever possible. Be careful for knick-knacks, magazines, photos, etc.
• For me the biggest thing is a clean fridge. I agree that everyone puts stuff on their fridge, but if you are selling your home, take them OFF. After you sell your home, put them back up.
• If it means packing some of this stuff away and storing it in the garage or shed, or at a friends, then do it. You may not like to but I guarantee, this will help.

Neutralize

• It is easier to sell a home that has neutral colors. If you are looking at renovating in this area before selling, please decorate for the new owners, not for you.