The temptation is strong: Clean up the yard, declutter the house, and put it on the market without spending time and money sprucing the place up for sale. This is especially the case if you anticipate losing money on the sale.
Some real estate agents recommend you do little if anything to get your home ready for sale. This could work if you price the listing to look like a bargain. However, most buyers in today's market are nervous and picky. They aren't a hurry and want a house that is move-in ready.
What if the house has so called "good bones"? Isn't that enough? Not in today's market. The furniture may be too large for the house, the dog may have damaged some wood, etc. What should you do?
A good real estate agent and/or appraiser can help. Do you need to stage the property? Staging helps to show off the rooms to the best advantage. What is the kitchen is old? If you gut and redo the kitchen will you get the money back? In most markets today, no. Perhaps painting cabinets, changing light fixtures, refinishing or replacing a worn floor, and changing cabinet pulls will give a tired kitchen a new look.
Paint is an inexpensive improvement that is likely to return more than you invest. For best results talk to a color consultant before you paint, whether inside or out. Painting a house the same old drab color will not necessarily help.
The aim is to make the most cost effective improvements that you can make, so that your home appeals to the broadest number of buyers. If you don't know what to do, seek professional help first.