Presentation is everything in real estate sales.  Home buyers are attracted to clean, spacious and attractive houses.  You are going to want to brighten-up the house and remove all of the clutter from the counter tops, tables and rooms.  Scrub down your house from top to bottom before you even consider letting someone inside of it for a tour.  Take time to make repairs.  A little paint goes a long way to making the house look and smell newer.  If renovation is needed, focus on the kitchen, master bedroom and bathrooms.  These are places you will get the best return on your money.