The basics are simple in concept -

• Clean everything - inside and out
• De-clutter - landscaping, shelves, the pantry - buyer's look everywhere
• Furniture and art should provide boundaries and scale, but should not distract (with color or content) from the home - you want them to buy the property, not the art - and they don't need to share your favorite color to cut you a check!
• Fix it - in this market, buyer's don't need to settle for homes that need work.
• If you don't know what needs attention, consult a real estate agent.  This is one of the 1st steps in preparing a home for market.
• It is often helpful to hire professionals to do an initial cleaning and yard trim.  Outsiders will see things that don't catch your eye.