The path to a sale is to make the house "anonymous", which makes it "anyone's" home, so remove the family pictures. De-clutter the house, by removing as many items that make it your home as possible. Our agents are very good at getting you prepared, as reluctant as most homeowners feel in this effective exercise, it is our duty to emphasize it more so and often.
The kitchen is a good place to start this exercise, the counters and even the drawers. Buyers want to be sure there is enough room for their "stuff." If your kitchen cabinets, pantries, and drawers look jammed full, it sends a negative message that there is lack of storage space. The best way to do that is to have as much "empty space" as possible.
Do not engage in expensive remodeling. You are better of using savings to pay for any repairs and improvements, refrain from charging up credit cards or obtaining new loans. It is important to remember that part of selling a house is also preparing to buy your next home. You do not want to do anything that will negatively affect your credit scores or hurt your ability to qualify for your next mortgage.