Well, a good realtor will level with you. Have your real estate professional give you a set of ideas on how to spiff up your home. Put aside what you think is nice or adequate. Listen to your professional advisor. Paint, clip, cut, clean, deodorize, send to storage, toss out, caulk, mow, paper, cement, repair and add, scoop, weed, tear down, scrub.
Little things do count.
A minimum of time, effort and money spent now can bring back large rewards. Leave the house when it's being shown and take the dog and children with you. If you must be home don't chat with buyers, just disappear. Tune the FM radio to quiet, soothing music. Be careful of cooking odors.