Step1
De-Clutter. Box up magazines, books, and other items that clutter up the look of your home. Less is more. Clean tables, clear counter tops, and hallways and closets free from boxes and mess are a must.
Step2
Shine A Light On the Subject. Light is a HUGE plus for people when they are looking to buy a home (most people). If you have heavy blinds, get rid of them or replace them. Use the light to help enhance your home.
Step3
Remove unnecessary furniture. If you have several large pieces of furniture crammed in your living room the place will look smaller than it really is. Think minimalistic and have only enough pieces that "fit" in the room. Ask a friend to help you move the furniture around and to give advice on which pieces should be removed.
Step4
Color coordinate. If you have mismatching items it will distract the buyer when he or she enters your home. Instead of buying a new couch, simply find a throw that will cover the magenta slip cover that does not go with the Alligator Green wall paint.
Step5
Lighten It Up. If your walls are very dark it may be a good idea to paint them a lighter color. Dark walls make a place look smaller. Save some cash and do this on your own (if you think you can handle it). A fresh coat of paint always does wonders to a place when it comes time to sell.
Step6
Keep it clean. Always have the place looking spotless when it is shown. The kitchen counters should shine, the floors should be free from scuffs and dirt, and try your best to eliminate pesky dust off the lamps and picture frames. You want to give the best impression possible. A clean house is a happy house. A happy house sells.
Step7
Visit Homegoods, KMART, and other affordable stores with home decorating options. Fake flowers (real flowers are even better) don't cost much and can fill voids in the home. You can find affordable baskets to place around the home to give it a rustic look. You may find discounted furniture at these stores too. Sometimes they have damaged goods in the back that sell at a heavily discounted price. Since all you care about is the appearance and not the function, you may want to consider buying cheap staging furniture.
Step8
Utilize your friends. If you friends have extra furniture, paintings, or other accessories ask them if you can borrow them for the marketing. This will save you some money.
Step9
University Art. Some colleges will loan (for free or for a very small fee) art to people. Investigate an art loan program in your city...you may be surprised to see what you can get for nothing, or at least, very little.
Step10
Fix the odds and ends. If you have any loose ends that are noticeable, fix them. Even if it is something as minor as an exposed cable wire, simply go the extra step to hide it. Remember, you are trying to give a first impression here.
Enthusiast 
