I have bought and sold several houses and learned a lot. All have sold within six weeks. One sold the day it went on the market. Another sold within a week. Interview several realtors and find one you're comfortable with. I would choose someone who has been in the business for several years, at least. Your realtor will probably made suggestions for improvements. You DO NOT have to do any, or all of them. Make sure everything is clean and in good working order. I have always sold in the belief that the new owners will want to come in and make the house their own, so I never did any type of major updating. I also never removed personal items, such as photos. I believe curb appeal is right at the top of the list. If you cannot get people inside, you cannot sell your home.