When it's time to sell their house, homeowners seem to fall into one of two categories: those who think they have to put in months of extra work to get every last detail perfect, and those who think their home is good enough as-is with zero effort on their part.

Actually, the best course of action usually falls somewhere in the middle. Depending on the condition of the home and how much the seller wants to profit, the to-do list could be less painful than you might think.

Before I list a home for sale, I always advise the sellers on what it will take to get the best results. for those with the will and time to make improvements, I recommend the least expensive yet most effective ways they can improve their home's chances of chances of a quick sale at maximum price.

Here are five relatively minor improvements which make a huge impact on the sale of a home

1. CURB APPEAL. You hear this a lot, and with good reason: first impressions matter. When potential buyers pull up in the driveway, your front yard and entry need to immediately make them feel welcome and at ease. 

Starting with the yard, you should trim any branches overhanging the driveway, weed the flower beds, plant attractive perennials, and set colorful flower pots near the door. Power wash your siding, give the front door a fresh coat of paint, install a new door handle and new lighting, and replace or repaint any old trim.

The benefits of investing in your curb appeal cannot be overstated. Buyers might decide to not even enter the home if the front looks neglected. On the other hand, if they like what they see outside, they will be more kindly disposed toward the rest of the house.

2. DECLUTTERING. This ranks as one of the most dreaded tasks for homeowners to tackle, but arguably has the biggest impact. You want buyers to envision themselves living in the house, which is really hard to do when it is packed full of your stuff. From kitchen gadgets to sports equipment and even furniture, less is always more. 

A good way to approach this is one room at a time. Invest in good quality storage totes. Sort through each room and sell, give away, o pack away any items you won't need for a few months. When one room is completed, keep it that way and move on to the next. Stack the totes you are keeping in the basement or garage, or better yet, rent a storage unit. Clearing out the clutter makes the rooms feel bigger and allows buyers to imagine themselves living there. It also makes your move a lot less stressful. If you do nothing else, do this one task.

3. PAINTING. Wall color trends come and go like fashion. What was considered "in" five years ago is likely now on its way "out". (Nearly all wallpaper is included in the "out" category.) Due to their broad and timeless appeal, neutrals are a safe bet for any home, although their tones should complement the existing wood trim or flooring. The best colors maximize natural light and allow for the décor to stand out. If you hire a professional painter, find one who will do a thorough job and clean up after completion. If you plan to do this yourself, work diligently to have clean lines and consistent coverage. A shoddy, amateur paint job is worse than just leaving the walls alone.

4. WINDOWS. Though often overlooked by homeowners, you can be sure that buyers notice them. After all, replacing them is a major expense, so making sure they are in good condition can reap benefits in the form of better offers. Toward that end, you should replace any broken window panes, ensure they all open and lock properly, and repair or repaint any damaged frames. Good quality window treatments are an asset which buyers appreciate. Don't forget to clean the glass and frames.

5. CLEANING. Deep cleaning. If getting rid of clutter makes your house feel bigger, cleaning it makes it feel loved. As with decluttering, a room by room approach may work best. Going beyond the obvious cobwebs and surface dust, you shouldn't neglect the flooring, baseboards, corners, behind and underneath furniture, ceiling fans, light fixtures, tops of door frames, and around all doorknobs and light switches. Heating vents and cold air returns also need attention; in fact, you should have your entire duct work cleaned, if possible. Especially important are the kitchen and bathrooms - more so than any other areas, they need to be sparkling clean. 

Of course, the overall condition of your home is of paramount importance, and this list is mainly cosmetic. But if you manage to do these five things, you just greatly increased your chances of a quick sale for top dollar. 

No doubt about it: getting your home ready for market is a lot of work. But when you walk away from the closing table with a hefty check and a big smile, it will have been worth the effort.