It’s not rocket science: Houses that look fresh and attractive sell faster than beat-up homes.
Here are some cheap tricks from Money Magazine for boosting appeal:

● Buy a new mailbox, house numbers, doorbell, and knocker: $200 (good idea)
● Green the grass with nitrogen-rich fertilizer: $50 to $200, depending on the lawn size (excellent Idea)
● Edge and mulch the flowerbeds: $300 to $600, depending on the number of beds (ditto here, too)
● Replace the bathroom faucet: $300 (you can do it for 1/2 that!)
● Install beadboard over dated bathroom tile: $800 to $1,000 (Take a look at re-tiling for not much more)
● New paint: $60 to $100 per room, if homeowners do it themselves (This is a must if you have anything other than neutral colors currently)
● Replace switchplates and outlet covers: 50 cents each
● Install stone tile over existing Formica countertops: $500 to $1,000

Source: Money Magazine (05/04/2009)

The ideas above are all good one’s but don’t forget to clean, and especially the windows!  A clean attractive home will always sell faster and for more money than one that is not.  Also, consider staging.  The cost whatever it is, within reason, of course, is always only a fraction of your 1st price reduction.  Don’t be penny wise and pound foolish.  Give your home the best opportunity to make a great first impression.