Preparation is triage, not renovation. The goal is to remove the reasons a buyer would discount the property, not to remodel it. Decluttering, deep cleaning, paint where it is tired, landscaping at the entry, and fixing the small visible defects a buyer's inspector will flag anyway. These cost little and change how every photo and showing lands.
Major renovations before a sale rarely return their cost. Buyers at every price point prefer to choose their own finishes, and a large project delays the listing. The exceptions are items that block financing or scare buyers: roof condition, water intrusion, open permits. Those are worth resolving before the sign goes up.
Rangely walks the property before listing and gives a specific, prioritized preparation list: what to do, what to skip, and in what order. The aim is the strongest possible first impression for the least money and time.