The color of the text seems lighter.  

You want your prospects to love how clean the place is, and the lighter colors always make the place look brighter and bigger.You also want to be able to bring a unit back to par cheaply after a move out.

Turn on inside light and porch lights to make house "look" warmer- I agree with Kevin, frame out the pillars, paint them white- Lighter shutters will make the windows look bigger- I'd do flower boxes under the windows with annuals in them to soften the front and add a punch of (cheap) color.- If you're brave...

I would say a couple of weeks if it is a lighter turn.

Is there a "neutral" color to pick, and is it better to go darker or lighter?

In the kitchens I always install granite, new under mount sink and faucet, and tumbled marble backsplash, I install stainless steel appliances only if the current appliances are not in good shape / ugly.Countertops - I agree with upgrading to granite, but would suggest a lighter color with more variation, I use giallo ornamental.

If the unit needs nothing then go full boat, if you've got significant repairs then go lighter.  

I clean the grease on the side of the stove and the stove hood and fan with lighter fluid as lightning speed and the stove and  hood and fan look brand new.

Any time you spray, err on the side of lighter coats.

Sometimes people don't want to face or believe that something is happening and find it easier to try to belittle or deflect the situation.On a lighter note... anyone here like seafood?