Improve or sell as is!

I am amazed by the amount of homes listed in our local market that are in need of basic improvements that wouldn't cost the seller very much, and am interested in points of views from agents about recommending improvements before listing the home.

I'm not talking major renovations here. I'm talking about basic improvements such as removing dated wallpaper, repainting the interior with neutral paint, replacing worn carpet, changing the kitchen countertops to granite, and so forth.

So the question is... What's the best recommendation to today's home seller? Market the house in its current condition at low price or, invest in basic home improvements and hope to get a higher price?