1. Be PROACTIVE! Every property has shortcomings and quirks that we as homeowners tolerate, thinking we will address that issue "someday". Try this: Objectively walk through and around your property with a note pad as if you were working for the buyer, jotting down your observations. How would you rate your curb appeal? It is very likely that the same conditions you evaluate, whether positive or negative, will be those that your future buyer will consider when making you an offer. Address and repair as many of the concerns as you can prior to marketing your home and price the rest accordingly. The list you create will also come in handy when you meet with your agent and in filling out your Sellers Property Disclosure Statement.

2. CLEAN = $$$$$! Buyers correlate a clean home with a caring seller who has lovingly maintained all aspects of the home. A fresh smelling, uncluttered, clean home will downplay many imperfections and allows your buyer to mentally "move-in". Now by clean, I do not mean run the vacuum and dust the piano! I mean: organize your closets, get rid of the junk, get down on your hands and knees, wash the woodwork, clean the grout, clean the ceiling fans and light fixtures, and professionally clean the carpets, JUST DO IT! And, if you cant do it, hire it done. It will make a tremendous difference that will add up to cold, hard cash at closing!

3. Consult and hire a full-time professional real estate agent. You wouldnt hire a part-time attorney or physician, why would you hire someone who is only committed to marketing your home part-of-their-time? Which part-of-their-time do you suppose you will receive? Probably the part leftover once they clock out of their "real" job! You need an experienced and professional REALTOR who is focused on you and your real estate objectives! Ask your prospective agent for several recent referrals3;there is nothing more powerful than the acknowledgement of a satisfied customer!

4. Everyone loves a discount, right? Especially when it comes to a real estate commission! But rarely does that come without a price, usually in the level of service provided. Ask your agent for a written list of the services they provide, including what services you can expect after the contract is written and accepted. What mode of accountability will be provided? Read the fine print. Interview more than one agent. Think of it this way: would you be willing to go to work next week at a discounted rate? And, if so, what kind of priority would your job be to you then? The bottom line is that there is value in service. Be sure you know what you can expect if you choose to work with an agent who offers a discount on their commission.

5. Once you carefully choose your Sellers Agent and commit to a relationship, listen to them! Everyone you know: family, friends, co-workers, all of them will all have an opinion regarding the topic of real estate, and they will be more than happy to share it with you! The reality is that a trustworthy agent would never let a commission check come first! Their written pledge states they will be "promoting the interests of the seller with utmost good faith, loyalty and fidelity". If you have done your homework and your agent has provided you with satifsfactory performance to earn your respect, then let them do what they do best and follow their advice!