1. Use a Full Time Producing Real Estate Agent. If you want to sell quickly, this is the most important decision you’ll make. Top agents have a huge sphere of influence and know the market. They can gauge the correct price for your home, and give you an unbiased view of what you need to do to make your house shine.

2. Be flexible. After you decide on your initial asking price, think some more. How long will you wait until you consider reducing the price? What’s your bottom-line number?

3. Work with the buyer. Consider giving money for closing costs. Offer incentives such as a decorating allowance. Give the buyers a homeowners warranty. They don’t cost much, but they go a long way toward giving buyers peace of mind.

4. Declutter. Consider renting a storage unit (there are companies that will bring the unit to you to fill and return it when you’re ready to move). Clean out those closets, organize your cabinets, put everything you don’t use on a daily basis into storage. The more open and organized your house looks, the better.

5. Make it pretty. When prospective buyers arrive, you want the house to look good, smell good, feel good – but don’t go overboard.

Here are some tips:

· Check your front door – first impressions count! Clean off the scuff marks and the layer of pollen, wash any windows and polish the handle. Make sure the welcome mat is tidy and the entrance area is neat.

· Leave the house. Every time. Even better – take your pets with you or arrange to drop them at a neighbor’s house. Don’t pressure or hurry buyers. Tell them to take all the time they need.

· Don’t expect buyers to remove their shoes. If they choose to do so, that’s great. But don’t insist.

· Don’t be stingy with the utilities. Turn on the heat or the A/C to ensure a comfortable temperature. · Beware the “fresh scent” trap. Yes, chocolate-chip cookies smell great. But your prospective buyer may be on a diet. Candles and air deodorizers can fill a room with a nice scent. But some people are allergic. You want your air to smell neutral, not flowery and not musty. · Open all the curtains and blinds to let in lots of light. However, if there’s an unattractive view, keep the blinds at an angle.

 · Turn on every light in the house, including closet lights.  

· Turn off the television and radio.