Let your neighbors choose their neighbors: If you belong to neighborhood online message boards or email lists, send a link to your home’s online listing to your neighbors. Also, invite your neighbors to your open house.  This creates opportunities for your neighbors to sell the neighborhood to prospective buyers they know, whom may wish to live in the area.

Beat the competition with condition: As an individual homeowner, the way you can compete is on condition. Consider having a termite inspection done in advance of listing your home and get as many of the repairs done as you can.  It’s a major selling point to be able to advertise a very low or non-existent pest repair bill. Also, make sure that the little nicks and scratches, doorknobs that don’t work, and loose handles are all repaired prior to start showing your home.

Stage the exterior of your home too: Stage the exterior with fresh paint, immaculate landscaping and even outdoor furniture. Buyers often fantasize about enjoying their backyards by entertaining and spending time outside.

Access is essential: Homes that do not get shown do not get sold. Don’t make it difficult for agents to get their clients into your home. If they must make appointments way in advance or can only show it during a very restrictive time frame, they will likely just cross your place off the list and go show other homes that are easy to get into.

Get real about pricing: Today’s buyers are very educated about the comparable sales in the area, which heavily influence the fair market value of your home. To make your home competitive, have your broker or agent get you the sales prices of the three most comparable homes that have sold in your area in the last month or so - and depending on the condition of your home, you may want to consider pricing your home a little lower than market the market price in order to attract the most prospective buyers.

Get clued into your competition: Work with your broker or agent to get educated about the price, type of sale and condition of the other homes your home is up against. Attend some open houses in your area and do a real estate reality check: know that buyers that see your home will see those homes, too – make sure the real-time comparison will come out in your home’s favor by ensuring the condition of your home is up to par.

De-personalize: Do this – pretend you’re moving out. Take all the things that make your home “your” personal sanctuary (e.g., family photos, religious décor and memorabilia), pack them up and put them in storage. Buyers want to visualize your home being their home – and it’s difficult for them to do that with all your personal items marking the territory as yours.

De-clutter: Pack up all of your personal items and anything that is sitting on counters, tables, etc. that you have not used in the last year and no longer need, and give it away or dispose of it. Throw away as much as possible of what remains, and then pack the rest of your items that you will be keeping to get them ready for your move.

Listen to your agent: If you find an experienced real estate agent to list your home, listen to their recommendations! Find an agent you trust and follow their advice as often as you can.