Tips for Home Sellers

Price correctly from the get-go. Unless you're living in a handful of relatively stable U.S. markets, don't start out too high-priced just to "test the waters." Your backup plan of adjusting on the fly may prove futile. Keep that window of opportunity open from the first time the "for sale" sign appears on your lawn. The first 30 days a home is on the market are when it gets the most attention from potential buyers and their agents.

Looks do matter. Don't underestimate the importance of curb appeal. Not only is there an acute price war going on out there, there's also a beauty contest being staged. You may be strategically located in a quiet cul-de-sac, near great schools, great health-care facilities and fabulous shopping, and you may have easy highway access for that morning commute, but unless your exterior is well coifed and in sparkling condition, other offerings will outshine it.

Don't overdo it. By contrast, if you go too far in improving your place, you likely will not be able to recoup your remodeling investment.

Don't be an ambiguous seller. Either you are going to sell or you aren't. Why waste everyone's time, including yours? If you manage to fetch a decent offer with a test listing in this market, commit to sell. You may be able to buy a better replacement house at a disproportionately lower price with so many steals still out there.