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Step 1
Pick a buyer-friendly price tag. Many sellers mistakenly choose a price base on what they need to earn a profit or what comparable houses sold for before the housing slump. Unfortunately, this strategy won't lure buyers who have plenty of other lower-priced homes to pick from. Ask your real estate agent how to price your home to sell fast.
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Step 2
Consider making extensive home improvements. At the very least, get rid of wallpaper and old carpet that might have bad odors and slap on a fresh coat of neutral-colored paint. Also consider upgrading your kitchen and/or bathrooms. Sometimes refacing or repainting cabinets--or even simply changing cabinet knobs and light fixtures--can give your home a more up-to-date look.
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Step 3
Look into staging your home. A professional can rearrange the furniture and add props like plants, vases and window coverings to maximize your house's appeal. If a professional stager is not in your budget, watch shows like "Designed to Sell" and "Sell This House" on HGTV for staging tips.
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Step 4
Offer buyer incentives, ranging from taking on some of their closing costs to giving money back on the house. By the same token, you can offer agents a bonus for attracting buyers to put your property at the top of their showing lists.
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Step 5
Consider every offer--even the insulting low-ball ones. Try not to take it personally. The sad truth is the market might not turn for a long time, and if you want to sell your house, you might need to accept a lot less than what you think it's worth.
