1. FIRST IMPRESSIONS ARE CRITICAL. When a buyer drives up to your house, their first impression is the single greatest influence on their buying decision. Making a good first impression starts with maintaining your landscaping, keeping toys and bikes out of the front yard and drive, keeping the front door clean and the entry area free of clutter.

2. GET RID OF THE CLUTTER. Clutter is everything that is not essential to furnishing a home. It's an unnecessary distraction. So, remove all excess furnishings and plants; clear tables and shelves of numerous knick knacks and photos. Remove excess clothing and boxes from closets; remove excess dishes and glasses from kitchen cabinets, and clear your kitchen counter tops of virtually everything except bare essentials. And, clean out that garage, Remember, you're trying to make your house look as spacious, neat and clean as possible. It's a great idea to rent space in a self-storage facility. That $100/month space can make you thousands.

3. IF IT LOOKS BAD OR SMELLS BAD, IT IS BAD. Dripping faucets, damaged walls, worn carpets, unkept bedrooms, as well as dirty bathrooms, kitchens and ovens are just a few of the things that are sale killers. So, go through your house, room by room, looking at it with a buyer's critical eye. Make a written list of what you see, then take the steps to fix it, paint it, clean it or replace it before showing your home to buyers.

4. GET YOUR OWN HOME INSPECTION. This is one of the most practical steps a homeowner can take to help sell their home. A competent home inspection will alert you to problems that you can correct before they become an issue after a buyer is interested. It will also give you the benefit of providing prospective buyers with a reasonable assurance of your honesty, as well as some assurance about the quality of your home. It will also help you overcome problems with a buyer's home inspector.

5. KEEP PETS AND KIDS AWAY FROM BUYERS. You may love them and think they're "cute," but buying a home is serious business. Buyers are there to see your house, and do not want to be distracted by a curious dog, a hissing cat, or disruptive child. Place animals in the garage or in an outdoor pen. Young children may require your attention, but don't allow them to distract you or the buyer, or you may jeopardize an otherwise good opportunity to sell.

6. LIGHTS ON! SHOW IT OFF. When a buyer arrives at your home, literally, every light in the house should be on. And, at night, every outside light should also be on. In addition to making the house seem larger, light provides a psychological benefit that shows the buyer you are proud of your home and have nothing to hide. Having lights on will also make your showing go more smoothly. And, leave all lights on until at least 10-15 minutes after the buyer leaves. (They will frequently linger around homes they like and it will make them feel more comfortable.)

7. WHEN AN AGENT SHOWS YOUR HOME. When you answer the door, ask the agent for their card, and ask if they would like your assistance in showing the home. If they say "no," simply leave the agent with the buyer and remove yourself to the living room or kitchen. Don't follow them like a puppy dog, and don't volunteer ANYTHING. If the agent asks you a specific question, give a brief, honest answer to that specific question; don't add anything else. If you don't know the answer, just say, "I don't know." Let the agent do their job. If you have any concerns, contact your listing agent after they leave. A good listing agent will follow-up with every agent who shows your home and report back any comments or suggestions.

8. BE SAFE IN YOUR HOME. There are many cases of criminals posing as prospective buyers to gain entry to a home. Once inside, they either "case" the home to locate safes, jewelry, precious art, and the like, as well as to inspect alarm systems and means of entry, or the criminal may be intent on robbing the owner right there and then. This 2nd situation frequently ends very badly for the owner. Consequently, showing your home without the presence of an agent can be very dangerous. If you hire an agent, do not allow anyone to enter your house when you are present without first contacting your agent. (It's better to lose a sale, than to lose your life.) If you do not hire an agent, be sure to contact your local police department for safety tips on showing your house.

9. DON'T NEGOTIATE VERBALLY. Arizona law requires that all contracts for the sale of real estate must be in writing. The process of negotiating a real estate contract is that a buyer makes a written offer to purchase and presents that written offer to the seller. The seller may accept it as written, or may make certain changes and "counter offer" to the buyer. Anything that is not written is usually not legally enforceable. So, don't verbally discuss anything. If a buyer asks about price, or things that stay with the home, simply have them discuss that with their agent, and suggest they make you an offer that you will be happy to consider.

10. HIRE A PROFESSIONALLY COMPETENT AGENT. The single most valuable asset any home seller can have is an experienced, professionally competent real estate agent. Not only will they market your home and attract qualified buyers, they are essential in providing you guidance and advice that will minimize your exposure to legal and financial liability (not to mention being a preventive defense against criminal activity). Click here to learn about how to hire a real estate agent.