1. UNDERSTAND YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES. Ready your home for sale by making it visually appealing. Wash the windows, empty closets (this is a great time to visit a charity thrift shop), clear away clutter, ensure the kitchen and bathrooms are spotless, shampo the carpets, Oil squeaky doors, repair dripping faucets, make sure the yard is manicured and the garage and basement are immaculate. Strong curb appeal can lure potential buyers inside. Be certain your realtor knows everything there is to know about your home. And, within reason, try to have your home ready for showing at all times. Restrictions limit potential buyers. You want to invite access.

2. MANAGE THE PROCESS. This is too important of an undertaking to simply turn it over to your realtor. Be proactive, ask questions, establish ground rules for communication and insist on honesty. Change realtors if you don't feel you are "getting what you paid for."

3. NEGOTIATE INTELLIGENTLY. Don't let the negotiation process become personal. You have the right to expect the highest price possible, and the buyer has the right to try to pay the least amount possible. Remember, this is business. Do not be offended by any offers. If you need to, be creative. Confirm all terms and then re-confirm them. Do not leave anything open to interpretation. Work Quickly and keep the momentum going.

If you follow these steps, you should be able to successfully weather the logistics of selling your current home and move on to the next new and exciting chapter of your life.