Sellers lately have been gathering inforamation about the home sales in the area, and then pricing their home comparable to the highest priced homes in the market.  It's important for clients to realize what some of the characheristics of those top priced homes are.  Here are a few:

• Upgraded flooring, especially hardwoods and in some special circumstances, soft woods.  The small entry area where builders like to add a little wood doesn't really measure up.  To command the selling prices wood floors can bring, a substantial portion of the home must be covered.
• Solid countertops, such as granite and the like.  These must be professionally installed and have the look of having come with the house.
• Upgraded appliances.  The "flavor of the month" at the moment is stainless steel.  But some homeowners have gone even further, adding sub-zero frezers, tri-mounted ovens that include standard oven, convection oven and microwave, all in a tower unit. 
• "Spa like" features in the bathrooms including jetted tubs, tiled multi sprayer showers, solid countertops, etc.
• Three car garages.
• Separate offices with built ins.
• And the list goes on and on.

Fresh paint and carpet isn't going to push a home to receive the maximum price.  And pitting your freshly painted and carpeted home against one that has been "decked out" by asking the same price is going to result in a slow/no sale. 

It's tough to learn you don't have the nicest home on the block.  Ask your Realtor what the market is going to think of your home and put aside your own feelings.