The market has slowed CONSIDERABLY.  SO, it's more important than ever that agents PUT OUT (pun intended).  If that means cleaning, painting, storing your pet rats at my house, so be it.  This market ain't for sissies and if your agent isn't stepping up, they should!  Sellers need to take great care that their properties are kept immaculately clean. (Q-Tip clean I like to call it.)  Not only that, but it's imperative to have all the little peccadillo's about your home fixed (those cabinets that don't align perfectly, that outlet that doesn't work, the damaged closet door, etc).

On top of that, all interior areas should be 'neutralized' which is a stager's way of saying REMOVE YOUR PERSONAL JUNK!  Of course your things aren't garbage, but they are a distraction to buyers so store them away if you can.  The less cluttered your house appears (even closets) can make all the difference, and allows buyers to picture themselves living in what has up until now been, only space for you and yours. 

What things about your home make it stand out from the competition?  Play up those features (closet systems, air conditioning etc - pools however are as much a detraction in our area as they are an asset so a pool adds essentially no value to your home).  Speaking of competition, ensure that your agent keeps you posted as to new comparable listings coming to market within a mile radius of your home.  As soon as I take a listing, I set up a new MLS search so that anytime new homes come to market that could be considered competition to my seller's we are all aware of it right away and can work to ensure our house shows BETTER than the other!

For a list of things 'to do' to ensure your home shows it's best, shoot me an email, I'd be glad to email you back with several suggestions!