Selling a home, in today's market, is taking longer, and thus they are looking at longer marketing, such as more open houses, more traffic coming through, and having to make sure house is always ready to show.  Se 

lling a home can be trying, no matter how the market is.  Making sure that your house is priced right, according to the current market, will help to shorten the time on the market.  There are a few others precautions to take, to make sure that your home appeals to the masses.

Make sure that your house looks it's best at all times.  These are the homes that get the most serious attention from Realtors and buyers.  If you have kids and pets, this can be hard, but it is a must, with so many homes for the buyer to chose from.  One thing that can help with this is to declutter your home.  Box up things that you don't need, and store them away.  This way, when you have to clean up for someone coming, it is easier to do that.  Also, not all buyers will call first, some will just show up, and you want to be ready. 

You want to try to have your Realtor put into the MLS to give you a call before coming.  This will help, but like I said, not all do.  Some may be driving the neighborhood, with clients, and just happen upon your lovely home, and the buyer wants to see it now.  You have to be ready.

BEWARE!  Some seller's have wanted the home to be shown during certain times, or on certain days, or had many other restrictions, that would limit when home was available for buyers to see it.  Don't put allot of restrictions on showing your home.  You tie up your Realtors hands and the other agents, who want to help you sell your home.  There needs to be a balance between being accommodating and keeping yourself from going crazy.  You can ask for certain times, but be flexible, due to buyers possibly being from somewhere else and so they can't be as flexible.

Be ready and willing to leave your home when your Realtor is showing the home, or go in the back.  The reason for this is that the buyers may try to talk to you and focus more on you than the home.  We want the buyers attention completely on the home and seeing themselves living there.  Buyers need to be able to completely examine the home.  The Realtor needs to keep in control of the buyer, by keeping them focused on the home and not you, or any other diversions.  If possible, take the dog for a walk.  I am sure they will love it.  NEVER follow the buyers around, pointing out features that you love.  Everyones tastes are different, and they may not like that feature, but may love another one that you didn't point out.  A point that they may miss, if you try to show them what you like.

Keep counters and tables clear of clutter and stuff.  We want the buyer to see their stuff in the home, and not yours.  Try to depersonalize your home as much as possible.  Again, we want to appeal to the masses. 

Good luck.  If you have any questions, feel free to contact me at:

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