I write to you from the Michigan Real Estate Market's perspective, as an experience real estate agent. I do know, however, that our state is not the only state realing right now.

There is an enormous amount of houses for sale, it seems from speaking with others and seeing for myself, in nearly every county in Michigan. It does not matter the type; residential, condo, waterfront, acreage; and in every price range. So much for sale, and so much  to be for sale for extended periods of time.

So what do you do if you are one of those "houses for sale"? The little house that could...keeps at it, works hard, and has the right outlook and perspective on the market it's in. Let's look at it further:

1. Keeps at it - Never give up! Winston Churchill once said, while delivering a speech to his beleaguered country during World War II, when Germany was knocking on their front door. He was know for being a great orator, but this speech just reiterated the words "Never give up!" 3 times, then he was finished. If you have/need/want/etc. to sell your house, then Don't Give Up! Just reevaluate every aspect of your efforts and see if there is anything else you can do...

2. Works hard - the little house that could (be sold) needs to get "all dressed up" and looks its best for the big date. In this market, unless you are giving the house away at such a drastically low price, your house better look its best. Listen to the experts. Clean up inside and out, get the clutter out, freshen up the exterior and/or interior where needed, clean or replace that carpet, and make it sparkle for Every showing, for you never know which one will be your house's next suitor. With so many for the purchasers to choose from, what makes yours stand out? Better figure that out fast...

3. The right outlook and perspective - Yes, it will be longer on the market, yes there will be fewer potential purchasers coming through it, and yes, you will not get the price you really want. Face the truth head on. If you cannot, or will not, then don't even try to sell your house right now. But if you will look truth dead in the eyes and march forward, and do the right things to and for your house, then this final step will be easier for you, and land you a much better opportunity of being one of "the few, the happy, the sold crowd", instead of the expired, withdrawn, or on the market for so long people "run away" from it, or low ball you so bad you want to, well, give up. The most critical part of your "little house that could (be sold)" is the price, and regardless of the real estate market. It is always the money. Sure location is huge, but if the price is wrong for the location, and everything else your house is or is not, then that will not matter. Again, LISTEN to the experts on the price. Price it to sell in the market you are in, and purchasers will notice, which will then make them want to tour your home, where, if you will take diligent heed to item #2, your house could actually be in the coveted SOLD column.

Matt Stahl