In 2008, my friend Jay received his first command with the United States Marine Corps, at 29 Palms in California.

Now a Lieutenant Colonel, Jay has more than 100 men and women under his command, and, as C.O. he is responsible for everything from run-of-the-mill dereliction of duty to allegations of spousal abuse. When I asked him how he can possibly handle all these responsibilities, he referred to his Sergeant Major, one of the highest-ranking enlisted men in the Corps.

The Sgt. Major, Jay explained, is a C.O.'s eyes and ears within the command, an objective voice who will tell the commanding officer what he needs to hear, not just what he thinks the commanding officer wants to hear. 

"So," I asked Jay, "the Sgt. Major has carte blanche to speak to you as openly and honestly as he sees fit?"

"He's bullet proof," said Jay, without hesitation. Translation. As long as the Sergeant Major does it in the professional military manner that is expected, the Sergeant Major is not only allowed to speak his mind, he is obligated to speak his mind, without reprisals.

When you put your house on the market this year, I encourage you to make your Realtor bullet proof. Don't seek out an agent who simply tells you what you want to hear.

Your Realtor is your objective voice within the housing market. He or she is your Sergeant Major. You are well-served by a Realtor who tells you, Mr. or Mrs. Seller, what you need to hear, and not just what you want to hear.

That is the way to sell your house.

Have a great 2009.