Considering a move can be a threatening experience: you are looking forward to a new home with more space, newer components, a better view or just a more convenient location.  Or, you are downsizing into a condo or townhome to reduce your workload (let's face, upkeeping a property takes time & money).  On the other hand, you are looking around the house realizing just how much stuff you'll have to pack or get rid of.  Looking at the ads or online, there are a dizzying array of real estate agents, and maybe your cousin knows someone but you're not sure that's the best route to go.  Here's some basic steps to get started:

1. Do you really need it?  -  this is a great time to advertise a yard sale and put stuff outside.  Sell it!  Nobody needs that much stuff anyway...take inventory of what you really need and mentally pack it up.
   
2. Look for issues - how about that wet spot in the corner of the basement?  Do the downspouts work well? No ants anywhere, right?  I always tell a story about a homeowner who stuffed a towel in a hole left from removing a stove vent, only to leave it in there for 2 years.  When selling, his agent asked him why there was a towel stuffed in the ceiling - to which the owner replied "I had totally gotten used to it"...look for things that you haven't worried about recently but might concern a buyer.
3. Elbow grease - in response to moving things in #1 and walking around #2 you may need to apply some elbow grease right away.  This will be difficult because we all want to sell without "doing any more work".  Nope, the market has changed and you MUST prepare the home to some degree to meet the buyers.  Don't think too much, just get the paint and mop and get sprucing...call the electrician if necessary.
4. Consider a home inspection in advance - this is a great option.  By paying the $300 or so right now, you get advance knowledge of issues that will likely come up anyway, and you can take action now to ensure a smoother sale.  You can forward the inspection as part of the contract process, which will satisfy many buyers without the need for their own.  Add the cost to your sales price if you desire.  This is even more helpful if its been a while since the last update to the home.
5. Who to represent you for the sale - Recognize first that this is the internet age.  When you review an agent's marketing plan it should include strong internet methods, i.e. a dedicated property website and proactive marketing online such as posts on Craigslist and Localism, which are region-specific ad boards.  Even if you don't spend a lot of time online, statistic prove that the internet is where the vast majority of buyers start their search.  Beyond the internet, the agent should have great signage and flyers to advertise you, and should be personable and professional in their approach to their business.  Remember, they don't REALLY work for Coldwell Banker or Long & Foster; they are in business for themselves and shoud act like it.  A referral is great, as long as you are thoroughly satisfied with the profile you're seeing of the agent.  Don't be afraid to ask questions.

At this point you will be humming along in your preparation to "meet the buyers".  Good work!  

We'd love to hear your great ideas for getting started on your home sale!