2. Determine your needs/wants for the sale and for your new home
Selling your primary residence can be tricky because you have to simultaneously be thinking about where you would like to buy. First weigh your priorities – selling price is certainly important, but having a quick and efficient sale with an inexperienced salesperson can often lead to accepting a lower offer. Talk to your agent and make sure you’re comfortable with his market plan of action. Ask if they market on the internet or only local newpapers.

At the same time, you should be compiling a needs/wants list for the home you will buy. You will probably have to act fairly quickly when your house sells, so any amount of preparation you can do will serve you well. Your agent should be e-mailing you daily MLS listings that meet your needs

3. Prepare your house for showing
Underprepared homes can be sales disasters. Your home will never get as much attention from potential buyers as when it is first listed, so clearing clutter, cleaning, making repairs, and putting your home’s best foot forward is essential. Don’t “open for business” until your home is ready to be seen as favorably as possible. Your agent should be an expert on Home Staging ideas.

4. Find out what your local market looks like
Being realistic about your market is the key to a smooth sale. There is no substitute for a professional real estate representative when it comes to local market knowledge. Ask if he has sold many homes in your neighborhood and for how long.

5. List away!
Lots of photos and a "virtual tour" and online exposure are the key to getting a good response for your listing. Working with an e-Pro agent who uses Internet advertising on Google, MSN & Yahoo and Point 2 Homes.com, as well Prudential Fox & Roach.com is a great step in the right direction. Now just “open” the house and sit back and wait for the flood of eager buyers!