There are, of course, many items that influence a sale. Look upon the following as a checklist of items that will bring you closer to a sale. Every item on which you are unwilling or unable to make a concession on moves you further away from a sale.

1. Price the property between WHOLESALE and RETAIL. In other words, don't under price, don't overprice, price competitively.

2. Keep the property clean and tidy at all times.

3. If a last minute appointment is requested, please try to be accommodating. That's a nuisance, but it's not as bad as being on the market for 6 months!

4. If possible, please be gone whenever a prospective buyer, accompanied by a Realtor, wants to see the house. Buyers need to "try it on for size" and find it more comfortable with the owners absent.

5. Eliminate any barrier to the free flow to traffic in the property. Such items as bulky or extra furniture; house plants that stick into traffic ways; toys or clothes not put aw0'; and beds not made, etc., slow down traffic and make rooms look smaller and darker.

6. Watchdogs that provide so much security that no one can see the property without a "death wish" are a problem.

7. Your Realtor is on your side and will not get paid until YOU GET RESULTS Advice from a professional is useless unless you take it!

8. Look at the front of your house. Size it up objectively and critically (that's asking a LOT of any homeowner!). Ask yourself this question: If a buyer pulled up in front, would the appearance pull them inside?

9. Make any and all recommended improvements with an eye toward neutral marketing be aware of unusual colors or styles that might clash with a prospective buyer's taste.

Be willing to consider ANY offers at anytime. Remember, you are always the final Judge of what is accepted and what is not!