1. Understand value. It isn't what you think your house is worth, and it doesn't even matter how much you put into it. It is only what it's worth to potential buyers. Find out what they have paid for other similar homes before you decide on a price.

2. Be objective. This is a difficult one. You may want to get your most honest and outspoken friend to walk through house with you. He'll see problems you didn't know were problems.

3. Have a plan. What will kids or wife say to those who call? Where will you be closing? Will you have documents prepared by an attorney? A plan will help it all go smoother.

4. Make a list. What needs to be fixed, cleaned, changed, or removed? Do most obvious things first.

5. Be a prepared salesman. List every question a buyer might have, and be ready with an answer. Have comparison sheets showing other home sales, so buyers can see value. Have a map showing where nearby stores and libraries, etc. are.

1. Most buyers work with agents, and look through MLS listings. If you don't list with an agent, most buyers will never see or hear about your home. It's hard to find that "right" buyer or get top dollar when your invisible to most of market.

2. FSBOs get lower offers. It's only logical. The buyer thinks you'll take less because you're saving commission! Save $10,000, get $10,000 less - where's advantage in that?

3. You pay advertising. All costs real estate office normally pays are yours if you sell it yourself. How much will you spend on ads if it takes a a year to sell? 4. You don't have resources. The agent has books of sold properties to look at, for example, to determine best price for your home. You can get that information by digging through county records, but you do have to value your time too, right?

5. You may not know market. What's target market for your house? Young couples, retirees? What features are they looking for? You should know these things before you write your ads. An experienced real estate salesperson will know.