There are many things that are important when you sell your house and the list here is definitely not an exhaustive one. The following brief is to give you the basic guidelines to get the best deal from the sale of your house.

1. Choose the right realtor: While it is okay if you want to sell your house directly and you are confident you can pull it through it is usually better if you have a good professional realtor do this job for you. To know whether the realtor is a good one you watch out for:

a. Have good references with a good turn over of recent listings in your locality; ask for names of recent clients

b. Before deciding make discreet enquiries about the realtor in your neighborhood, amongst your friends and relatives

c. The realtor should be easy to talk to. If you do not find yourself comfortable talking or asking questions, then definitely this is not the right realtor for you

d. Choose a realtor who can show you the minus points as well one who speaks frankly or you will never know why your house is not getting sold

2. Price your house well: Research well before fixing a price for your house. Beware of the fact that most house-owners think their house are worth much more than the market value. Be realistic and fix a price that the house really deserves plus a give and take 10-15% for negotiations.

3. Ensure that the house makes a good impression at first sight (and later as well):

a. You will need to first of all have the house painted and cleaned thoroughly. The window panes will need to be washed, shined; the walls cleaned (repainted preferably); courtyards should be free from any clutter and garbage or any waste; lawns should be mowed and garden maintained (even if that means to keep a part-time gardener); check that both the interiors and exterior are clean and give an open appearance; pay particular attention to toilets and kitchen cleanliness

b. If you are still living in the house when you have put your house for sale, remove all the clutter and keep the rooms furnished at the barest minimum. Remove clutter from staircases, closets and all those nook and corners in the house. Have the house aired, vacuumed and dust-free. The feeling and look of space always create good impressions.

c. Maintenance & repairs: Check that the plumbing is in order and there are no leaking taps and/or pipes; check that the wiring is okay in the house, the house should be well illuminated both inside and outside for a bright and welcoming look; oil doors which creak, repair stairs that creek, and replace/repair any window that are not closing, or bang when wind blows; check and replace loose door/ window knobs; see that fire places (if any) are in working order

d. Front door is welcoming enough: The front of the house should be welcoming enough for the prospective buyer to feel good about entering into it; have a good door installed if your door is dull and ensure that it is impressive; have the foyer well illuminated and tastefully decorated. Ensure that the doorbell is functional.

e. Pay sufficient attention to the backside of the house: Many commit the mistake of dressing up the front and leaving out the back. Most buyers will be more curious about the back than about the front (which they know has to be the best possible). Ensure that the back yard, garage, and surrounding are clean, well maintained and de-cluttered. In fact the back yard, just as the toilets of a house, will tell the prospective buyer the real level of maintenance of the house.

4. Lastly, be patient. You will definitely get the price you deserve for the house, and some times this takes longer. Stick to your guns, if you realistically priced your house, you will definitely get the price you quoted.