1) Have a pre-sale inspection by a professional inspector. This gives a buyer an evaluation of the house. Many times the buyer will forego their offer contingent on a home inspection when you have taken the time to do have your home inspected before putting it on the market. When a seller lists their home with me, a pre-listing inspection is performed and the cost of approximately $350 is a piece of the service they receive, at no cost.

2) Pretend you’re the buyer. The more pleasing and memorable the experience of viewing your home, the more likely a buyer will make an offer on the spot or return to see it again. Set aside your emotional attachment, step back and really look at your home as if you were going to buy it again. You could also ask a friend to tell you what they think.

3) Include a decorating allowance. A buyer who likes your house could be put off by the amount of updating it may require. Consider offering an allowance for whatever changes they might want to make.

4) Offer financial help. During the last year, it’s not uncommon for sellers to offer to pay a portion of the buyer’s closing costs. Of course, the buyer’s price should reflect the additional money to the seller in their offer.