If you are considering selling your home in this competitive market, it makes sense to ask real estate agents about their listing and marketing strategies. They should be willing to give a "listing presentation,â€� which involves an analysis of your home’s value (including a justification of the numbers) and a marketing strategy. In order to set a realistic asking price and negotiate effectively, a seller’s broker must provide clients with the most up-to-date sales prices. Sellers must also be made aware of the details of the sales. If two comparable homes recently sold for the same amount, and one seller granted the buyer a sizable repair credit, the net selling price would be different from that of a straight sale.

  HINT: If a comparable home in your area recently sold at a seemingly low price, it would help greatly to know if death, divorce, or job loss contributed to the "bargainâ€� price.