Mistake #2: Poor Marketing. When selling your home, odds are the perfect buyer for your home isn't going to just casually stroll through the front door by chance. More likely is that you will have to bring the home to the perfect buyer. A highly effective marketing strategy must be in place to ensure your house receiving maximum exposure in the market place. Be sure to work with a Realtor who provides 24/7 marketing via the Internet.

Mistake #3: Underestimating the importance of curb appeal. When preparing to sell your home, take the time to consider that first impressions count. It's very easy for someone about to spend or invest hundreds of thousands of dollars to make a snap decision not to go in when the outside appearance of the property is shabby. Ask your Realtor for advice in making your home the most attractive for people merely driving by as well as those who come for showings or open houses.

Mistake #4: Ignoring health and safety issues. Be straightforward and tell your Realtor about any problems with the property. Bear in mind that these problems will likely be discovered down the line, and it's best to take care of them or disclose them before they become disputes or lawsuits. Note any potential safety hazards and pay attention to environmental concerns.

Mistake #5: Believing you must be present for every showing of the home. Many sellers feel they must be an active part of every showing, not realizing that this can actually work against them. It's best to let your Realtor handle getting potential buyers access to the house either with your Realtor or with the buyer's own agent. Buyers generally feel more comfortable to speak freely about the house when they are viewing the home with their own Realtor, whom they know and trust.

Mistake #6: Overpricing your home. This is an important step in the proper marketing of your property and an aspect that a highly skilled Realtor should take charge of. Listing the home at too expensive a price can lead to reduced showings, a longer time on the market and, eventually, a reduced sales price.

Mistake #7: Not planning your move early in the process of selling your home. Keep in mind that moving can be overwhelming when not planned properly. Consider renting a storage facility for items not important for everyday living because that will also reduce clutter when showing your home. Take accurate inventories of what you have to move and label things clearly so you don't waste time in your new home going through box after box. Keep a file with all receipts for expenses occurred during the move, as many of these will be tax deductible. Be sure you have all these steps in place far in advance of the actual move date so you aren't running around at the last minute while trying to complete the sale of your home.

Mistake #8: Not working with a professional, full-time Realtor. Want to sell your house quickly and for top dollar? Choose your agent wisely, and don't be stingy when it comes to paying them for their work. Working with a full-time professional real estate agent is a must. Choose your Realtor by asking lots of questions, including asking them to see their marketing plan to sell your house.