Are you better than the other guy? You won't know unless you look

I am reposting this great article by Elaine Scoggins from the Seattle Times last year. She sold her house in Florida in a horrible market then bought a house here. She saw both ends of the process.

As we work with our sellers to get ready for the spring market, it pays to think like a buyer. We appreciate sellers who are partners in the process and own what they can of it. We are great advisors and tool providers but you, the seller, are the one who will ultimately do what needs to be done to get your house sold. We are here to assist but can’t pick up the clothes before a showing or make the final decisions about pricing, painting and prepping without your commitment to the process.

Adopt the attitude that selling your home is the equivalent of a new full-time job. You are the one with the most at stake. If you're casual about anything that's under your control, potential buyers will know it.

This important step also may require you to spend a little money, even if it's the worst time for you financially. Your competition probably is doing that.

And speaking of competition, save some time and energy to visit other open houses. Everybody else sees what else is out there. You should, too.

So many sellers do not go out to open houses to see the competition. We certainly screen listings and tell you about them but seeing for yourself will really help you when your house is on the market.