Million of existing homes are sold each year across the country, and while each transaction is different, every home seller wants the same thing -- the best possible deal with the least amount of hassle and aggravation. However, it is true nowadays that selling a home can be a long and complex process (especially in this economy), but there are certain steps you can follow to make it as smooth as possible.

When selling your home, it is extremely important to find a listing agent you can count on. Studies show that homesellers who use a real estate agent to represent them generally get a better price than those who sell the home themselves. Good agents are up-to-date on critical processes and can help keep you out of trouble. They will market your home actively, and negotiate with potential buyers for the seller's best interest to bring top dollars for your home, expediting the homeselling process in the meantime.

Please take a look at the section on "How to Find a Good Agent".

• Touch up interior and exterior paint as needed.
• Install new carpeting and flooring if it appears worn or dated.
• Make sure the front is clean and spruced up - curb appeal will create a favorable first impression.
• Trim bushes and plants as needed, and make sure the lawn is kept mowed and trimmed. In autumn, rake the leaves; in winter, keep the snow shoveled.
• Keep the interior clean, decluttered and odor-free. Eliminate evidence of pets.
• Minimize personal items such as family photos. You want buyers to see themselves living in the home.
• Consider putting excess furniture and belongings in storage. Now's the time to clean out the garage and basement and sell, give away or throw away items you don't need anymore.
• Consider having a pre-listing inspection performed. Buyers will be hiring professional inspectors; here's your chance to address problems in advance.
• Consider engaging a professional stager to give your home the right emotional appeal.

Since price is often one of the most important factors to both sellers and buyers, pricing your home appropriately can expedite the sale of your home. Don't set the price of your home without supporting data that will make sense to buyers.

A real estate agent will carefully research the local housing market, pull comparables and give you an objective input. Sale prices are a product of supply and demand. If you live in a community with an expanding job base, a growing population and a limited housing supply, it's likely that prices will rise. Alternatively, it's important to be realistic. If the local community is losing jobs and people are moving out, then you'll likely have a buyer's market.

Remember that "overpricing" is the number one reason a house does not sell in a timely manner.

It is the most important job for a listing agent to promote your house, so that it will sell for top-dollars in a timely manner. Whether it's internet, flyers, newspaper, magazine or open house, an agent will incorporate the most suitable methods to promote your home to attract as many serious buyers as possible. A good, experienced real estate agent will market your property to other real estate agents - as well as to the public - and will know the best way to go about doing so. Also, an agent having capability and connections to makert your home to a broader spectrum of buyers, not just the people in your neighborhood will help you a great deal.

Once you receive an offer, let your agent explain the contents of the offer to you in details including various conditions that may be in the offer. Ask away all the questions you may have for the offer and express the desires to change any of the conditions in the offer. He/she will negotiate the prices and conditions for your best interest, and counter offer the buyer until both parties come to realistic and reasonable agreement.

Once both you and the buyer(s) sign the sales contract, and cofirm the buyer secured their loan by obtaining the approval letter from the buyer's lender, tackle the repair items if requested in the sales contract. These repairs need to be made in a timely manner within the set period specified in the contract before the closing.

This is the last step in the home buying process. Typically, the seller(s), the buyer(s), seller's & buyer's real estate agent gather at the closing attorney's office to transfer the names on the title from the seller to the buyer, and for the buyer(s) to finalize their mortgage loan.

At the end of the closing, you will hand the keys to the house to the new owner(s), and your house is SOLD!