One of the most important rules for selling a home in a reasonable amount of time is to price it right. A real estate agent can help you arrive at a suitable price based on comps, or the price of comparable properties in your area. These comparable prices are the prices for which homes sell, not the asking price. After all, people can ask for the moon. What you want to know is the market value, the amount buyers are willing to pay. If you have a large piece of property, if your house is bigger or if you have added desirable amenities such as a fireplace or hardwood flooring, price your house higher than similar properties without those advantages.

Incentives can turn lookers into buyers when selling a home. Flexible finance options can encourage a wider range of prospective buyers. Buyers also appreciate incentives such as a home warranty covering appliances, an offer to pay some closing costs and extras such as a new refrigerator or lawn mower.

The legal obligations of sellers vary from state to state, so research the rules in your locality. Sellers might be required to disclose potential house defects such as property damage, environmental hazards that affect the home and malfunctions of major systems. The seller might also be required to advise buyers of any problems associated with lead-based paint, which affects homes built before 1978. Liens such as tax liens, construction liens, and mechanic's liens must also be satisfied.

Tax laws have changed, and sellers may find it easier to comply with tax rules when selling their home. If the home has been your primary for two years and you have owned the home for five years, you do not have to pay tax if the profit is $250,00 or less for a single tax filer, or $500,000 for married people filing jointly.