Simply put the 2010 real estate market is a price war and beauty contest.
In order to win you must be the best priced and best looking.
Here are some ways to win:
Before you list your home on the market take 30 days and go through your home, garage, attic, basement, and yard to see if there are items you could sell on Ebay and or Craigslist.  (If you need help contact me, I will walk you through how to place attractive ads and list items on ebay).
If you take the time to spruce the items up and take good pictures you will be surprised what you can get for these items.
If I were you I'd take this found cash and invest it into your home.
For instance we all know stainless steel kitchen appliances, as well as upgraded counter tops help sell homes.
A word of experience: BUYERS LOVE THE SHINY STUFF!!!
Now I'm not saying go out and purchase brand new stainless appliances, but if you take 30 days to search Craigslist you can find a stainless steel refrigerator, dishwasher, microwave, and range for $1,000 to $2,000. We offer a free home warranty so as long as the items are installed and working at the time the policy is put into place you can be covered if they break down!
 
Now that you got the new appliances lets talk counter tops.   
Going out and purchasing new slab granite really isn't an option for most sellers so there are some alternative that work very well.
The first is partial slab, it's 1/3 the cost and has a great look.  The second is low bevel granite title.  I have seen these product in home for sale with a $500,000 dollar price tag.  With this product you get the high-end look of natural stone without the high-end price saving you $2,000-$3,000 dollars and getting you more money for your home! Granite tile is priced from $6.00 - $9.00 a square foot, check for sales and local dealers online.  If you don't know a thing about how to install granite tile Do it yourself network is a great place for how to videos and demos about home projects.
Here is a link about granite tile: Do it yourself counter tops

Now with your new kitchen appliances and new stone countertops you can price your home at the top of your market and win the beauty contest because your home will be chosen over all the others in your price range.
 
 
I'm very interested in your success stories!  Please email me and share your selling experience with me.

Kevin R. Conery CDPE

The City & Mountains Group

Real Estate Broker

Direct 303.870.6007

Email: kevin_conery@hotmail.com

Fax 720.266.6524

Office 720.241.5161

Keller Williams Realty Success, LLC

10026 W. San Juan Way

Suite 200

Littleton, Colorado 80127