Don’t buy into the doom and gloom you hear on the news, you can get your house sold. All you need are a few tips from the pros.

Give your property a makeover. Have a home stager or interior decorator come out and give an “unbiased opinion” and make recommended changes. Staging can be as easy as a fresh coat of paint, new cabinet hardware and strategically-placed lighting. That doesn’t mean you need to run out and install granite tops or knock out a wall. Hardwood floors are currently considered desirable by most, so consider replacing the carpet with hardwoods. Seek professional guidance. DON’T over improve the property.

Walk your home with the critical eye of a buyer and fixed those items in need of repair. Don’t wait for the buyer to find issues, address the issues upfront which will keep them from backing out of a deal down the road. Get a home inspectionbefore hitting the market. Also, you might want to come up with a comprehensive home-selling strategy. Don’t put an ad on Craigslist, stick a sign in the ground and call it a day. Employ the services of a Real Estate Specialist, selling your residence in a buyer’s market requires a well thought-out marketing plan which reflects accurate pricing, targeted improvements and focused marketing and exposure.

In today’s world your best bet is to hire an aggressive, well-connected property agent. Find an expert agent with a good track record. In this market, name recognition is crucial, so find the go-to person in your community. Often times a lender or loan officer can connect you with a professional. Expect to offer incentives that put money in the buyer’s pocket, such as buying down the interest rate, paying closing cost assistance or offering seller financing, when possible.

Consider renting or offering a lease option with a first right of refusal. Minimize the impact of two mortgages by renting your house out until you find a buyer. Or offer a lease, with a first right of refusal versus an option to buy to a motivated buyer who doesn’t have sufficient cash to buy a home outright. Have the house move-in ready. Add in the items of furniture, flat-screen TV, washer/dryer, appliances, etc. The less cash a buyer will have to shell out to furnish the home, the higher the perceived value, the faster you’ll move the house.