Since the most enjoyable part of selling your home occurs when the proceeds from the sale are deposited into your account, there are some things that you can do that will help you reach that goal more quickly. Most sellers need to de-clutter, which means not only, removing knick-knacks and taking out excess furniture, but removing other distractions from your home which make it harder for buyers to picture themselves living there. Many sellers like to sort through their personal property themselves, but there is help out there in the way of home organizers who specialize in assisting people through the selling and moving process.  Consider combining this service with a professional stager to make your house stand out from the competition. Living in a home that is on the market can be disruptive. Ideally, you, your children and pets should be out of the house when it's shown. Buyers feel inhibited by the sellers' presence. They won't say anything negative about the house while you're there. Work with your agent to set up a showing procedure for your home that you can live with, knowing that it gives your house the best chance to make a good impression if you, your children and pets skedaddle.  The perfect house doesn't exist, so buyers always have to make compromises. It's important for buyers to have an opportunity to weigh the pros and cons of a home while they are there with their agent.  Here’s a great hint:  Preparing for showings is easier if you have bins in the bathrooms for your personal effects, in the kitchen for things you use daily, and to store children's toys. These hints will help get you to the settlement table sooner! Based on an article on InMan.com, November 15, 2010 authored by Dian Hymer, a real estate broker with more than 30 years' experience, who is a nationally syndicated real estate columnist and author of "House Hunting: The Take-Along Workbook for Home Buyers" and "Starting Out, The Complete Home Buyer's Guide."