[clekr]

We closed today on our home in CT. We'll be down to TV in July to buy. We sold our house in 9 days w/o an agent. The bit of advise I would offer to all those lamenting that they can not sell - you must be realistic about the price; particularly in a declining market.

We started with a professional appraisal. Not an option by the agent who would list it. We did pay $300 for this, to a firm who regularly does this for the banks, etc. We were very disappointed that it was valued at $40K less than we thought it was worth. But, when we viewed the comparables I could not disagree. However, (at the advise of the appraiser) we listed it at $20K more than the appraised value. And, we sold it for $10K more than the appraisal. Again, 9 days, no agent. The closing was delayed 90 days by mutual agreement. Today similar houses are LISTED at $20K to $30K less than we sold for.

Get an appraisal. Be realistic. It is not worth what you want it to be worth, but what the market says it's worth.