We all make mistakes. Assigning blaming or looking for fault is pointless. It's much better to be in the know, and avoid the mistake altogether. In the case of selling a house, quite often, realtors miss something ...so as to not hurt your (the sellers') feelings, or because they didn't know, or because they're really busy and it was a simple oversight. I know that MOST realtors have the sellers' best interests at heart. These are not bad people. So, let's partner up with the one you picked and get you the best possible result.

The 5 Most Common Mistakes, I've observed, after being a home stager in suburban New Jersey for the last 6 years.

1. Being Swayed by the Home Owner

It's hard for me, as the independent stager, let alone for the realtor to NOT get involved emotionally, compassionately and empathetically with the home owner. They've lived there 30 years; they're in unanticipated financial hardship; they have a deep-rooted passion or sensibility; you know they're horrendously busy/stressed/etc. Doesn't matter. That doll collection has to go (Remember the movie 'Bride of Chucky'; dolls are scarey, and anyway you want people looking at the house.) The wallpaper is gross and stained and needs to come down. The... you all know what I'm talking about. No decorative items is as bad as too many. 'Elivs on Velvet' doesn't sell houses, and it doesn't matter how much it means to you!

2. Bad Photos & incomplete MLS detail

Time and time again, I see missed opportunities with the description boxes on the multiple listing systems, or Realtor.com. If 85% of the buying public starts their search online, you can be sure that what they're seeing for your house is hugely important. Great, light shots and a lively description will bring people to your door.

3. Not spreading the word far and wide enough

The house needs to be listed everywhere. If your realtor is a lovely person, and not really hip to the New World, that's fine, but you must do it. Check out Trulia, RealBird, Vast, Edgeio, Lycos, Oodle and of course, the big one - Craig's List. ActiveRain.com has a good section called Localism that's worth looking into... and more and more people are doing a quick video and putting it on YouTube.

4. Pricing

You can only price a house right or too high. you will never price a house too low. If you do, you will have multiple offers and the market will deliver whatever is the right price. If you don't believe me, reconsider eBay. It feels like a risk, but so long as the house is publicised well, you cannot underprice a house.

5. Timing

Do NOT list your house in December unless you ab-so-lute-ly have to! Consider carefully the season(s) in your geographic area. School holidays are weekends to avoid, as is Columbus Day, and any other known time that folks go away. Easter and other religious holidays should be considered. If you're in a predominantly neighborhood, you need to be sensitive to the calendar of your potential buying pool. It's not profiling, or steering, it's just being pragmatic and respectful. Better to be seen with the competition on a great buying weekend than not seen at all, and have the listing age, thereby putting pressure on the price.