You may know all too well the current pains of the housing market, or maybe you’ve wondered what all the fuss is about. It may not be affecting your world in an obvious, tangible way. After all, Betty and Bob, John and Marge and Phil and Liz down the street just sold their houses nearly instantly without any problem at all! True, many markets are reporting a sluggish upswing, surely destined to gain momentum going into the springtime peak shopping season. You may be fortunate enough to live in one of those less affected markets.

However, many people in the United States have come to the sad realization that they couldn’t pay somebody to take their house. Why is it that some can sell so freely and easily, while others sit and wait endlessly? Here are five steps to (hopefully) make home sellers a little more confident in their quest.

1. Eye the competition: What are other sellers doing? How are they marketing? How are they showing? How are they pricing? Tour their homes as if you were a prospective buyer, like a spy crossing enemy lines.

2. Pick a mid-range price: Don’t price too high, but don’t underprice either. Compare the prices of similar homes in the area (same number of bedrooms, bathrooms, similar square footage and acreage, etc.) and pick a price somewhere in the middle. A home appraiser can help in this process as well. If you underprice the appraisal amount, state that in the listing. Then you will know and the buyer will know that your home is worth every penny you are asking. However, be a little flexible on price if the buyer tries to talk you down (which they inevitably will, which is why you don’t price it rock bottom to begin with).

3. Home Makeover This doesn’t have to be extreme. It should, however, result in your home appearing neat and clutter-free. Be a weekend warrior and tackle those paint jobs or landscaping visions you’ve been putting off. Your little projects could earn you thousands of dollars. Good lighting is essential, both outside and in. Get an honest opinion from a realtor. This is an expert who knows what sellers are looking for and will tell you where your home needs a little extra TLC.

4. Great Photos Consider getting a professional or a friend who is a skilled amateur photographer to get good, solid, well-lit photos of your home. Buyers nowadays are shopping on the Internet more and more. They want to see plenty of pictures; without them, those buyers may not even step through your door. Don’t photograph the front door, or the corner of the dining room, or the bathroom vanity. Buyers want to see pictures of entire rooms, and virtual tours are even better, if within your financial means.

5. PMA Finally, it’s all about the positive mental attitude. If you truly believe and expect your home will sell, it will. Project confidence in your listing information and in any conversations with prospective buyers. Think and talk optimistically to friends and family about your home-selling experience. Tune out negative comments from others and from the media about the housing market. Do not despair and do not give up.