We hear so often in life that timing is everything; well right now, in the real estate market, that statement couldn’t be truer.  As spring is fast approaching and summer only a short trip around the bend, now is the time to get your house on the market.
So what makes this time so much better than another? For starters, if you are selling a "family" home or a home that is a good nesting grounds for families with children, then Spring is often the optimal time for this category of family to make a move.  Whether you are the buyer or the seller, a spring home sale usually means an early summer move.  This provides a great opportunity for children to get in a little bit of time at their new school before the semester ends and they can still enroll in great summer programs too. 
Even more than being kid-kosher, this year sales are being spurred by the two tax credits for buyers who enter into a contract by April 30th, 2010.  The first is for first time home buyers and is an $8000 credit for buyers who meet income and buying qualifications and the second is $6500 for existing home owners who are looking to purchase a second home and make it a primary residence.  Not only do these incentives bring more buyers to the market, but they also help to slim down the iffy participants.  Serious buyers are the ones you will want at your open house.
You can prepare for this great selling opportunity by making sure that your house is ready to sell from the moment you list it.  Make sure you have your house cleaned, all repairs/remodels finished and each room staged great.  Before that first showing, take some really great photos of your home for sale.  Great online images can really catch the eye of potential buyers and more buyers are doing their research online before they get behind the wheel and drive to view a property.
Most importantly, in order to sell right now, you have to price accordingly.  Make sure you do your market research in addition to the research your realtor supplies.  Having a house overpriced could be the death of your great sales opportunity.  You need to know what the other houses in your area are going for and price accordingly.  Don’t forget there are tons of REO and foreclosure properties on the market right now and unlike years past, these properties are often in great shape too.  If you want to be competitive you will need to price competitively.   
So, the key to taking advantage of this great time to sell is to be flexible.  You know, if you staging isn’t doing it, then change it.  If the price isn’t working then change it.  And if you aren’t getting any interest at all, look at the marketing that is going on for your home and adjust it accordingly.  Most experienced real estate agents will be able to help you make a great selling property, but if you are a serious seller, then take the reins and make sure your spring home sale is a big seller.