Besides the emotional upheaval of uprooting from your home, your property is most likely the biggest investment you have ever made, and its sale causes financial stress as well. You must protect your investment nest egg and secure your future.

Not only do you want the highest sales price, you want to make sure you don't pay too much in selling costs. If you feel comfortable showing your home and handling some details yourself, check out flat-fee real estate brokers who list homes on the MLS for a lower price than the usual six percent commission.

However, note that a great listing agent may be able to sell your home for more money and make sure that you don't pay more than your fair share of closing costs.

A friend of mine just sold her home. The first offer brought to her had her paying the seller