Most of my clients have bought and sold several homes. They have obviously done this successfully as it has brought them to the point where they have yet another home to sell.
They often tell me that they are very comfortable preparing their homes for sale and that they have always done very well selling their homes. I let them know that I am glad to hear this. It will make the process easier for everyone as we identify those things that will need to be done. Because there WILL be things that need to be done.
Decorating your house and being on top of the maintenance is NOT the same thing as preparing your house for sale. I have seen some very pretty homes languish on the market. 
I am getting ready to head out to one of my 'not yet on the market' listings. I have permission to go through the house with my comprehensive checklist and compile a list of those items that should be done to prepare the home for sale. Once this list is complete, I will review it with my clients and we will begin the process of preparing the home for market.
In this competitive market place, no detail is too small when it comes to preparing your home. Getting a third party to preview and help you to prepare a list is a great way to make sure that you don't over look those things that will be obvious to everyone else. Perhaps your rear door sticks a little when you try to open it; it may have been doing this so long that you TRULY do not even notice. Someone who doesn't know the 'trick' to open it easily will be able to remind you that it needs to be fixed. Home owners often overlook little things like wiping down the light switch plates or cleaning the inside of the front door (I am not above grabbing some cleaning supplies and doing a quick wipe-down before meeting a potential purchaser--in fact, I keep emergency cleaning supplies in my car for just such a scenario).
Homes are selling. In a competitive market, attention to detail is every bit as important as proper pricing and marketing. Remember, when it comes to hiring someone to manage the sale of your home, you can 'do it on the cheap' but you will get what you pay for. Hire a real estate professional that has demonstrated an understanding of what it takes to get your home sold and who will be a partner in the process.
I guarantee that you will be happy that you did!
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Perfectly said Holly. Even the best kept homes will need some improvement in a competitive market. This post should be required reading for anyone who is considering selling their home.
So right Holly, even the littlest things matter - especially in this market. Getting a third party to preview the home is an excellent idea.