Once you've decided to sell, there will be lots to do. It pays to take the time to prepare your home for viewing. Some tasks will get you closer to your asking price (or more) and will get your house on and off the market in no time. Your realtor will be a great resource for recommending some of those tasks, knowing what to focus on to get the most bang for your buck.

It’s no surprise that first-time home buyers have questions about the role of a buyer’s agent. How does the agent get paid? Should you sign the buyer's agent contract? Here are some points to keep in mind.