Most successful business people and athletes will tell you that when they first started out they simply targeted people who were already successful in their chosen field and copied much of what they did to become successful.  In the stock market it's called "follow the money". I think people who are looking to list and sell their homes can do the same thing by looking at the way Realtors sell their own homes. I can tell you that there are a number of common characteristics that Realtors home sales have so here they are.

1. They price it properly from day 1 and rarely have to reduce the price.

2. They usually sell in less than 45 days. This is because they are priced properly and in the game as opposed to over priced and attracting the wrong buyers. Realtors know that most of the activity and interest is going to come in the first 2 to 3 weeks of a listing hitting the MLS. Therefore you need to be priced properly according to the current market fundamentals.

3. The home shows well and is in move-in condition. Even if they have to spend some money to get it looking perfect. Realtors know that any money spent will come back in a higher selling price.