You must hire a realtor that utilizes the MLS system. Any individual can put a sign in your lawn, run an ad in the local paper and hold an open house. You hire a realtor to provide you with maximum exposure to the greatest number of qualified buyers for your home.

You've heard of supply and demand? The more potential buyers at your supply, the higher a price you can demand. The absolute number one tip I can give to help you get the most money possible for your home is this: make sure you get full Multiple Listing Service (MLS) coverage. Don't look at any offers until you are sure your home is on the MLS computer. Over 12,000 realtors in the Houston area that access the Houston MLS system which can't be beat.

Do not trust any realtor that tries to tell you to put your house on an exclusive right to sell agreement with only his/her company or wants you to negotiate offers before it gets on MLS.

Do not trust any  realtor that wants to list your house on a Friday and have a public open house the following Sunday. There is not enough time to get your home on the system.

No matter how good a realtor's marketing plan is, it is worthless compared to the value of having your home on the MLS system.

There is a saying in real estate, "The first offer is usually the best one." This is only true, if everyone knows your home is for sale.

Ask any realtor what the order of their marketing plan is. If submitting to the MLS is not the first thing they are going to do, look for another realtor. MLS is simply the best tool realtors and home sellers have for getting maximum exposure on your home. MLS will make a difference on your bottom line and how quickly you sell your home.