#1: Get pre-approved for a home loan
Before you decide to sell your house, get pre-approved by a lender you trust and research the housing market in the area where you wish to buy so that you have a good idea of how much it will take to buy a replacement.

#2: Check your Mortage Payoff
Make sure you contact your current lender to check the payoff for your current home mortage. This is important to determine if you are in the right position financially to sell your property.

#3: Determine how much your home is worth
It is important to determine your home's fair market value. This is the part where a real estate agent can help you. A Realtor will usually help determine your homes value as a courtesy, but you might take it a step further and order an appraisal.

#4: Estimate your costs to sell
There are several costs you must take into consideration when selling your home. First, there is the real estate commission if you use a real estate agency to sell. Second, there is advertising costs, signs, and other fees if you decide to sell on your own, but are covered if you use a Realtor. Third, there are attorney closing fees and other professional closing fees. Lastly, any other fees typically paid by the seller in your area (surveys, inspections, etc).

#5: Estimate costs to buy a new home
Calculate moving expenses, loan costs, downpayment, home inspections, title work and title policy, paying for a new insurance policy - all expenses related to buying a home. Your lender should give you a disclosure of estimated costs when you apply for loan pre-approval.

#6: Calculate your estimated proceeds
1. Deduct your mortgage payoff from your home's fair market value. 

2. Deduct your costs to sell from the remainder to get an estimate of the proceeds you will be paid at closing.

Will your closing proceeds cover your costs to buy a new home? If not, do you have cash or other funding to make up the difference?

#7: make necessary repairs
Make all needed repairs unless you want the house to be regarded as a fixer-upper. This is not referring to cosmetic updates, just items in need of repair. Anything that's obviously broken gives potential buyers a reason to offer you a lower price.

#8: Get the house ready to show
Most houses need at least some attention before they are shown to potential buyers. Fresh paint inside and out, organized closets and cabinets, clean windows and appliances are essential to giving your house that clutter-free look that appeals to buyers. 

 #9: Get Psyched up to let people in
If you're listing with a real estate agent they will ask you to leave when the house is shown. This is because lurking sellers tend to make buyers nervous. They don't feel comfortable inspecting the house when they feel they are intruding in your personal space. 

#10 ABOVE ALL MAKE THE HOUSE ACCESSIBLE!