The seller's time, effort, and investment are critical parts of the process. The seller's willingness to adequately prepare the home for presentation — and maintain it in pristine condition during the selling period — will greatly affect both the sale duration and the final price. A balanced market, where homes typically sell within six months, indicates a good number of homeowners are selling, and buyers are purchasing, with neither having an upper hand. A major company entering or leaving the area can tip the scale, creating a swift market (30 days) or a slow market (up to nine months). Typically, any number below six months is considered a seller's market. LIVING IN A FISHBOWL A house on the market requires keeping the home in a constant "show-ready" condition, with inherent changes in daily life. Sellers receive unexpected phone calls at all hours from prospects and buyers' agents, frequent updates from the listing agent, and scheduling messages for show appointments. They also deal with repair appointments, reconditioning, and inspections. The house may be photographed for online, periodical, or brochure presentations. There are repeated showings when the home first hits the market. Keep your home in pristine condition for impromptu visitors — the perfect prospect might drop in at dinnertime. CHILDREN (AND PETS) SHOULD BE UNSEEN, UNHEARD EEN, UNHEARD Children and pets can be distractions for potential buyers. Plan for your children to be elsewhere, your pets crated or leashed, and ensure no toys or pet hair are visible. The dishes should always be done, and the kitchen sink sparkling. The pressure of showing to everyone interested in looking (not necessarily buying) can come from the idea that the more your
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