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Sellers

Tight finances. If for any reason you are struggling to make your house payments, a change is in order. You might need a budget, to control your spending, to improve your employability or you may simply need to sell.
A job change. I f you take a job in a new city, you may have to sell in order to purchase another home. If your new job is in another part of the same city, moving might save commute time, gas, and wear and tear on your car.
Space requirements. When the size of your household is changing, your need for space also will change. When you need less space, selling is a practical option. But if you need more space, consider building an addition. If remodeling is impractical or too expensive, selling may be your best option.
A change in marital status. If you are getting divorced or were recently widowed, you may need to sell your home as part of a settlement. Consult a lawyer or accountant and examine your options.
Equity. If you have substantial equity, selling your home may be a way of cashing in on your investment, especially if you are moving to a less expensive area.
Great timing. If the housing market is hot and you plan to move to a less expensive area, you may make money on your sale even if you've lived in your home only a short time.

Tight finances. If you're barely able to make your current mortgage payment, you may be overwhelmed by relocation and commission costs (plus the possible increase in your monthly loan payment), even if you make a profit on your current home. Consider refinancing your current home instead of selling.
Bad timing. If the housing market is weak, you may lose a large percentage of what you've paid into your home. The real estate market is goes up and down. When you can, wait until the market in your favor.

Save money on commissions
Marketing is planned, executed and paid for by the seller
You must train yourself on the methods of obtaining a top dollar sale including pricing your house right.
Paperwork and legal forms are your responsibility
You will need to open your house to strangers without possessiveness.

True professionalism
Full time agent
Very familiar with the area
Shows strong evidence of advertising and marketing which promotes the listings instead of the agent
Has references from previous sellers

Fill out disclosure and all paperwork as honestly as possible. Tell the simple truth.
Prepare your house for a top dollar sale - inside and out!
Staging is money in your pocket. Take down ALL family photos. Remove collections, clutter and excess furniture. Leave space for the buyer to image their life in your house.
Keep up on all yard maintenance.
Price your home for top dollar by preparing a market analysis. It is very important to set the price very close to market value. When pricing you must consider location, condition, amenities and the market.
When your house does not sell it is because it was not priced right for the market, the house condition or the house location. Don't get insulted here. Analyze honestly.