Military Selling House

1. Ask the HOA

Your homeowners association might limit the number of signs advertising your home you can post in the neighborhood or the number of open houses you can hold. Know the rules and plan accordingly.

2. Price Your Home Right

"Buyers might expect to get a deal when they're buying a house that is FSBO," notes Diane Brooks, USAA real estate product management director. "You have to weigh this when you are pricing your house and considering how much commission you might save."

Get to know the local market by attending open houses and compare your home and asking price to that of similar houses for sale in the area. Check your local Multiple Listing Service listings to see what nearby or similar homes are listed for.

Also consider:

Requesting a comparative market analysis from a qualified real estate agent who is licensed by and in good standing with your state's real estate commission.

Paying for an independent appraisal, which places a value on your home based on its size, condition, location and other such factors.

Monitoring trends on home valuation websites. These sites, while not always accurate on individual home values, can help you identify pricing trends.

3. Spruce Up the Place

"Nothing says 'Buy me!' like a clean, well-maintained home," says Bill Kuhl, a USAA MoversAdvantage® preferred agent based in Fort Walton Beach, Fla. He suggests these four relatively simple ways to improve the first impression of your home:

Enhance the curb appeal. A freshly painted front door, some updated landscaping and a new mailbox will improve the look of your home from the street.

Neutralize the decor. Make your home a blank canvas for buyers by repainting colorful rooms in a neutral shade and removing wallpaper. Don't forget to declutter and pack away family photos and knickknacks, as well.

Make repairs. Do your screens need to be replaced? Is there a leaky faucet in the bathroom? How about peeling paint on...