Last week I blogged about some ways that sellers can help their home seem more appealing to buyers. Seller concessions, like the buy-down or paying part of the mortgage, are two easy ways to do that.

In fact, covering any of the fees — closing costs, discount points, appraisal or attorney fees, inspections fees, etc. will assist the buyer, because it’s that much less money out of his or her pocket. Some of these will even be tax deductible for you as a seller. Discount points and real estate taxes usually are — check with your tax advisor to be sure.

Anything that helps you move the sale along is a positive. Even if you do not have to sell the home before you move, it will help relieve financial and emotional stress to get the house sold. In Las Vegas just a few months ago, there were 3,350 homes listed for sale on the market as “short sales” (a foreclosure alternative), 1,450 of which were vacant. The vacant homes were most likely investor-owned; so, if you are working to get your house sold, you could probably consider the other 1900 your competition. Spending extra time cleaning it up, making small repairs, having the lawn freshly manicured, etc. will go a long way toward making your home the most appealing one on the market.