If you’re about to sell your house, you want to give it the best shot you can. As difficult and high stakes as the real estate market can seem at times, there are many ways in which you can take advantage and come out in a great financial position.

Do a Better Job Marketing

We live in a modern era—and if your marketing hasn’t evolved with the times, then it’s a lot less likely you’ll get your home in front of the ideal buyer. While of course there’s nothing wrong with advertising in the old school sense, you definitely need to be on the internet. Certain sites like Zillow are excellent for this exact purpose, but you can also post things locally. This might include using Craigslist, Facebook Market, or local sites specific to your area. Be creative, eye-catching, simple, and to-the-point. Talk to others who are experienced in home-selling and get some input on where to start.

Make Repairs

No matter how good of condition your house is currently in, there are always some things that you can repair or clean up that will contribute to its overall worth. In some cases, the house is actually in desperate need of repair, and completing that particular project would increase the market price significantly. On the other hand, not making repairs usually means selling a home for less. Calculate beforehand the cost of repairs vs. the estimated value it would bring the property and ask yourself if the labor and time involved would be worth it. The answer is usually yes!

Find a Good Agent

While of course it is possible to sell a house completely by yourself, the fact of the matter is that a realtor brings a lot of valuable experience and skill when hired. Beyond simply knowing what to look for, what to repair, and how to negotiate, odds are that they have their finger on the pulse of precisely your local market. This can provide you with insight that could truly be invaluable. Of course, they can also be expensive, so the decision is ultimately yours. Make sure to check customer reviews thoroughly before hiring.

After all the time you’ve spent living and growing in your home, it’s only natural that you should want the well-deserved funds that can help you take the next big step in your life. Work hard, judiciously, with intent, and intelligently, and you’ll find a great buyer in no time. Remember, patience is your friend!

Read this next: How to Navigate the Home Selling Process