Selling your home? Avoid these common mistakes.

Setting the right price is key, and it's not always easy. While it's true that home values have gone up in many areas, that doesn't mean you can ask for the moon. It's critical to understand home values in your area and how your home measures up. And since most people start their home search online, people who set a price filter probably won't even see how wonderful your home is.

Do: Hire an experienced real estate professional. A qualified agent who knows the area and has the know-how to research home prices can set your sale price to attract buyers while still offering you a decent return.

Unless you position your home as a fixer-upper, buyers will expect it to be in good shape. Also, you'll be required to disclose any problems. If you try to hide problems, they'll likely find them during the home inspection, which could derail your sale.

Do: Make any major repairs, or reflect them in your listing price. Then if possible, clean up minor things and give buyers the chance to experience the home as warm and inviting. Apply a fresh coat of paint, repair or replace cabinets and appliances, and refinish or replace flooring.

No one wants a buy a home that's dirty or filled with clutter. Before you put your home on the market, give it a deep cleaning yourself or hire someone to do it. That includes cleaning carpets or polishing floors, scrubbing fingerprints off walls and cabinets, and removing dust and grime from every nook and cranny. Then make sure you have quality photos — professional, if possible — to show off that beautiful space in your listing.

Do: Remove excess furniture and personal items. You can donate items you don't need or rent a storage unit and get a head start on packing. Decluttering will help your home feel more spacious and attractive to buyers.

Potential buyers may be intrigued by great listing photos, but the most common time to fall in love with a home is the first time you see it in person. If what they see is a weed-filled lawn, overgrown flower beds and unpruned hedges, you've lost your chance to impress them. Some may not even make it through the front door.

Do: Help your home look its best. Mowing, weeding, pruning and adding fresh mulch can make a big difference in how your home looks from the street. If you can afford it, consider going a little further — replacing your front door or your garage door can add value when you sell.

It can be tough to let go of a home that's filled with memories. But don't let those emotions cloud your thinking. Remember that potential buyers don't have your history with the home, and their taste may be completely different from yours. So don't be offended if their offer seems low or if they want to rip out your charming country kitchen and replace it with an industrial look.

Do: Step back and let your agent do their job. Your agent will keep focused on the goal — selling the home at the best price possible — and remain professional throughout any negotiation.

Even if you don't have a mortgage to pay off, there are still costs associated with selling a house. Whatever you plan to do with the proceeds of the sale, failing to estimate the costs of selling could leave you short of funds.

Do: Talk to your agent up front about closing costs. One of the biggest expenses can be the real estate agent commission, but your agent can also tell you about taxes, title insurance and other common closing costs for sellers.