She is an adorable dog, but not every buyer going through your home may think so. Keep pets contained -- or even off-premises -- when possible.

You’ve decided on that perfect community — close to local attractions, full of residents just like you and with beautiful, new homes. You’ve picked the home of your dreams — a floorplan to die for, fabulous amenities and features and living spaces suited to your lifestyle.

One problem. You’ve still got your current home to sell.

While there’s no golden rule or foolproof strategy to selling your home, there are a few things you can do to help the process along:

Price your home smartly. Be realistic in your expectations. You didn’t sell it a year or two ago and what you might have gotten then won’t be what you should hope for now. It’s a buyer’s market now and that means they have less reason to negotiate. Ask a fair price and avoid being passed over.

Get everything repaired. Anything basic should be taken care of. Buyer’s have the mentality right now that you’re desperate and they can ask for any concessions. Show buyers you have pride in your home and that there are no surprises.

Get it staged. Have a professional come in and give your home a once over. Professional stagers will help you to remove clutter and depersonalize your home — remember, you want the buyer to imagine themselves in your home, not you.

Pay attention to the pets. It’s unreasonable to think that you would send your pets away while your home is for sale. But if there’s a showing, try to get them out of the house or at least contained quietly. And those smells, stains and other signs? Pay extra special attention to those — the last thing you want is someone to not buy your home because of a dirty litter box.