Everyone wants top dollar for their home when it’s time to sell. Here are 7 costly mistakes to avoid:

1.      Putting the home on the market before it's ready. Whether it’s painting that needs to be done, or carpet that needs to be replaced, remember, presentation is everything -- so get the work done before marketing the property.

2.      Over improving the home for the neighborhood. This happens with upgrades that make the home stick out in the neighborhood.

3.      Pricing the home based on what the seller wants to net. This pricing strategy always ends in failure. Sellers can control the "asking" price, but they don't control the "sales" price. The market does.

4.      Hiring an agent based on non-business factors. Make sure you're hiring a professional with a proven track record.

5.      Getting emotionally involved in the sale of the home. Remember, once you decide to sell your house, it's no longer a home, but a commodity.

6.      Trying to cover up problems, or not disclosing them.

7.      Not getting your ducks lined up before trying to sell. This would involve financing, reading the fine print on your current mortgage to ensure no pre-payment penalties, not listening to the particulars of your local market, etc. If your local market is dictating lower home prices, then lower it early, not later -- it will cost you more.

Avoiding these mistakes is not that difficult. Do the research early and you’ll avoid these common costly mistakes.