Favorable home prices, low mortgage rates, and tax credits are luring many first-timers into the market. Although favorably priced foreclosures and short sales may be the most appealing option to first-time buyers, traditional sellers also are able to compete and attract these buyers.

Here are some tips...

· If you are a seller that has not defaulted on your loan, your transaction, in this market, is very welcoming. Currently, over half of all sales are foreclosures or short sales. With those transactions the seller's lender has to approve all offers. This can be a very long and complicated process. Short sales can last up to a year in escrow. The appealing traditional sale is a transaction only between buyer and seller and usually lasts between 30-45 days in escrow.

· One advantage traditional sellers have is that lived-in, well-maintained homes are easier for buyers to imagine themselves living in compared with vacant foreclosed homes. Lived-in homes have great appeal to first-timers for practical and financial reasons.

· A survey conducted last year found that 81 percent of first-time buyers said move-in conditions were very important, while only 7 percent reported they were looking to purchase fixer-uppers.

· Lived-in homes offer warmth and emotion, a sentiment that some agents say can go a long way in selling a property. Additionally, these properties likely have well-maintained lawns and landscaping, as opposed to vacant, foreclosed homes, often which have dead or overgrown lawns.

· Extra touches like a fresh coat of paint, decluttering, and the removal of unpleasant odors will help to make a good first impression with buyers.

· Offering to help pay closing costs or buy down a mortgage rate also can help traditional sellers compete in today’s market. These may be enticing options to buyers, especially those who plan to live in the home for more than a few years.

· To help buyers more easily transition into homeownership, sellers may want to consider offering a home warranty that covers major systems in case problems arise after the sale closes. This practice is highly recommended and traditional in our market.

· Most buyers know that home prices have declined in many markets, so they’re being more aggressive in their offers. Sellers are advised not to quickly write off low-ball offers. As one agent advises, every offer deserves a counteroffer to get the conversation started.