The easiest way to do this is to create a 4-column table with one column listing types of expenses and one column for each of three categories. Create one row for each type of expense. Expenses listed might include Housing, Utilities, Food and Meals, Transportation, Healthcare, Personal Care, Child Care, Pet Care, Debt Payments, Insurance, Education Costs, Recreation, Professional Expenses, Charitable Donations, and any other expenses you might have.

Enter your existing and projected expenses for each of three categories:

Step Three: Analyze Your Data

This analysis will take time and effort, but it will give you an accurate picture of your monthly expenses in your current housing status, if you choose to rent, and if you choose to buy.

Once you add up items in each category, it is simple to compare your projected monthly expenses in each scenario with your monthly after-tax income. You will have your answer in black and white.

If you can afford to buy, and owning your own home is best choice for your current lifestyle, you can comfortably pursue that goal.

If renting is your best or only financial option at this point, return to your financial road map and continue to move toward goal of homeownership in future.

There is no reason why American Dream of home ownership cannot become your reality - if you remember to use housing psychology (and a little basic math) to make smarter decisions about your present status and your future housing goals.

6. Listen to comments of prospects. They will be more objective than you. If you hear several times that kitchen is dark, get out white paint.

7. Find out what average sales time is in your area. If your house is taking longer than average to sell, there is a problem. Usually it's price.

8. Be sure to ask your real estate agent what they plan to do - before you sign a listing agreement. Write down what he says, and hold him to his promises.

9. If there are any known problems, such as an old roof, get an estimate for repairs. The sellers may want a $7,000 allowance for a new roof - until you show them your $4,000 estimate.

10. Do any improvements that can realisically get you at least a two-to-one return on investment. If $300 to seal driveway is likely to add $600 to sales price of home, do it. Consider first those things that are most visible.

There are dozens of things you can do to sell your house faster, and get a better price. If you don't have time to do them all, start with ones that will get most "bang for your buck."