Selling homes during the fall is a bit slower than spring and the summer months.  But it can be a good time to sell because there are fewer houses on the market, which means that there is less competition.  Buyers typically want to buy quickly before winter. 

Planning to sell in fall should come in a very careful activity.  The first thing is to examine major structural systems.  There might be a want to hire a professional home inspector.  The American Society of Home Inspectors says a typical home inspection includes drainage conditions, exterior surfaces, decks, chimney, the roof, windows, doors, plumbing fixtures, furnace, air conditioner, insulation, ventilation, electrical, heating, and plumbing systems.

As a growing number of housing markets shift into low gear, sellers are beginning to find their backs against the wall.  Home prices are falling, sales are stalling and buyers are calling for concessions.   Good help really isn't hard to find, provided you take care to hire a real estate agent best suited for you, the market and the home you want to sell.

GMAC Real Estate supplied a list of tips for successful real estate agent selection and we asked agents from other companies and other real estate professionals to chime in with suggestions you may not always get.

City officials approved a plan yesterday to spend $10.7 million to tear down more than 400 housing units in some of Baltimore's most neglected neighborhoods.

Though many of the projects are under way, supporters said the city's financial commitment will jump start the effort by paying for the purchase and demolition of residential properties - most of which are vacant - that can then be combined into larger parcels that are easier to develop.