It's no secret that houses and condos aren't moving as quickly as they did during the halcyon days of 2005 -- a record year for sales and prices.

Homes that might have fetched top dollar in a matter of days or weeks are languishing on the market for months.

What to do?

Be smart about your price. With home values falling in most cities, an unrealistic price can be the biggest hurdle to selling a home. Here's how to find the right price in a tough, buyer's market.

Dress up your home. A few bucks and a little effort can make it much more attractive to potential buyers. Our 10 smart moves that will boost its appeal from the curb to the closets.

Sweeten the deal. If you've had some nibbles but just can't close the sale, you may need to offer inducements. That could be anything from a home warranty to cash for closing costs. But beware, some sellers may suggest inducements that are illegal.

Seller financing can be an advantage. Financing the sale of your home can increase your prospective buyer pool. You can offer a mortgage for a buyer that banks might turn down because of an unconventional employment situation.

Consider renting. But becoming a landlord is probably tougher than you think. It carries responsibilities you may not want, costs you may not be able to afford and tax consequences you're probably unaware of.