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 at most a few weeks, are languishing on the market for months.

What to do?

Be smart about the market. Prices aren't collapsing, but they are declining in some cities -- particularly those that saw the biggest run-up over the past few years or are suffering big economic problems. An unrealistic asking price can be the biggest hurdle to a sale.

Try a new pricing strategy. If you've already dropped your asking price a time or two and there's still no buyer in sight, a switch to "range pricing" could help. Instead of setting a single price, provide buyers with a range of acceptable prices that will get them negotiating.

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

Renting is an option. 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.

4 things you must do before renting. If you think renting is right for you, our checklist can help you avoid all the pitfalls.

Have a question about your finances? Ask us at editors@interest.com