As a top performing Realtor, my job is not just selling homes, but educating homeowners on market cycles. The real estate market as a whole, and Katy specifically, bask in the glory of rising home prices. For the last few years, almost any home that hit the market sold, no matter how ill-prepared the home was for presentation.

But, oh, how quickly the cards turn. This rabid seller’s market of the last few years has not morphed into a buyer’s market. Still, the market feels more, and is more, balanced.

With the new balanced market and rising interest rates, home sellers ask one question repeatedly: Can I still get top dollar for me home?

The answer is a resounding yes…but:

Yes—but understand rank odors rank as number one deterrent to home sells. I have witnessed the smell of pet urine, smoking, sweaty athletic gear, or cooking spices keep buyers from entering a home.

Yes—but your home must no longer hit the market looking like a frat party occurred there the night before your open house. You think I’m exaggerating. I’m not.

Yes—but you must have your home professionally cleaned the day before it hits the market and once a week until it sells. Pay special attention to removing dead bugs and cleaning all toilets.

Yes—but you must remove all proof animals live onsite. Especially the first week the home hits the market. Some buyers do not believe animals belong in a home. I love my dog too, Sadie, she’s adorable—but I digress. If a friend or neighbor owes you a favor, have them pet sit.

Yes—but take down all religious symbols, sports logos, and cultural iconography. I’m betting your stuff is cool. So cool, in fact, that you should pack it in advance to make sure it gets to your new home safely.

Yes—but take down family pictures. I’m sure your family looks Ralph Laurenesque, but the buyers need to see themselves, not you in the home.

Yes—but remove all boisterous color, make your home as neutral as possible.

Yes—but you must think like a real estate flipper, and make your home stand out with stylish features. Flippers focus on lipstick and rouge, and they make the home pretty.

Yes—but have a professional stager maximize your furniture and artwork to show your home in its best light.

Most importantly, yes—but you must have a real estate agent willing to have tough talks with you about the new market and the steps necessary to maximize values.

It sounds like a lot of work. The great news is that it is not. An experienced, professional Realtor should have all the resources to help you. You’ll know you’ve hired the right person when they present you with a list of contractors in their initial interview.

So, can you get top dollar for your home? Yes—but make the right phone call to get the process started.

Timothy Sojka is the broker of the See TIM Sell Team at Keller Williams; his team has sold over 2,500 homes. Tim is also the author of the Amazon #1 political thrillers Payback Jack and Politikill.