The good news is this: recent studies show that the underlying strength of our economy is offsetting the cooling of the real estate market, and the most likely result is a gradual slowing of price appreciation, and not a price decline.

In fact, the most recent version of the PMI Risk Index shows metro Atlanta with only a 15.9% likelihood of an overall market price decline during the next 24 months.

If that scenario plays out, we should be in for a reasonably good summer and fall real estate market, with supply and demand approaching equilibrium.

And if you have decided that now is the time to sell, here are some ideas for getting your house noticed and sold in a cooling market:

* Make sure your home is in excellent condition.

One of the truths of a slowing market is that buyers become more picky and can demand a better product. That is exactly what will happen as we move away from a seller's market and buyers have more choices.

Don't fool yourself into believing that it's smart of offer an allowance for carpeting or for painting. Buyers strongly prefer an attractive finished product over a project at a slightly lower price.

Further more, lenders are often reluctant to allow sellers to provide cash allowances, seeing them instead as a way of avoiding the lenders strict requirements for a down payment.

Go ahead and do the work that needs to be done before you put your home up for sale. It will attract stronger buyers and higher prices from the very beginning, particularly in a softening market.

* List your home with a proven sales professional.

The past several years have seen a frenzy in the real estate sales market, and literally thousands of new agents have entered the profession. Some of these individuals will go on to be leaders in their field, while others may decide that the hard work needed to succeed is beyond their grasp.

My advice during the coming months is to list your home with a proven sales professional, one who has a strong track record of success in your community.

In a softening market, your agent's experience with different economic environments may be the difference between a successful sale and a stale listing. The commission you pay will be the same.

* Encourage your agent on a weekly basis.

It is simply the nature of personal selling that a salesperson will internalize declining numbers. And if your agent begins to see the real estate market cooling, there will likely be a reflection in their personal production. This is a natural by-product of lessened demand.

In order to prevent your agent from being discouraged, I think it's a good idea to call your agent every Wednesday for a report on the past week's activity and an action plan for the week ahead. Go ahead and throw in a pep talk for good measure.

Mid-week tends to be a relatively slow time in real estate sales, and by establishing a routine of regular contact, you eliminate the possibility that your agent will let your listing slip to the back burner.

* Use the internet to market your home.

By far, the most motivated and qualified potential buyers for your home are those prospects who are being transferred into the Atlanta metro area. In many cases, they have sold their current home, or else it has been purchased from them by their company. Their new job assignment is their primary focus, and they want to buy a house quickly.

These same prospective purchasers are internet savvy, and will use all available resources to find their next home. My advice is to make it easy for them.

In addition, I recommend using the classified advertising section of your predominant local newspaper and their web-based classified option as well. Relocating buyers will likely try to use the internet to get an idea of available homes in their preferred area, and you should do everything possible to accommodate their interest.

* Be prepared to participate in the closing costs.

In the strong seller's market of the past several years, buyers and agents have grown used to paying full price and not asking for the seller's help with closing expenses.

But I predict that this market will demand more from a seller.

As we approach a more balanced relationship between supply of homes and the buyer's demand, more and more sellers will find themselves paying at least a portion of the buyer's closing costs.

I know that lenders often limit the amount of a seller's contribution to one or two percent of the purchase price, but a smart seller can reward their buyer in alternative ways if necessary.

For example, a flexible seller might agree to leave all existing appliances with the home being sold, or even to complete certain requested decorations or improvements. New home builders have long used "upgrades" as a bargaining chip to seal the deal with prospective buyers. Today's smart seller of a resale home should be just as flexible.

It's always wise to include all contract details, including any promises, in the written agreement which is signed by all parties. That way, lenders and appraisers are made fully aware of any concessions you may have made, and misunderstandings can be best avoided.