Investing in a house is always a big investment as compared to other investments so the return expected is also very high. Everybody wants to get a high return and profit on his property so to get a good return of your property depends entire on market and marketing done by you or by the real estate agent. If the marketing is good enough, then the negative impacts of down market are also overpowered.
To get good price your house should be in good condition and presentable situation that everyone is bound to praise your house. Everything should be perfect. You must do some home improvements such as flooring, painting of house and etc to make things attractive. Small home improvements would cost nothing and could get big buyers.
Marketing of property is very important so you must hire some reputed real estate agent who knows each nocks and corners and all ins and outs of the business otherwise you would not get benefited. He is should also be a good negotiator. In the end, what I suggest a seller should do is to make small improvements for house and find a real negotiator agent who has good contacts and can bring real, potential buyers for your property.