While the last three months of the year are traditionally slow real estate months and a challenge for sellers, 2003 proved to buck the trend in many regions of the country, which means a sellers' market could spill into the new year.

Realtors from some parts of the country reported strong buyer demand for November and December, normally a slow period because everyone's time and energy is consumed with the holidays.

"The relatively low interest rates are keeping buyers out looking, where they have many homes to choose from and for the most part, have time to think over their purchase," said Roberta K. Stein, a Realtor in Colorado Springs, Colo.

Similar conditions existed in California in December.

"The real estate market in Lake Forest is still a very strong sellers' market," said Vicki Lloyd, of Lake Forest, Calif. "Homes are selling with multiple offers within a day or two of coming on the market, and often for more than asking price. As we head into the "slow" time of the year, there are only 53 total properties available, including both single-family homes and condos."

And buyer demand is outstripping supply in Weston, Fla.

"The Weston real estate market remains strong as evidenced by the number of buyers vs. sellers," said Florida Realtor Leann Valdes. "Due to the low interest rates, there are still more buyers looking to purchase than sellers wanting to sell. Properties that are in good condition and priced correctly from the day they are listed tend to sell very quickly for full or near full price."

The overall outlook for residential real estate in 2004 looks good, according to the National Association of Realtors.

"With the economy improving, consumer confidence rising and jobs being created, a growing number of households will sustain strong housing demand," said David Lereah, chief economist for the NAR. "Only a modest rise in mortgage interest rates will slightly dampen the pace of home sales next year.

"Next year we're expecting 5.81 million existing-home sales and 1.02 million new-home sales, which would be the second best year for each series," Lereah said.

The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage is projected to average 6.4 percent in 2004, up a bit from 2003's average of 5.8 percent -- the lowest in four decades.

If you do decide to sell in the first quarter, experts say it's important to put in the effort to get your house ready. Begin with the big stuff -- make sure all your major systems like heating and cooling, electrical, plumbing, roof, attic, walls, floors, windows, are functioning properly. Then concentrate on what you'll need to do to get top dollar for your home, including: