I would make sure your home is seen in all the major metropolitan newspapers - the SF Chronicle, the Sacramento Bee and the Oakland Tribune, if that paper still exists. You'll be hiring a Realtor, right? This is the best way to make sure your home hits the MLS.

Yes to realtor with a proven track record of selling homes in our price range in our area. We plan to place photo ads in home section of major newspaper. What other publications or online advertising reaches potential home buyers looking for either a second home or move to Chico/Paradise/Magalia area of California? It is a lovely area but not known as a resort spot. We actually have four "lots" with three dwellings, the main dwelling being a 6500 sq ft lodge/craftsman style residence - total of about 25 acres. Would like to sell them all at the same time as a family compound. It is also a view lot with the most spectacular 280 degree view of canyon, valley, and distant mountain ranges. Mixed housing in area - from mobile homes to estate homes.

Hire the right realtor. Be sure to check their actual results...ask about how many of the initial listings did they actually get sold during the listing period, how many listings were taken off the market and how many were sold privately or given to another agent. Require the agent to develop a marketing plan before you sign any listing agreement and negotiate the commissions and expenses up front. Write in a rider to the listing agreement that allows you to cancel if the agent doesn't follow through on the proposed marketing plan.

Once you have the agent selected and the listing agreement signed, let the agent sell the property. The agent is responsible for the publicity materials, the advertising, the exposure, etc...that's their expertise.