GMA Boot Camp: Sell This House!

— -- Like so many families across the country that are caught in the middle of the credit crisis, the Thiede family has had trouble selling their home. The house has sat on the Michigan housing market for more than a year.

A depressed Michigan economy hasn't helped car dealer Michael Thiede, whose income is based on sales. His income has decreased by 30 percent in the last year. With a new baby, Thiede sees selling the family's house as the only way to avoid financial ruin.

But the task has been more difficult than the family expected.

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"It's been a real struggle," said Michael, of Macomb Township, Mich. "Foreclosures have really increased dramatically in our area specifically."

Dozens of houses in the Thiedes' neighborhood, including his next-door neighbor's home, are for sale. Even area real estate agents said it's the toughest market they've ever seen.

"I've been in the business 41 years, and this market is probably the worst it's ever been in my career," said one agent.

"Good Morning America" sent in real estate contributor Wendy Bounds to help the Thiedes successfully unload their home. After a telephone conversation with Bounds, the Thiedes were nervous about what was to come.

"I'm definitely scared," Michael said.

Bounds said an extraordinary market calls for equally extraordinary measures. In such a competitive market, no room exists for imperfection, she said.

"Floors are really important, especially to women," Bounds said. "If they walk in and they're scratched, they immediately think it's a sign you're not taking care of the house."

Michael already had his home posted online with the Multiple Listing Service Web site, but he wasn't using some of the site's potential buyer scouts. Bounds suggested posting the house on sites such as: