The home version of The Price is Right

    Selling a home is not a lot of fun, but I intend to make a serious game of it when it comes time to list our primary home in Connecticut a few years from now.  I have decided to play the real estate version of The Price Is Right, the legendary game show in which contestants guess an item's value. 
    I will select my three "contestants" by virtue of their local reputations, counting substantially on the recommendations of friends.  Then, I will ask the three to submit the price they believe our house will fetch.  I will cross-examine them about the "comparable" houses in the area they used to come up with their appraisals, just to make sure that our modern and expensively re-done kitchen, for example, is not compared against one with 15 year-old formica.  On the other hand, our master bathroom is way undersized and not particularly modern; any agent who looks us in the eyes and says "Big problem" will stay in the running.
    In the end, though, skepticism will save us and greed will win the day and our business.  We will look at the high estimate as being unrealistic and a way to massage our egos.  We've raised our two children in the house and have spent a lot of money and sweat making it comfortable.  Real estate agents have radar for that.  I don't want to take the chance that an unnaturally high estimate appeals to that side of us.  This is, after all, business, and emotion has little place in business. 
    On the other hand, we will look on the lowest estimate of the three as denying us the few extra dollars we are due (or as a strategy to sell our house for a quick commission).  Hey, this is where we raised our kids and spent a lot of sweat equity.  How dare they lowball us!
    Ultimately, the right price will be the one in the middle, not too hot and not too cold.  Like the legendary Price Is Right host, Bob Barker, I will then smile and bestow a nice prize upon the winner.