Want to be S-O-L-D in Maple Valley in '08? Make your Plan Now!

Most successful Business Owners I know spend time in November and December working on and fine tuning their business plan for the coming year. It's not always fun to do, and is a little like homework, but every year I begin January with a detailed business plan.

I have been selling real estate in Maple Valley since 1990 and have experienced all kinds of market conditions and the one thing I can tell you is  if you want or need to sell in 2008 you'd better sit down with your agent and make a plan.

Here are some things to consider:

What do you Want? You must have a goal in mind. Do you really want or need to sell? Or do you "kinda wanna sell" but only if you can get your dream price? If you're in the latter group, I'd suggest chosing another goal for the New Year. This isn't the time. If you have to sell or NEED to sell get busy on your plan and you should be able sell before Spring brings an even greater Inventory increase.

Know Your Numbers! When I begin my business plan strategizing, I have to know my numbers for the last year. It's no different for you when selling. How many homes are on the market in your price range? In your neighborhood? How many have sold, what's the average price, average market time?

Hire a Professional who not only knows the area, but will be around in the New Year! Is the agent you're hiring full or part time? Is he/she familiar with the nuances of Maple Valley? Why one neighborhood might attract more buyers and for a slightly higher price than another? With numbers tightening, many agents will be leaving the business. Does he/she have a solid commitment to this industry or will you be left holding the sign up by yourself? (or worse assigned a new agent by the Broker?)

Take off Your Owner's Hat! If you want to sell, you must become a SELLER. Your property is now "the product". But on the Buyer's glasses and take an objective look at the market. What is the competition? How does it compare? Which other listings stand out to you and why? Are they staged? Priced aggressively? Which house would you buy today, if you were a buyer in the market? Why? These are all questions which you and your agent can discuss to help you get to S-O-L-D

Consider this: As of the writing of this post, there are 330 Active NWMLS listings in the 98038 zip code. 48 homes are under contract in Escrow. If you want to be one of those 48, because you want or NEED to sell it's time to forumulate your plan. And please, if you're in a position where you owe more than your home is worth, CALL ME or another agent who is experienced negotiating Short Sales. You don't have to lose your house in foreclosure!

Here's to your success!

Colleen "Fish" Fischesser

www.MapleValleyRealEstate.com      www.ColleenFish.com

 "The Maple Valley Specialist!"

Colleen Fischesser is the Broker/Owner of RE/MAX Select. She has been successfully listing and selling real estate in the greater Maple Valley area since 1990. She is the author of MapleValleyBlog.com