There are various reasons why one home may sell over another, including but not limited to: price, condition, timing (a buyer was just waiting for that particular type property to come along). But occassionally a new listing will come on the market that's just absolutely primed and ready to sell fast.

There have been several hot properties come on the market in the Maple Valley area within the last few months and they're selling quickly...sometimes within a matter of days. So whether you're considering selling in the future, or are trying to sell now and want to know the secret recipe for a hot property...here you go:

• The home has got to be Clean....even in places you may not think peopl would look-Window sills, baseboards, tubs, sinks, etc.
• De-clutter and HIDE "STUFF"-make spaces look as large as possible, pulling small appliances off the Kitchen counters, products from Bathroom counters, thinning out bookshelves.
• Be ready for showings at a moment's notice
• Make small, inexpensive updates such as faucets, light fixtures and paint where necessary.
• And the last but most painful part? Price the home as aggressively as possible. Look at what you competition is and price below that...significantly.

Of course the most critical off all these points is the last one. If a property isn't in great condition or super dirty/cluttered, there's no condition price won't cure! However if you're trying to get as much as you can for you house in a softening market, without having to play "catch up", it's necessary to stay ahead of the pricing curve. The properties I'm seeing sell quickly are those which are positioning themselves below (often by 5% and in some cases by as much as 10%) their direct competition.

_______________________________________________________________________________