4 Quick Tips for Prepping to Sell Your Home

1. Super clean.  Make the house shine from top to bottom.  Don't forget about cleaning the carpets, drapes & windows too.
2. Clear the clutter & unload some furniture.  Remove unnecessary items from countertops, bathtubs & shower stalls - all areas that  often attract the most clutter.  Keep only the necessities.  A decluttered home helps buyers mentally "move in" with their own belongings.  You may need to rearrange or remove some furniture.  Pieces that crowd a space can make it look smaller than it really is.
3. Prep your landscaping.  Check gutters and roof for dry rot and moss, and ensure they are clean.  Examine all plants: Prune bushes and trees, make sure no plants are blocking windows, remove any dead plants & keep the lawn freshly mowed.
4. Add nice touches.  Coordinate towels in the bathroom in one or two colors only.  Keep accessories restricted to groups of one, three or five items.  Make sure all lights and lamps are on for showings, and set an inviting mood: Have soft background music turned on.

Washington Real Estate Market Research Update

Derived from the Washington Association of REALTORs, the data for the last quarters of 2011 has been compiled as follows:


85,870  Homes sold in Washington in 3rd quarter, 2011, up 0.8% from previous quarter.


$225,300  Median home sales price in Washington in 3rd quarter, down 9.5% in last year.


3,625  Single-family building permits issued in Washington during the 2nd quarter of 2011.  Up 26.7% from last year.


62.9%   Homeownership rate in Washington in 3rd quarter 2011. Down from 66.9% in 2008.

5.0%   Apartment vacancy rate in Washington in 3rd quarter 2011.

$952   Average apartment rent in Washington n 3rd quarter 2011.

The Ten Commandments for 2012

I recently came across the "Ten Commandments of Endurance" by elite extreme endurance athlete, Marshall Ulrich.  I read, reread, reread again and decided, these ten commandments aren’t only for athletes but rather, a tool we can all refer to in everyday life.

Enjoy and don’t just read – put this to use!

1.      Expect a journey and a battle

2.     Focus on the present and set intermediate goals

3.     Don’t dwell on the negative

4.     Transcend the physical

5.     Accept your fate

6.     Have confidence you will succeed

7.     Know that there will be an end

8.    Suffering is okay

9.     Be kind to yourself

10. Quitting is not an option