Have you ever come across a referral agreement? Let's dive in and truly understand what it is and why it matters. In the fast-paced world of real estate, adapting to the clients' diverse needs is vital. Consider this scenario: a trusted client wants to buy a property in California, yet their trusted agent is based in Washington. What do they do? The solution can be found in the strategic application of referral contracts. Referral agreements are tools that allow agents to ensure their clients' needs are met, even if they're seeking a property in a location where the agent is not licensed.  ..read more

Exploring the neighborhoods of Seattle? Here's a close look at Renton, an idyllic suburb. In your quest for a new place to call home, you might find yourself torn between the bustling cityscape of Seattle and the charm of its quieter suburbs. It's a common dilemma for people relocating from out of state or even those simply looking to change neighborhoods. And while the allure of Seattle is undeniable, it's important to remember that big cities aren't everyone's cup of tea. Here are some of the advantages of living in the suburbs that might pique your interest. Nestled comfortably close to maj ..read more

Learn about the benefits of using a 22AD clause in real estate contracts to make your offer more attractive as a buyer.  Attention home buyers! The real estate market is heating up and standing out from the crowd is becoming increasingly important when making an offer on your dream home. Introducing the 22AD - this strategic move can rocket your offer to the top and blow the competition out of the water. Not familiar with a 22AD? Let's break it down. Essentially, it functions as an additional down payment. Your agent can incorporate a 22AD form into your contract, which serves as a clear ..read more

The true value of an agent in Seattle's historic neighborhoods. When diving into the world of real estate, particularly in a city as vibrant as Seattle, the term "walkability" often pops up as a key factor in the home buying process. But as history shows us, and as any seasoned real estate agent can attest, walkability encompasses much more than just the ability to stroll around your neighborhood. Seattle's rich history in the late 1800s paints a picture of a city thriving on its vices, with a curious demographic of ten men for every woman. Many of these women were employed as "seamstresses ..read more

Here's an example of why an app isn't replacing your agent any time soon. A client comes to you and says, "I'd really like a home in an area with great walkability," but what does that mean? To provide some insight to Abigail's client story, you'd have to know a little bit about Seattle's history. If you know anything about Seattle, you'd know the Emerald City had quite the lucrative past.  Some background...Seattle's foundation is built upon its storied past, and one of the notable figures who played a unique role in its development was Lou Graham (briefly mentioned in Liz Hake's Seattle ..read more

The pros & cons, and what you need to know before owning a condo unit. Condos present a mix of convenience and community living. However, like any housing choice, they have their advantages and disadvantages. Let’s dive deeper into the pros and cons of buying a condo to help you decide if it’s right for you. Pros of buying a condo unit 1. Low maintenance. You don’t have to worry about exterior upkeep, landscaping, and common area maintenance because they are usually taken care of, giving you a more carefree lifestyle. 2. Amenities and facilities. Condo complexes often offer different ame ..read more

Here are some reasons why the light rail is positively affecting real estate in Washington. Did you know over 50 years ago, King County voters rejected a rapid transit system that would have been 75% funded by the federal government? Seattle would have looked a lot different than it does today. Fast forward, Seattle now has a light rail transportation system in place with a plan to expand into neighboring areas.   "The Seattle Light Rail project began in 2009 connecting Downtown Seattle to SeaTac Airport and has since expanded to North Seattle, West Seattle, SoDo and Ballard." The e ..read more

New Year, Same Market? With the market strong into the new year, it seems harder than ever to predict when things will cool off and make some room for buyers. From our research, experts are saying that home prices should remain strong while mortgage rates might finally start to come down. Take a look at this month’s newsletter to learn more and as always, if you’re curious what your home is worth, use our handy estimate tool! Market Check + Finance 2023 Home Prices Eclipsed 2022 Despite high mortgage rates, homes saw steady price growth in 2023. An Inman.com article explains, “Home pri ..read more

Be prepared and have an idea on what to expect during a home walkthrough. Doing your first walkthrough of a home can be exciting and intimidating at the same time. That's why I'm here to offer you a general idea of what to expect when you explore the house that caught your interest. In order to assist you in determining whether this is the ideal house for you, I will also provide you with some tips on what important questions to ask and factors to consider. When stepping into a new home, feel free to explore every nook and cranny, from opening drawers to peeking inside cabinets, to get a goo ..read more

How homebuyers should approach our market to get a great deal. How are buyers approaching this housing market? Homes aren’t selling as quickly as they were a few years ago, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t great opportunities in this market. To understand where buyers are coming from, let’s take a look at what the market was like a few years ago in 2021. In 2021, the market was white-hot. Buyers were waving all their contingencies (including inspections) just to lock up a property and avoid a bidding war. However, while the market has changed, many buyers still think about things like it’s ..read more