Gabrielle's Blog

50 Crazy Buildings & More!

Gabrielle Nemes, GRI, SRS, Auburn, WA (RE/MAX Select R.E.) — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 11:29:35 -0600

Some time ago I stumbled on a quirky little site, Random Web Site , that specializes in taking one to random sites, usually obscure. It's a fun timewaster, but, of course, one has to be careful not to get too sidetracked (you know ... that NEVER happens to me!) And, as you can imagine, browsing the Web at random sometimes leads one to the oddest things.

Now, before showing you these goofy buildings, you must know that I'm a pushover for houses and architecture. I mean, you know me! Always up to go see the newest subdivision, the biggest home show, the best in designer home tours!

Random Web site took me to see Village of Joy this morning! This fun and crazy Web site specializes is a very different look at buildings! What a step away from the usual mix of staid, ho-hum architecture!

So ... without further adieu, visit Village of Joy's 50 Strange Buildings of the World! Oh Yes! And while you're there, visit their other links -- I thought their 50 Weird and Crazy Cars post was a hoot too!

Your Dedicated Realtor & Active Rain Blogger, working the Auburn, Kent, Renton, Maple Valley, Federal Way, Covington, Puyallup, Sumner, Bonney Lake, Lake Tapps, and north/northeast Tacoma areas.

5-Acre Mini-Ranch near Lake Tapps in Auburn

Gabrielle Nemes, GRI, SRS, Auburn, WA (RE/MAX Select R.E.) — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 00:15:02 -0600

Got horses, goats, alpacas, mini-beef? Close to Auburn, Lake Tapps and city commuting, this five-acre mini-ranch is the best value in the neighborhood and perfect for your equestrian or other animal pastimes.

From the moment you enter the property through the remote-controlled gate, you'll both be charmed by the thoughtful touches surrounding the house itself, and completely impressed by the two huge shops!

There's way too much to describe here, but consider that the flower beds are surrounded by poured concrete edges, there are numerous little water features, the house is surrounded by a walk-around deck, and entered through a wonderful covered porch. Step inside to a sun-lit entry (complete with a sun-tube), and then on to the generous formal living room/dining room combination, and a family room with a free-standing woodburning stove.

This double-wide manufactured home, with two thougthfully placed additions, was well loved and it shows. Set up as a warm haven after working out on your own five-acre parcel, you'll appreciate all the little touches that make this it truly a home. As you come in from the back into the mudroom, you'll find plenty of places to stash the boots, even a built in window seat with storage. The kitchen is well appointed with new(er) black appliances and loads of cabinets.

The master bedroom has a huge walk-in closet complete with loads of wire shelves & storage units, and a five-piece bath with tiled double-sink vanity and soaking tub. The 2nd bedroom is just off the family room and also has private access to the 2nd full bathroom.

Outside are five fenced and cross-fenced, hot-wired acres plus two shops, RV-size carport, barn with hayloft, 2-horse (only one stall) loafing shed, well house, a fish pond, your own private well and septic system.

Barn measures 42' x 50'
Hayloft 11' x 50'
Five stalls (four with outside gates) with concrete pads
Three additional rooms on opposite side of stalls.
Corner room is plumbed with utility sink
Extended covered storage on back and sides

1st Shop as you enter the property
42' x 24', plus 12' x 24' attached carport, all with concrete floors
2 rollup doors with openers, plus one sliding door Shop/storage room at one end
Pull-down ladder to additional loft storage
Insulated, 220V

2nd Shop, behind the house
36' x 24', plus shop bay
Insulated, 220V
Concrete floors throughout, plus parking pad
2 rollup doors & sliding door & barn doors
Edged by large kennel in this photo

RV Carport large enough for the grandest rig!
Concrete Pad

Waay too much to list here. For photos, photos, photos! ... plus the virtual tour, visit www.gabriellenemes.com

Your Dedicated Realtor & Active Rain Blogger, working the Auburn, Kent, Renton, Maple Valley, Federal Way, Covington, Puyallup, Sumner, Bonney Lake, Lake Tapps, and north/northeast Tacoma areas.

Online Color Books for Kids!

Gabrielle Nemes, GRI, SRS, Auburn, WA (RE/MAX Select R.E.) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 13:26:07 -0600

While working with some delightful clients a while back, I had a chance to interact with their two young daughters, Katy & Sarah. We let their Mom & Dad plow through some paperwork while we colored pictures and talked about playing on the computer. Inspired, I decided to see what I could find that might be fun for them next time we had a chance to play! These sites look like SO much fun!

coloring.com Oh this site is FUN with simple designs for the younger crowd! Click on a page to go to electronic coloring!
thekidzpage.com This is a flashy site with busy ads for all sorts of things for kids. The printable coloring pages are worth it though!
learn about the weather color pages by NOAA Downloadable stories you can color about different types of weather ... think Tornados, Thunderstorms, Snow!
color book links WOW, this site contains links to tons of other sites that have .pdf downloadable coloring pages! PERFECT!
Dover Publications I get updates from Dover Publications periodically that show off their newest books. Most of them have sketch pages that can be downloaded and then colored. These are generally the high-end adult-type coloring pages for those of us that enjoy coloring with markers with lots of detail. Brings out the "kid" in all of us!
National Institute of Environmental Health Okay, another site where the youngest of us can learn a bit about environment responsibility ... these are fun pages that can also be colored online.
Crayola.com Of course there has to be a page with a nod to our favorite crayons, right?

Okay, just one more ... apparently there are hundreds of these sites. Who knew?

Coloring Pages for Kids So here's a resource references what looks like hundreds of other sites containing coloring pages. Have fun!

Your Dedicated Realtor & Active Rain Blogger, working the Auburn, Kent, Renton, Maple Valley, Federal Way, Covington, Puyallup, Sumner, Bonney Lake, Lake Tapps, and north/northeast Tacoma areas.

8 Requirements for the New Homebuyer Tax Credit, Effective NOW!

Gabrielle Nemes, GRI, SRS, Auburn, WA (RE/MAX Select R.E.) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:33:44 -0600

Okay all you first time homebuyers, you've been given a second chance! The Homebuyer Tax Credit passed and was signed into effect on Friday, November 6th! What GREAT news!

And it gets even better! Not only do first time homebuyers benefit from the tax credit ... to the tune of $8,000! ... any homebuyer could potentially benefit, up to $6,500!

Here are some of the highlights. Of course you'll want to verify this information with your own accountant; as with most bills of this sort it's many pages long and there are requirements that must be precisely met:

A first time homebuyer is one that has not owned a home for at least three years.
To qualify, a repeat homebuyer, must have owned their current home for at least five consecutive years out of the last eight years. So ... imagine that you owned a home for at least five years, but sold it and have now been renting for the last two years. You qualify.
If you're a single person, you cannot earn more than $125,000; if you're married, you can earn up to $250,000.
You must be in a contract to purchase your new home on or before April 30th ... but you have until June 30th to close the transaction.
There's no lag between the old deadline (November 30th) and the beginning of the new period ... it's as if the November 30th deadline never existed. The new deadline is April 30th (see #3).
The maximum purchase price for your new home is $800,000.
Your new house does not have to cost more than your last house. It's okay to downsize!
Oh yes! And as a measure to prevent fraud, you'll have to attach proof of purchase to your tax return in order to qualify. I haven't read the entire Bill, but I would anticipate that a copy of your final HUD (closing) statement will probably suffice. But do as your tax accountant. They'll know.

SO, Congratulations. Now, don't twiddle your thumbs and let this run out AGAIN! Call me and let's get shopping!!

Your Dedicated Realtor & Active Rain Blogger, working the Auburn, Kent, Renton, Maple Valley, Federal Way, Covington, Puyallup, Sumner, Bonney Lake, Lake Tapps, and north/northeast Tacoma areas.

Will You Benefit From the Home Buyer Tax Credit?

Gabrielle Nemes, GRI, SRS, Auburn, WA (RE/MAX Select R.E.) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 09:18:56 -0500

Since the beginning of 2009, first time homebuyers have benefited from an $8,000 gift directly from Uncle Sam. Qualifying for the gift was easy and thousands of people benefited.

As I write this, plans are in place to extend and modify the tax credit into next Spring (thank heavens), which will continue to help economic recovery for more folks than just those stepping up to purchase a home.

I've been amazed while hearing our various elected officials and economists speak shortsightedly, in my opinion, about why the tax credit should not be extended, nor should have been in place to begin with. I absolutely agree that the tax credit has a huge price tag. However, let's think very briefly about what that tax credit is actually buying.

Just help buying a house? Hardly!

Think back to your last move, whether it was a house, an apartment, back to mom's, wherever. What was the first thing you did? I can tell you what I did ... picked up my wallet and headed straight to the store. I needed STUFF -- boxes, moving supplies, shelf liner, paint, curtains, towels, furniture -- STUFF!

That's where the money goes. Not just in a pocket or frankly, not just back in a savings account. Is $8,000 too much? Did I buy $8,000 worth of stuff? Oh yes. And much more. Had I been given the $8,000 as a gift from my last move, my house credit card might not have been maxed out!

Your Dedicated Realtor & Active Rain Blogger, working the Auburn, Kent, Renton, Maple Valley, Federal Way, Covington, Puyallup, Sumner, Bonney Lake, Lake Tapps, and north/northeast Tacoma areas.

Homebuyer's Tax Credit Has NOT Yet Passed -- Not Quite!

Gabrielle Nemes, GRI, SRS, Auburn, WA (RE/MAX Select R.E.) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 18:51:30 -0500

As I write this at 4:45 PDT, our local news station is reporting that the Homebuyer's Tax Credit has passed and will be extended to April 2010.

While that's GREAT news, it's not quite right yet, from what I can see.

Looks like the Senate has agreed to pass a resolution that would extend the $8,000 tax credit to First Time Homebuyers, a $6,500 tax credit for repeat homebuyers, both with qualifying issues.

However, a vote hasn't actually taken place that passes the resolution as a stand-alone bill. At the moment, it's hung up on the premise that it'll be tagged onto legislation to extend unemployment benefits, although it appears that it'll pass the Senate even as a stand-alone bill.

We'll see.

I'm holding off the celebration until it's signed around!

Your Dedicated Realtor & Active Rain Blogger, working the Auburn, Kent, Renton, Maple Valley, Federal Way, Covington, Puyallup, Sumner, Bonney Lake, Lake Tapps, and north/northeast Tacoma areas.

Senate Activity on Extending the $8k Tax Credit

Gabrielle Nemes, GRI, SRS, Auburn, WA (RE/MAX Select R.E.) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 12:56:59 -0500

Like almost everyone I know that works in the housing industry, I've been chasing myself around for the last few weeks trying to get all of the First Time Homebuyers in my client list qualified and under contract so that they were eligible for the $8,000 tax credit ... due to expire on November 30th.

It's been a wild ride, full of both elation and disappointment! And, of course, absolutely full of the question "Will it be extended?"

I've been diligently trying to follow along with activities in the legislature while listening to other opinions about why it will and why it won't and who thinks it's a great idea and who thinks it'll continue to bankrupt us all.

Reuters is one of my favorite places to find quality news feeds--in this case current activity on extending the $8,000 tax credit for homebuyers. Yesterday, Reuters reported that Bill Nelson (Dem.) of the Senate Finance Committee indicated that the Senate would act this week on the tax credit and that it would likely be extended for a "limited" period. Then the stock market reacted negatively later in the day to a report that it would not be.

This morning, Reuters posted another story complete with Q&A about another proposal being floated through the Senate by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, a Nevada Democrat, and Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus, a Montana Democrat.

In their scenario, the credit would be extended to the end of 2010, but would be phased out in $2,000 decreases beginning in April, then again in July and in October.

Now, at the moment, I kinda like this proposal. And I like the idea that it carries into the Spring, where house purchases and sales tend to begin rallying all by themselves.

My only issue with their proposal is that it's being attached to the passage of another bill for unemployment insurance benefits. Sigh. Seems like it'd be so much easier to keep track of things if each expenditure had to stand on its own.

I'm sure tomorrow there'll be yet more ups and downs about whether the $8,000 tax credit will be extended, or buried. Passage will be cause for celebration, in my opinion. Of course, then the bill will need to go on to the House, where, no doubt, it'll be changed yet again. Back and forth.

Just my Tuesday morning 2¢ worth!

Your Dedicated Realtor & Active Rain Blogger, working the Auburn, Kent, Renton, Maple Valley, Federal Way, Covington, Puyallup, Sumner, Bonney Lake, Lake Tapps, and north/northeast Tacoma areas.

Don't Move Money Around

Gabrielle Nemes, GRI, SRS, Auburn, WA (RE/MAX Select R.E.) — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 22:35:20 -0500

I sometimes hear frustration from buyers who are being asked to produce the papertrail that supports the source of money used for downpayment and closing costs. The underwriter (the person that issues final approval for your loan) requires this information as one method of eliminating the possiblity of fraud, to meet the requirements of investors with whom they work, and for quality control. They're just doing their job, but sometimes meeting this requirement is difficult and tedious.

You may have been diligently consolidating money from various accounts so that it's easier to manage, but this can actually cause more loan approval challenges.

During the time you're working on purchasing a home, or at least for the prior three months or so, don't move money around unnecessarily. The underwriter will require documentation of any large deposits or withdrawals from your account. This could include money you received as gifts, from transferring funds between accounts, investment liquidations, cashing out mutual funds, retirement funds, or whatever. You may be asked for copies of cancelled checks, deposit receipts, or other supporting documents that may see inconsequential.

If you're relying on gift monies that will be used in your purchase in any fashion, you'll likely also be required to produce a letter from the person giving you the money that documents the fact that you are not required to repay the gift. In fact, the person from whom you're receiving the money may also need to produce copies of bank statements, etc., that documents where they received your gift money.

In fact, this is also not the best time to be changing banks, or even opening new accounts.

Don't move your money around ... or if you do, be absolutely certain you can document everything thoroughly.

Your Dedicated Realtor & Active Rain Blogger, working the Auburn, Kent, Renton, Maple Valley, Federal Way, Covington, Puyallup, Sumner, Bonney Lake, Lake Tapps, and north/northeast Tacoma areas.

Do you use Buyer Packets?

Gabrielle Nemes, GRI, SRS, Auburn, WA (RE/MAX Select R.E.) — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 06:09:59 -0500

When starting my real estate career, I was fortunate enough to briefly share an office with an excellent agent. She had a non-stop stream of clients and always seemed organized and well prepared. A technique that she absolutley espoused was the use of buyer packets. Hers were stuffed full with brochures and information about the area, along with some basics about real estate.

I've since developed my own version of a Buyer Packet and try to present it to every new client before we go out to view the first house. Inevitably, the time I forget to start out with a packet, the Buyer walks away to another agent as I was recently painfully reminded.

So ... here's a few of the things I include in my packet. I'd love to hear about yours!

List and definitions of commonly used real estate terms
A blank Purchase & Sale Form
Agency booklet
Buyer Agent Contract
Map of area (I get these from the local Chamber of Commerce for free)
List of area "departments" -- parks, schools, city hall, police department, Chamber of Commerce
Home Warranty Plans
Flow chart of a typical transaction
Printout of a sample listing (so that we can talk about how to read it!)
Where to go to find more information about a house
What to expect from me (i.e., how I work)
Stack of business cards!

I also include a Client Information Form that I ask them to complete so that I can start my file out right. They always fill it out without hesitation.

Your Dedicated Realtor & Active Rain Blogger, working the Auburn, Kent, Renton, Maple Valley, Federal Way, Covington, Puyallup, Sumner, Bonney Lake, Lake Tapps, and north/northeast Tacoma areas.

Spectacular Fireworks Display at Emerald Downs

Gabrielle Nemes, GRI, SRS, Auburn, WA (RE/MAX Select R.E.) — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 01:57:33 -0500

One of our family's favorite events takes place every July 3rd at Emerald Downs in Auburn.

Now, the horse racing is great ... and if you bet more than $2 a race, you just might make more than my usual 20-cents! (actually, that's pretty good for me ... I'm usually rooting for the horse that comes in dead last).

After the races, however, is the best part -- Emerald Downs hosts one of the most spectacular fireworks events we've ever seen! I don't believe there's any admission charge to get in for just the fireworks show, but it IS crowded. (Admission to the races is $7 for each adult, with kids under 17 free.) You'll want to bring your blanket and spread out on the lawn to watch.

The show lasts for, oh maybe 20 minutes or so. And it's amazing. And since it's held on the 3rd, you can still do your scheduled fireworks picnic at home on the 4th without breaking tradition.

Happy Fourth of July! Hope to see you at the show ... I've saved up $20 of $2 bills. I'm set. After tomorrow's races I may never have to work again.

Your Dedicated Realtor & Active Rain Blogger, working the Auburn, Kent, Renton, Maple Valley, Federal Way, Covington, Puyallup, Sumner, Bonney Lake, Lake Tapps, and north/northeast Tacoma areas.

It's Just Gonna Take Longer!

Gabrielle Nemes, GRI, SRS, Auburn, WA (RE/MAX Select R.E.) — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 12:18:57 -0500

Two important changes were recently passed by Congress and then adopted by federal agencies that will now have an impact on how quickly -- and in some instances, for how much in closing and/or upfront costs -- home purchases can be closed. Technically designed to control lender inequities, these two new regulations have great impact on you, the buyer and the seller! Without commenting on whether these two new regulations are effective and well constructed, it's important to understand that closing a home purchase is just gonna take longer!

In the very recent past, it wasn't unheard of for a well-qualified buyer to make an offer on a home and close the sale within 3 weeks or so. Most transactions closed within 30 days. Not so much now, and here's why:

Effective May 1, 2009, the laws regarding home appraisers changed, with the passing of the Home Valuation Code of Conduct (HVCC). FannieMae's interpretation of the regulation can be found here. FreddieMac's here.

On the surface, this law, originally initiated in New York, seems like a reasonable protection for buyers in that the appraisal process is supposed to now be more impartial. In reality, as agents we're finding that the process needed to complete a lender's requirements for appraisals is difficult and time consuming, pushing out the timeline to accomplish the appraisal up to two weeks or so! Adding in the fact that many lenders are also now requiring a 2nd appraisal, which may add yet another week or so or more, any purchase and sale agreement must allow for at least two extra weeks beyond that common 3-4 week period. Finally, as a Buyer, unless you waive your right, you have 3 days before closing to review the appraisal. ... Now we're up to, say, 4-5 week minimum for closing.

Oh by the way, guess who pays for the second appraisal should it be necessary? Not the lender, I guarantee you. The Buyer pays. Oh yes ... and if you're a seller committed to paying buyer closing costs through your contract, you may find that the request for closing costs is $400-$500 higher!

One more quick note here: the HVCC does not apply to VA or FHA loans, although I'm being told that many/most banks are just applying it straight across the board to all loan types.

Effective on July 31, 2009, will be yet another regulation, the Housing and Economic Recovery Act (HERA), designed to protect you, the consumer, but also with an impact on time needed for closing. Of course, none of us has yet to see this in action.

HERA works with the Truth in Lending Act (TILA), designed to inform the consumer about all costs and fees involved with placing a loan.

One of the HERA requirements surrounds when a lender can collect upfront fees, such as paying for a credit report (which can be collected at the time of application), or paying, say, for that appraisal, which can't be collected until at least three days after application. If you make application by phone, you'll then have to march down to your lender's office the day after receiving your initial disclosures (they have seven days) to pay any other fees.

One of the biggest requirements, however, has to do with when a lender must disclose changes affecting the Annual Percentage Rate (APR) of the loan. Up to now, most lenders with whom I've worked, provide a buyer with a Good Faith Estimate (GFE) within a day or two after taking a loan application. That GFE was rarely updated throughout the loan process unless the interest rate substantially changed. With HERA, however, the disclosures made by a lender must be updated if the APR changes as little as .125%. Whew! Remembering that the APR includes not only the loan's interest rate, but all the costs of creating the loan (loan origination fees, fees charged by a closing/escrow agent, bank fees, wiring fees, etc.), it's easy to see why the HERA requirement will add yet another layer of time complexity in closing a sale.

In addition, HERA requires that a Buyer have three days prior to closing to review the final disclosure, commonly referred to as the HUD statement around here.

So ... here's the deal: If you're writing an offer to purchase, let's be realistic and work toward a 45 day closing as a standard practice. If you're a seller, try to be patient. Much of the delay in closing, now, may have little to do with the buyer's ability to perform. It could just be the lender trying to be sure that all of these new requirements are met.

Your Dedicated Realtor & Active Rain Blogger, working the Auburn, Kent, Renton, Maple Valley, Federal Way, Covington, Puyallup, Sumner, Bonney Lake, Lake Tapps, and north/northeast Tacoma areas.

And What About Those Permits for DIY Projects?

Gabrielle Nemes, GRI, SRS, Auburn, WA (RE/MAX Select R.E.) — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 18:06:33 -0500

One of the stickiest questions on a seller disclosure form asks whether permits were obtained for any remodels that were done ...

Yikes!

Without a doubt, that question and all others on the Disclosure must be answered honestly. But it's a sticking point with some Buyers and I have to wonder how this is being treated by appraisers. After all, every jurisdiction has its level of necessary permits. Some list a permit necessary to install a fence, reroof a house, even move a light fixture. Sigh. There are fees involved and time!

With the prevalence of all the DIY shows, big box hardware stores, books and books and books of easy instructions, etc., homeowners are readily attempting ... and succeeding very well! ... at "do it yourself" projects around the house. Adding light fixtures. Adding a shower stall. Replacing roofs, Sprinkler systems, hot water heaters. Converting garages into rec rooms. You name it. It happens everywhere.

Even in my own household. I live with "Mr. FixIt." And he's daggone good at what he does. He's removed ceilings to expose gorgeous beams. Added recessed lights. Wired surround sound speakers. Replaced toilets. Laid tiles.

Should we have permitted these DIY projects? Maybe .. Probably. But ... hanging my head here ... we didn't. And I know we're not alone by the remotest stretch.

What impact will these "within the house, diy projecs" have on resales and appraisals? With the prevalence of FHA & VA loans right now ... and the more sticky appraisal processes in place, what do you think? Are we all going to be "tarred and feathered" at the time of sale?

Your Dedicated Realtor & Active Rain Blogger, working the Auburn, Kent, Renton, Maple Valley, Federal Way, Covington, Puyallup, Sumner, Bonney Lake, Lake Tapps, and north/northeast Tacoma areas.

My Favorite Rose -- Any Idea What This Is?

Gabrielle Nemes, GRI, SRS, Auburn, WA (RE/MAX Select R.E.) — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 20:08:15 -0500

I have the most special hubby! A while ago, he brought home this gorgeous bouquet of roses ... just for me!

I love working in the garden and would be thrilled to grow a bush of these beauties. Yes, these are hothouse grown, I'm sure. (Of course here in Auburn, Washington we're definitely in a hot house at the moment!)

So ... have you ever seen a bush like this? Of course, if I can find this, then hubby wouldn't be on the hook to bring them home to me now and then! Hmmmm, this could be a problem ......

Your Dedicated Realtor & Active Rain Blogger, working the Auburn, Kent, Renton, Maple Valley, Federal Way, Covington, Puyallup, Sumner, Bonney Lake, Lake Tapps, and north/northeast Tacoma areas.

Go Team!

Gabrielle Nemes, GRI, SRS, Auburn, WA (RE/MAX Select R.E.) — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 17:27:45 -0500

The start of the school year always signals the start of a new business year for me. It's supposed to mean that playtime is over for a while and it's time to get to it! I know most folks think of January as the first ... but for me, somehow it always seems to get fired up around the 1st of September. I can somehow stick my backside to my desk a bit better when the leaves start to turn and it's raining.

Our office has a brief hiatus from office meetings in August, so at least for me, today heralded the start of the Fall. Our fearless leader, the inimitable Colleen Fischesser, was in full form today -- running through all the recent updates on rule changes and law changes and office changes, etc. She's ready to go ... and of course wants us on board too ... time for business planning for 2010! Get started, get going, keep blogging, do more online, Go Team!

Pretty inspiring, if I do say so, Mz. Colleen!

One quote that came out of the meeting today that I really liked: you know the adage that we've all heard in the past that 10% of the agents are doing 90% of the business?

That quote was updated for us today: per Stefan Swanepoel, CEO RealtyU Group, Inc:

"7% of All Real Estate Agents Do 93% of the Business!"

Whew ... 7%! Where are you? One of the 7%? or one of the 93%. I always figured I was at about 11% ... now I wonder if I'm at 8!

So ... time to bring it up a notch -- 1% more. I can do it! GO TEAM!

Your Dedicated Realtor & Active Rain Blogger, working the Auburn, Kent, Renton, Maple Valley, Federal Way, Covington, Puyallup, Sumner, Bonney Lake, Lake Tapps, and north/northeast Tacoma areas.

Being a Realtor is the "Dang-dest" Business!

Gabrielle Nemes, GRI, SRS, Auburn, WA (RE/MAX Select R.E.) — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 00:03:19 -0500

It happened yet again ... and it's certainly happened before.

Met with a wonderful potential client about listing her house. And talked her out of it. Helped her understand why this just wasn't the best time to sell and perhaps she'd like to wait? And that her house was worth less than half what she thought.

This one broke my heart -- a widow that truly needs the money from the house. But the money just wasn't there. I hated telling her that. But it's part of the job and I couldn't live with myself if I'd told her anything different.

I'm not in the habit of talking people out of listing with me, but sometimes it's the right thing to do.

Now ... what other professional can you think of where you talk people OUT of using their services!

Being a Realtor(c) is definitely the "dangdest" business! And one of which I am very proud to be a member.

Your Dedicated Realtor & Active Rain Blogger, working the Auburn, Kent, Renton, Maple Valley, Federal Way, Covington, Puyallup, Sumner, Bonney Lake, Lake Tapps, and north/northeast Tacoma areas.