http://www.trulia.com/voices/profile/Real_Estate_Pro-Maple_Valley_WA-287608/The latest answers submitted by Julianna Hind to questions asked on Trulia Voicesen-ushttp://www.trulia.com/voices/Foreclosure/Are_there_any_mentors_pros_that_can_assist_an_inve-90173Answer by Julianna Hind: Yes Bradley, My team actually has consultants both to work with the bank and to address your financial interests, as needed. The foreclosure and short sale consultants are dedicated and experienced in this specific type of transaction. I would also suggest that looking at short sales may even be a better way to go... less people going after the property can mean you may have a better chance of obtaining it, and for a lower purchase price, as the bank may be agreeable to a lower price, whereas an auction pushes the price upwards... lastly, you will be doing a seller a favor, by keeping them out of foreclosure, which is easier to recover from! Either way, THere is definetly help for you in Puyallup!Wed, 18 Feb 2009 18:40:45 PSThttp://www.trulia.com/voices/Curb_Appeal/How_important_is_it_to_have_your_home_Staged_in_to-8465Answer by Julianna Hind: II feel it is very important, and I stage my listings so that they show nicely online and in person. A home is a product, so it needs to be packaged nicely. Online adverising is so very important today, with over 80% of buyers beginning thier search online... a room that is staged vs. vacant, or staged vs. clutterred (or even everyday living) simply shows better, cleaner, and the best staging brings out the unique features of a home. this is not to say that staging is a cure-all. It is a marketing technique.. and an art form...Sun, 1 Feb 2009 11:52:55 PSThttp://www.trulia.com/voices/Foreclosure/My_husband_lost_his_job_and_we_now_can_t_afford_th-85144Answer by Julianna Hind: Cathy - A bank typically will notify an owner and inform them of foreclosure, have you recieved that notice yet? My advice to you would be to contact your bank, and see if you can work out putting the missed payments on the end of the loan, or seek a loan modification/renegotiation... doing nothing is the worst thing to do, being proactive and speaking with the bank is a great start. Foreclosure does ding the credit pretty badly, but it does not necessarily mean you can't ever buy a home, a short sale is easier to recover from, that is where the bank will accept less than what is owed. I always advise people to speak with their attorney on these matters.Sun, 1 Feb 2009 11:33:35 PSThttp://www.trulia.com/voices/Home_Buying/Where_can_I_get_a_single_source_of_open_houses_for-38214Answer by Julianna Hind: Agent Insider Tip: Craigslist is my favorite... it's just like looking for yard sales! It is immediate and current. Hopefully, the city you are looking in has a friendly policy to allow agents to post directionals, because then you will effortlessly be able to see others available in the area. As an agent, I have had a high number of people show up to my Open Houses with a Craigslist print-out, or mention they found me there. There are even days I decide to do an "impromtu" Open House just because the weather is good, and I can do work from my laptop on site.. so up it goes on Craigslist! Sure, I will advertise an Open House in other places, but I go to craigslist first - it's a no brainer. Good Luck House Hunting! (I do not work for craigslist.... craigslist works for me)Sun, 1 Feb 2009 09:11:25 PSThttp://www.trulia.com/voices/Home_Buying/Rent_for_months_or_buy_now_-48477Answer by Julianna Hind: Great Advise on Trulia! You have relocation benefits, and may want to take advantage of those benefits now, and spare yourself the time and expense of another move. In my opinion, the market shifted quickly here in the Pacific Northwest from a sellers market over to a buyers market when it did actually happen. It probably wont shift back anytime soon (as trends from a buyers market back to a sellers market go) and it won't happen quickly -- so you could wait, but as long as your financing is in place and you can find a home in a neighborhood of choice, it is a great time for you to buy. There is a challenge to find a home in the areas you named, but you may just be able to find a suitable REO -- and if your financing is solid, a savvy agent will help you navigate that purchase. Also, some outlying communitues would have the home inventory you are looking for at the $300 K price point . My advice is to look and see if there are any communities that have homes in your price range, and take the time to research and find out about them and see if they would be suitable. If so, you may be in a home by years end -- with no more additional moves. Best wishes!Thu, 24 Jul 2008 19:51:26 PDThttp://www.trulia.com/voices/Home_Buying/My_agent_will_be_on_vacation_for_three_weeks_How-41531Answer by Julianna Hind: Well Diane, aside from dedicating Journey's "Faithfully" song to your agent on the radio show "Delilah'" -- I think it is all about open communication, and it really shouldn't be a problem. Do you think your agent does not want you to go house hunting at all while she is away? She may not want to miss out on the excitement, but If your agent hasn't discussed back up plans and people for unseen contigencies in the purchase of your new home, now is a great time to have the discussion. Best wishes and happy house hunting!Thu, 26 Jun 2008 17:39:45 PDThttp://www.trulia.com/voices/Home_Selling/Does_anyone_know_a_Real_Estate_agent_who_does_stag-39283Answer by Julianna Hind: There are a few agents who also stage. I believe there will be more and more, in fact, I am a stager, who recently became a licensed Real Estate Agent, because there were so many people selling their homes, who apparently were not offerred stagin services, and it shows in the online marketing of their home. Because over 85% of people beging their search online, it is crucial to have the home looking perfect, and the pictures looking amazing. As far as finding a good stager, it is a matter of portfolio. I have redone ASP stagings that were not done right. I have been amazed at the beauty of others. There are other credentials for staging, IRIS, CSP, RESA... but it all comes down to portfolio and references in the end.Thu, 26 Jun 2008 17:27:21 PDT