Jeanmarie Trapp

Greetings,
Sometimes I always feel like the lone ranger out here in real estate land. I say our market is transitioning to a more normalized and stabilized market. We've had a tremendous amount of new construction on the market pulling down re-sales, mortgage markets being unsettled, bad national media news unrelated to our area and with rising fuel costs it has became our perfect storm for a nervous consumer. We’ve had some short sales and foreclosures entering into our market that are pulling some pricing down, but many experts believe in the next 6 months that will shake itself out. In my humble opinion if you are undecided about selling your home, because you hope in the near future to return to our former market, I just don’t believe it will happen. So let’s talk about the sale of your home. What do you need to sell your home effectively? You need a solid marketing plan from your real estate professional, (if they don’t have one, run...) your home needs to be priced right off the get go, and it HAS to show well. Your costs of sale are real concerns, and a good plan in place is essential for yourself and your agent. Please call, if you would like a list of referrals or continued council on the sale of your home. Jeanmarie - Sat Jun 21 2008, 13:18

Greetings,
"zestimates" are based on the mining of statistical data only. There are many variables that zillow cannot take into account. Location, condition, etc, etc. For the average homeowner it can be a fun tool, but in no way should it be taken seriously. It should be used only as a data point. If you really want to know the true value of a home, than seek the advice your real estate professional. - Fri Jun 20 2008, 11:22

I can't imagine anyone asking that question, in a market where expertise in this market is essential. If I am willing to negotiate my salary, than how is that agent going to work on your behalf? - Tue Jun 17 2008, 10:49

Oh I love this question. I have lived in Mukilteo, since 1987. It is the most centrally located community on the map. I can be in Everett, Bellevue, or Downtown Seattle within 30 minutes. Ok, not in peak traffic times, but during many times of the day..I do a considerable amount of business downtown. We are near several transportation hubs and the Sounder train has just begun service to downtown. You ask the eastside vs the westside. Well, I am a west side advocate, and unashamed to tell people so. Remember there is only so much room between 1-5 and the water. Everyone east has to come west to get to I-5. Thats a lot of land, and more traffic lights than you want to work your way through. Besides the sun always sets on the west.. - Mon Jun 9 2008, 22:51

The technical question has been answered very well. What drives me crazy as an agent is when other agents call a small den with a 2'ft closet a bedroom, especially when that 4th bedroom is very important for a famlies needs. Our job as listing agents is to work on behalf of our sellers, and I just don't think the streching of the truth works in anyones best interest. - Mon Jun 9 2008, 22:38