- 86 Answers
- 1 Best Answer
- 4 First Answers
- 38 Useful Answers
As your agent, I see my role as providing service in three specific areas. First, it is my job to help reduce the stress of buying or selling your home. It is no secret that purchase and sale of a home is an enormous decision, complicated by unfamiliar processes and vocabulary. I promise to walk you through the process at a pace that is comfortable to you. Secondly, I see it as my responsibility to act as your eyes and ears while navigating the maze of paperwork, phone calls and negotiation processes. By doing so, you can get back to the more important things in life. Finally, I see myself as an educator. Most people come to the process of buying or selling their home with more questions then answers. (What is Escrow anyway?) That’s OK. It’s my job to answer all your questions and make the process as carefree and enjoyable as possible.
Born and raised in the North East, I have been happy to call Seattle home for the past ten years. With so many great things to do and see, who can blame me? My favorite activities are, without a doubt, those that get me out in the fresh air. When not hard at work, you are equally likely to find me riding my bike on the Burke Gilman Trail, jogging (or more likely walking) around Green Lake, or playing any one of several sports I enjoy. In a former life, working in the field of education, I gained a strong appreciation for the importance of home and community. While no longer coaching or mentoring, kids still hold a special place in my heart. I continue to get my weekly dose of kid time by volunteering at Children’s Hospital in the Child Life Department. Over The past seven years I have had the privilege to spend over seven hundred hours with some of the most amazing people I have ever met.
""Rob kept our stress levels low during a struggling sales market. Rob also did several favors for us that I consider well above and beyond his responsibilities. I could not have expected better service."
S. & S. L. Sun Aug 5, 2007
""My experience could not have been better.""
C.C. Sat Nov 10, 2007
""As a first time home buyer, I had more then my fair share of questions. Rob was very patient with answering all of them and helped put me at ease at every turn of the home buying process.""
R.K. Wed Nov 15, 2006
Rob Graham's Questions (4)
Rob Graham's Answers (86)
Diane,
I know it isn’t a townhome, but you may want to check out The Overlook at Magnolia. They have a great pet policy and is one of the few apartment complexes that will allow dogs. There is a great park around the corner, which while not an off leash park, dog owners flock to each night. Many years ago when I was looking for an apartment with m 70 lb. lab, they were one of the few that I was able to find. I had a great experience with them and highly recommend the complex. Here is a link to a site where you can see consumer ratings of different complexes. Hope it helps.
http://www.apartmentratings.com/rate/WA-Seattle-Overlook-At-
- Sun Jul 6 2008, 14:10
Dan,
Real estate agents are amazingly easy to research. We all have web sites with profiles on them and many of us have blogs where you can get a feel for our personality. Most of all you want someone who works in the area and has experience in the local market. Seattle is a very neighborhood specific town. Depending on your work, hobies and interests, some neighborhoods will no doubt work better for you.
Personality is also a big factor. You are going to be spending a lot of time with this person, so find someone who you can stand to be around.
One more hint. If you see an agent with the ABR designation after their name (like mine, he said modestly) they are an Accredited Buyers Representative. It is additional training they have gone through to specialize in representing buyers.
Hope it helps. - Sun Jun 22 2008, 15:29
Sally,
This situation really doesn't have to be very complicated. Instead of trying to understand the law here, I would recommend sitting down with a lawyer and explaining exactly what you are trying to do.
I would recommend Ballard Escrow. (and let me say I do not have any affiliation with them and it would be illegal for me to receive any consideration for the recommendation) Their pricipals are former lawyers and can handle the entire transaction for you. I have used them in the past and they are thorough and professional. - Sun Jun 22 2008, 15:23
Sakura,
I am going to go out on a limb here, but I have my doubts about the resale value of townhomes. Many are built on busy streats in "up and coming" neighborhoods. I just dont know if they will appreciate as well as a nice condo or certainly a single family home.
Here is my advice. Buyers in the future are going to have the same thougts as you. So what kind of home appeals to you. Don't buy what you think will resell better in a few years. Buy what you love. Others will love it just as much as you do now, especially if you maintian it and make simple improvements.
I would stick to a good condo in a great complex or a nice single family home that has upside potential. Then upgrade it as you can and watch the appreciation grow.
Just my thoughts. - Sun Jun 22 2008, 15:17
Shannon,
Personally I think it is a great time to be an investor. Inventory is high, rates are still low, and the edge has clearly swung in favor of the buyer. Be sure and do your research though. Make sure you take into account exactly what the monthly costs to you will be. If it "pencils" go ahead and do it.
A few more items to keep in mind. Make sure you are aware of the terms of the loan. Many loans for non owner occupied homes require a higher interest rate. Also, check with the condo association, (or make sure your agent does) to be sure that the rental rate in the building has not been exceeded. Also have your agent check for special assessments in the building. All items that can make what looks like a great deal, not so attractive.
Happy hunting. - Sun Jun 22 2008, 15:10
As an Accredited Buyers Representative, first and second home buyers represent approximately two thirds of my business. The other third is devoted to the successful listing of homes. I love real estate because of the excitement and energy that clients just like you bring to the process. You have a unique set of needs. I see it as my challenge to make your priorities my own and carry you to a successful resolution.
When not hard at work I enjoy an active lifestyle. When the weather is nice, I love to get outside. Biking, softball and volleyball on Alki are all favorite ways to enjoy the summer months. When the weather turns cloudy I head indoors for more volleyball and basketball.
I also love to travel. Recently I had the opportunity to take an extended trip to Australia and New Zealand. I loved the beauty of te country and relished how welcoming the Ausies were. I have to admit I could do without the enormous bats though! Other favorite vacation locations have included Scotland, the Carribean and Ireland.
On any given Wednesday night you will find me volunteering at Children's Hospital. For the past seven years I have spent over 700 hours with some of the most amazing people I have ever met. I continue to marvel at what an amazing resource Children's provides to the families of Seattle and count my time there as one of the most valuable accomplishments of my life.