Kathryn Bowman

I'm a:	Real Estate Professional
Company:	Lake & Co
Location:	Seattle

6 Answers
1 First Answer

Report this profile

About Me

OK, I've been doing real estate in Seattle for quite awhile now, and I've seen some pretty good ups and downs in the market. I love to talk real estate, so if you've got questions, I'm here.

My Q&A View all >>

Kathryn Bowm…'s Questions (0)

Kathryn Bowm…'s Answers (6)

Is it time to buy?

Asked Sat Nov 15 2008, 06:48 by Sonja Babic - All locations - Home Buying - 2 answers

Kathryn Bowman answered:

Already there's a great answer. So I'd just like to add this:

The investment part of purchasing a house is just part of the equation. The other part is "This Is Your Home".

If the house is in a neighborhood you want, has most , if not all, of the amenities you are looking for, and is a home you are comfortable in, this is what's important. So whenever that house comes along, that's the time to buy.

The other caveats about being on top of the market and knowing pricing in the neighborhood, etc, are always mandatory. But primarily, think of the house as the place where you will be living.

Thanks for asking,
Kathy - Sat Nov 15 2008, 09:43

Right now is a great time to buy real estate. What do you think about the current housing market?

Asked Thu Nov 13 2008, 16:14 by The James Cr… - San Diego - Market Conditions - 2 answers

Kathryn Bowman answered:

Houses are selling here in Seattle, albeit very slowly. A lot of buyers are waiting for "the bottom" and other buyers are going ahead with low offers. Every once in awhile, we get offers right away, or even a couple of offers on close-in, desirable neighborhood, single-family homes. How is it where you are?
Thanks for asking,
Kathy - Fri Nov 14 2008, 08:02

What is the best way that you attract clients using direct Mail? Postcards, Sales Letters?

Asked Tue Nov 11 2008, 12:04 by Chelsea - All locations - Market Conditions - 6 answers

Kathryn Bowman answered:

I've had good luck with a color postcard inviting the neighbors to an open house. They come in with card in hand. Some turn out to be potential clients. At least I make the initial contact that can turn into a relationship which may mean future business.

In the hotter market last year, I had a letter than I printed on letterhead and sent first class. Got lots of responses that turned into business with that. But it was the message that worked in that market. I haven't sent it lately because it would work now.

So, in response to the question, I believe it's the message you send, rather than the format it goes out in.

Thanks for asking,
Kathryn Bowman - Thu Nov 13 2008, 10:32

Significance of list price reductions?

Asked Tue Aug 26 2008, 11:04 by Jocelyn - Seattle - Home Buying - 10 answers

Kathryn Bowman answered:

From working with both buyers and sellers, it's just my opinion that buyers try to read more into the price reductions than is warranted. The price reductions happen because the previous price was too high to attract a buyer. It doesn't mean the seller is desparate -- just that they want to sell. ... So if you want my two cents worth, make your offer and prepare to negotiate. If no one else comes along during your negotiations, you may get it for a favorable price. The only risk with a 5% low price would be that the seller would not respond. You can always go back with another offer. People who get mad, suddenly get favorably inclined when the $$ looks better to them.
Hope this helps with your process!
kb - Tue Aug 26 2008, 11:41

Over the past few weeks I've heard a distributing trend...homeowner's are purposefully allowing their primary

Asked Tue Aug 26 2008, 10:52 by Lashae - Minneapolis - Market Conditions - 3 answers

Kathryn Bowman answered:

Seems kind of short-sighted to me. The homeownes who do that are ruining their credit rating. And to think that credit ratings are important for getting any kind of decent loan in the future, and even getting a job! ... The lending institutions are cutting back, making it very difficult to get new loans. ... I don't think homeowners who do things like that really care about the greater good of a non-depressed market. - Tue Aug 26 2008, 11:25

View all Kathryn Bowman's Questions & Answers >>

RSS