Lise Wang

I am having the same problem...even though the listing is on Trulia, it is not associated or in my listings. I am NOT on the public site, as i can see my other listings and have gone here to feature them. But if they don't associate it to me and it isn't in My Listings, I can't feature it. Emails to Trulia are not getting answered. Anyone have a suggestion? - Wed May 14 2008, 11:18

Hi Ken,
I couldn't tell from your post whether you have been working through a relocation company or not, but when I worked with our company's relocation division I did plenty of "area tours" for newcomers to the area. I specialize in the in-city neighborhood of Seattle, so I am not as familiar with the current neighborhoods on the Eastside, which sound like they may be more appropriate to your needs. While you are living here and renting, I would be sure to utilize the expertise of agents and take the time to get familiar with the different areas and what they can offer your family. Area tours with your agent can focus on the benefits and point out the drawbacks that different neighborhoods offer. Be upfont with the real estate agents, letting them know that you don't know where you want to live and need help with that. A good agent will offer that service, knowing that ultimately the area you end up buying in may not be the area they cover and they may not be the agent you select to work with in the end. It will give you an idea of how they work and gives them an opportunity to establish themself as your agent, if you decide to work with them.

I often found that once the commute times were factored in, and their children got into schools and the buyers settled in to their new jobs during that rental period, the priorities sometimes changed. I would be open to both the Eastside, as well as check out Seattle's in-city neighborhoods and areas South of Seattle. You will find a "fit and feel" for each of the areas you like, and your agent can show you the amenities they offer. You can get a good idea of home values there by seeing some homes and hearing what they sold for, etc. After you can proceed to find out more about crime, census and demographic information , too! This is available online from various websites and your agnet can get this for your from a title insurance company. You may need to utilize the expertise of several agents to help you with this process, as no one agent is an expert in ALL of Seattle and the neighboring suburbs. Rely on the advice and referrals of co-workers, neighbors and friends to find and interview good agents to work with in this process, as well as for reliable information on areas they live and why they like it. It's a lot of work, but in the end you will have found the right area for you and your family, with acceptable commute times and the features in the neighorhood that you value and require. Good luck. Lise - Sun Apr 6 2008, 10:12

I would have to agree fully with Eric on this one. I also treat Buyers and Sellers who visit my public open houses that way and don't require signing in so they can view the home I am holding open. I think we all are tired of giving personal infomation away like name and email. I know I read all the privacy notices before I agree to give my email to ANY site. Do you have a privacy policy on your sign in page, maybe that would relieve some concerns and up your sign-ins if it feels non-threatening to them. But, if visitors to your website don't fill out the guest book, they don't WANT to be contacted, and wouldn't be a lead for you anyway. Good Luck, Lise - Sun Apr 6 2008, 09:36

HI Mike,
This is certainly NOT the best market for selling on your own, but since you are offering to pay a full 3% SOC, the biggest hurdle is gone. That said, the only FSBO's I show and sell are ones that are on the MLS, otherwise I don't usually see them or search them out if I have enough inventory to show. But if my buyers saw one and wanted me to check it out for them, or show it to them, I wouldn't hesitate to contact the Seller to see if they cooperate with brokers and would pay a 3% SOC.

However, to really get you what you want, showings and a sale, listing it with a flat fee (no service) broker will remove 90% of the stigma that is holding agents back from showing. There is a huge range of prices, starting at around $400. Advertising to agent offices helps, but won't address what an MLS presence will. Incidentally, after it is on the MLS it is also swept by Windermere.com and other agencies websites and will be emailed to hundreds of buyers who have criteria it fits with thier email settings.

With the MLS listing, everything is familiar to us and we can 1) see it, and know the availability 2) use our keybox for access with out having to make appointments with a seller for access (which is inconvenient, and often awkward for buyers too) 3) we have all the tools we need on the MLS like emailing the listing to our clients, mapping tools, special info for showings, tax info, etc. 4) and we can view the property and uploaded disclosures, legal description we would need if we were to want to prepare an offer.

I think you will find it would make your life easier and would get you the showings you need. It's all in a familiar format for agents and most important "your listing can easily be found" as an available option. You have the experience to know what it takes to get a transaction to closing and are willing to do the work. It's the one time FSBO seller that gives FSBO's a bad name, often overpricing, not understanding the contracts, not following the timeframes for notices, etc. That's when the selling agent really has their work cut out for them and when we wish we were dealing with an agent of the seller instad of directly. Also, with our buyer's agency law, we have to be very cautious that we don't advise you or inadvertently harm our buyers, or thier interests while working in the transaction...another concern.

So check out your options for getting on the MLS and getting a keybox so we can all start showing your property! Best of luck to you... Cheers, Lise - Wed Mar 12 2008, 14:06