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About Me
My experience offers a sophisticated and caring approach to analyzing your needs. I first received my real estate license in 1985. I am also the real estate columnist for the Federal Way Mirror newspaper. I am able to help you through every aspect of a real estate transaction from start to closing. Rapid advances in computer technology have made it easier than ever before to buy and sell homes. Windermere offers clients the best of both worlds– the best internet marketing plan available and good old-fashioned personal service. From our initial meeting to the final walkthrough, I will be there to counsel you every step of the way– to answer any questions, to explain unfamiliar legal and financial terms, to negotiate on your behalf, to recommend competent home inspectors, contractors, ASP Stagers, mortgage lenders, title and insurance companies, the list goes on. As an Accredited Staging Professional® I can help you get your home ready for sale. Although I can't guarantee a completely trouble-free transaction every time out, I can assure you that I will work to expeditiously resolve any problems or complications that might interfere with a successful closing.
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"My wife and I didn't think we could buy a house just a year after filing bankruptcy, but Joni referred us to a lender who pulled it off. The house had 4 offers and Joni wrote a letter about us to the seller and he chose our offer! She went way above what I ever thought real estate agents did."
S Hanson Fri Apr 15, 2005
S Hanson Fri Apr 15, 2005
"Joni represented us as buyers when we bought our first home 2 years ago. She did an awsome job. When we decided to move to another area of Seattle we once again called on Joni to help us. Even in a down market she had a buyer for the condo in 17 days and found us just what we were looking for in another house at a price we could afford. All 3 of our transactions with Joni have been positive, gone smoothly and closed on time. We would not hesitate to work with her again."
J Kershner Wed May 28
J Kershner Wed May 28
My Q&A
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Joni Ribera's Answers (4)
Joni Ribera answered:
I would say a great water view could be the stronger investment...there is only just so much water view property. However, for the water view home to be a great investment it needs to be close to the water and not a mile away with a distant view. Edgewood and Fife Heights have some beautiful new homes, but unless the lot it is on can be subdivided giving it an extra building lot, most of the extra land is just "nice to have" but will not make your home worth a lot more.
You are right about most of the homes in Brown's Point being older, but many have been beautifully remodeled and still have the charm of the older homes. I live just up the road in Dash Point in a home built in 1941 with a fabulous view. I bought it as a funky little beach house about a block from the water 4 years ago. We gutted it and added a 2nd story 2 years ago. It has been a great investment and the sunsets are breathtaking. You might consider doing something similar if you can find a good buy on an older house.
You are right about most of the homes in Brown's Point being older, but many have been beautifully remodeled and still have the charm of the older homes. I live just up the road in Dash Point in a home built in 1941 with a fabulous view. I bought it as a funky little beach house about a block from the water 4 years ago. We gutted it and added a 2nd story 2 years ago. It has been a great investment and the sunsets are breathtaking. You might consider doing something similar if you can find a good buy on an older house.
Joni Ribera answered:
I see you live in Federal Way and assume your home is in Twin Lakes. An experienced agent would take the comparable sold properties without the golf course and sound views and make "adjustments" for the views. Of course your property would be worth more than a house a few blocks away with the same floor plan without the views. Same would be said for a completely remodeled house or house with additional land. Just like Todd said you want an agent EXPERIENCED in your area. If you have not already listed your house for sale, be sure to interview at least 3 agents.
Joni Ribera answered:
Hi Jim
The agents who have answered your question have all given you good advice. It sounds like your agent is from out of the area. It is sometimes difficult for an agent who is not familiar with a particular area to find the right home for their client. Some agents may not spend the time houses first. In this market with so many homes to look at it is important foer your agent to weed out the ones she knows would not be of interest to you so neither of you are wasting your time. If she can find 4-6 homes that she thinks meets your criteria it will save you time and stress. She may need to look at 20+ houses to find those 4-6 to show you. I don't show more than that to a client in one day or their eyes start crossing and confusion sets in!
You should speak to her about your concerns. I would think she would be open to some of your suggestions and not want to loose you as a client.
The agents who have answered your question have all given you good advice. It sounds like your agent is from out of the area. It is sometimes difficult for an agent who is not familiar with a particular area to find the right home for their client. Some agents may not spend the time houses first. In this market with so many homes to look at it is important foer your agent to weed out the ones she knows would not be of interest to you so neither of you are wasting your time. If she can find 4-6 homes that she thinks meets your criteria it will save you time and stress. She may need to look at 20+ houses to find those 4-6 to show you. I don't show more than that to a client in one day or their eyes start crossing and confusion sets in!
You should speak to her about your concerns. I would think she would be open to some of your suggestions and not want to loose you as a client.
Joni Ribera answered:
It is all about price and condition. I am an agent in Federal Way and I know there are many homes for each buyer (buyers are few) to look at before making their decision. It is of the utmost importance that your house be neat, uncluttered and staged. Having you house professionaly staged is worth every penny. The fee for staging will be less than your first price reduction. Best of luck.
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I have am happily married and have an 18 year old daughter who I am very proud of. She is the "go to tech" person in the family. We have 2 dogs, Sara an 11 year old Lab Mix and Cami a 1 year old Brussels Griffon who keeps us laught with her antics. Willy the cat has been a part of our family for over 14 years.
Since I use to work for American Airlines we have enjoyed traveling the world. Now we prefer to stay within the United States and love to visit anywhere sunny!
Since I use to work for American Airlines we have enjoyed traveling the world. Now we prefer to stay within the United States and love to visit anywhere sunny!
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