Linda Casale's Real Estate Blog
Enjoy a conversation about the practice of real estate here on Whidbey Island , as well as the issues and events that affect real estate values. If you have any interest in Whidbey Island real estate, I think you will find this a valuable resource. You will find great information about local Whidbey Island real estate such as current market conditions, Island County regulations that affect property value, as well as tips on get your home sold for top dollar, or how to choose a realtor.
Dual Agency - The 007 of Real Estate?
No, dual agency is not James Bond deciding to spy for the Russians too. If you are thinking about buying or selling real estate you should know about dual agency. First, what the heck is it?
Dual Agency is when a real estate agent represents both the buyer and the seller in the same real estate transaction. Agents call it being on "both sides of the deal."
It is important to know that it is absolutely legal. The state of Washington, along with most states allow real estate agents to represent both parties at the same time. But just because it is legal, does not mean that it is necessarily a good practice.
Linda Casale
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Print60 Minutes
On Sunday May 13th, 60 Minutes aired a segment entitled "Chipping Away at Realtors' Six Percent". The premise of the story is that the traditional 6% commission structure is under pressure from the Internet brokers. Here is their lead in to the story:
"But as correspondent Lesley Stahl reports, things are beginning to change. What happened to travel agents, stock brokers and book sellers – the encroachment of the Internet – is beginning to affect real estate agents. And the sacred six percent is under assault from online discounters."
The only problem with the story is that it isn't supported by the facts.
Would You Buy Your Home?
Potential buyers are already making their decision on whether to make an offer on your home in the first few minutes after they step across the threshold. The appearance as they approach your home can be greatly improved with plenty of colorful flower pots along the walkway and on the porch.
A new doormat should not be overlooked. Be sure to turn on the exterior porch lamp no matter what time the showing. The exterior paint should look fresh and not be cracking or peeling. Now let us go inside....
A Picture Is Worth A Thousand Words
"A picture is worth a thousand words" is a well known saying that definitely applies to real estate. Many times a picture will be the only chance at making an impression on a buyer you will have. If you fail to gain their interest they may move on, either by turning the page or a quick click on the website.
More than 80 percent of the people who bought homes last year used a website, and they rated photos the most important tool in their search. The double whammy is that Realtors do the same thing. When searching for homes for their clients they work within a process of elimination. If the photos do not do the home justice, this can be a quick delete from the agents tour plan for their client.
New On Site Septic System Rules (Part II of II)
Thirteen counties in Western WA must amend their on-site septic system rules to meet state mandated requirements (see my previous post ). In San Juan County, the draft rules formulated by a working committee, are being presented to the public for comments and input. On May 2nd, I attended the presentation given by the San Juan County Health Dept. at the Mullis Street Fire Station. I had my list of unanswered questions that were of concern to me. Here are the questions repeated and the answers:
Who NOT to Hire As Your Realtor
So you are thinking about selling your house or property and you have made the decision to use the services of a professional realtor to help you. Congratulations on that good decision - to not use one could end up costing you money and time. So which realtor should you pick? You probably wouldn't pick a doctor who smokes to tell you about the health hazards of smoking, here are some suggestions about which realtors NOT to pick as your listing agent.
Staging Your Home To Sell
Staging a home before buyers come through is an important topic for the real estate professional and seller to discuss. Implementing some of the items on the list may take time and be some expense, but ultimately can make an enormous difference in the price and timing of the sale of your home.
Purging the home of clutter is probably one of the most difficult and demanding tasks.For many sellers, the best option is to rent a storage unit so there is a place to put those personal items you want to keep, but that are not appropriate to a home on the market.
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