Greg Saffell - Kent Wa - Homes - Condos Buyers Rep - First Time Buyers Seniors

I got an interesting inquiry the other day when someone asked me which specific websites I use to market homes. It's a difficult question to answer, only because it depends on the property in question. So, to be specific I'll need to know more. But in this case I will try to answer the question in more general terms.

I agree that Internet marketing is important in this day and age. Most potential home buyers will search for properties on the Internet prior to actually visiting or previewing homes. So it's important that your real estate agent is adept at online marketing. But, Internet marketing is only one tool that a good real estate agent will use when marketing your home. We first need to identify the market for the home. Is it a million dollar home or a home for a first-time buyer? Each case is different and the marketing is tailored to the specific home. I have an associate who specializes in horse and ranch properties. Along with the usual real estate websites she will also be directing her marketing to those individuals most likely to be interested in these types of homes. Maybe mailings to adjacent properties or ads in horse publications will be a part of the effort. There are also websites for the equine industry that may be included in her overall campaign to sell the property. When I meet with a homeowner who is interested in selling, we discuss all of our options. Although I will be doing most of the heavy lifting, we work as a team to develop the best plan to market the home. The goal is always the same, to sell the property for the most money in the shortest amount of time. This is where a good real estate agent is an important asset and where his or her professionalism will make a profound difference in reaching the ultimate goal. Selling in a buyers market is always difficult and requires the full attention of your Realtor. I balance my business to serve my clients. I have only one master at a time, and that is my current client(s). Sellers want results and value and a good real estate agent will provide both. I guess I'm trying to say that there are many parts to any successful marketing plan and websites are one. When a property is listed on the MLS, that listing is automatically picked-up by a number of companies that will feature it on their real estate websites. This will include but not be limited to all the major real estate companies nationwide. That's a lot of exposure, and it's mostly free. You can add additional copy and pictures to some of these sites for an additional charge.

Other sites that your real estate agent may use for marketing your home are listed here.

1. Craigslist
2. Trulia
3. Google Base
4. Front Door
5. Zillow
6. Back Page
7. Properazzi
8. Vast
9. Hot Pads
10. Oodle

This list can go on and on but you get the idea. Internet marketing is important but a successful home sale will depend on a well thought-out plan that will include a well designed array of marketing "weapons". Don't let that word scare you, it's an old marketing term but may be appropriate for this Halloween post.

Previously published by Greg Saffell/South Sound Surfer

King county homes for sale require a good marketing plan

You may have seen the Pagoda style building in a small park in downtown Kent. This wonderful structure was a gift from from our Sister City of Yangzhou, China. The city of Kent enjoys Sister City relationships with 6 different International cities. Those cities are Castlereagh, Northern Ireland, El Grullo, Mexico, Tamba, Japan, Kherson, Ukraine, Sunnfjord, Norway and Yangzhou, China.

The Sister City program recently celebrated their 50th anniversary. It was originally known as People-to-People International. This organization was established to " promote peace through mutual respect, understanding and cooperation - one individual, one community at a time ".

According to the city of Kent, the relationship between Kent and Yangzhou began in 1993 with each city exchanging commemorative garden pavilions and maintaining a continuous exchange of information and delegations in cultural, economic, educational, municipal and friendship interests. A nearby plaque says " This Chinese friendship pavilion was given to the city of Kent by the people of Yangzhou, China in May 1995 to commemorate the Sister City agreement between Kent and Yangzhou, China "

I like the the idea of the Sister City program and was delighted to learn that Kent has established these important international relationships. Click here for more information on the Sister City program and here for more information on the city of Yangzhou, China.

You never know what you might discover as you meander the streets of downtown Kent

Previously published by Greg Saffell/South Sound Surfer

Some real estate in Kent is really a gesture of friendship

Cooler temperatures are on the way

As fall approaches, you can feel a difference in the air. There is an underlying coolness now that will become steadily colder towards winter. Outdoor activities diminish and soon the indoor fireplace will replace the sun as our source of warmth.

Utility bills take a seasonal jump

This cold weather takes it's toll on the energy budget as well. But keeping your home warm and cozy doesn't have to break the bank. The U.S. Department of Energy offers these simple tips and home improvements for conserving heat and saving money.

1. Plug air leaks with caulking, sealing, or weather stripping.
2. Properly maintain the heating system.
3. Install a programmable thermostat.
4. Seal and insulate heating ducts.
5. Insulate everywhere; walls, ceilings, floors and crawlspaces.
6. Close fireplace dampers when not in use.
7. When there is sun, let it in.
8. Insulate the water heater and think about lowering the thermostat.
9. Replace single pane -windows with energy saving windows.
10. When replacing appliances seek out energy efficient products.

These and other improvements that impact the energy efficiency of a home can save you money in the short term and serve as a selling point to potential buyers later.

For more information or to use the Department of Energy's online energy audit tool click on SAVE ENERGY.

Previously published by Greg Saffell/South Sound Surfer

10 ways to reduce energy bills in your home

A lunch hot spot in Fife

You might imagine a " business lunch " taking place in a more sophisticated atmosphere. But you would have to ask yourself, does it get any better than this? A great cheeseburger, fries, and a malt enjoyed in a park-like setting on a bright sunny September day. I hope you agree, this was perfect.

The Pick-Quick Drive in has been here almost 50 years serving great food to an appreciative crowd. I have never been the first one in line, this place is always busy. With the sunny morning today, customers began to arrive at 10am. Whether for business or pleasure, the next time you're near Fife, stop in for a pleasurable experience. They have an extensive menu, and there is something for everyone.

Two other great local drive in places are nearby. Dick's drive-in has several locations around the Seattle area and Frisko Freeze in Tacoma is a " burger institution " in that area. I have visited both many times over the years and will continue to do so. The Pick-Quick is open every day from 10am. They close for a couple of months during the winter, so check them out now.

Pick-Quick Drive in
4306 Pacific Highway E
Fife

Previously published by Greg Saffell/South Sound Surfer

Fife real estate discussed over burgers

When buying a home select the location first

Your first thought about buying a home may be an idea in your mind of the perfect home. Maybe a white one with a small yard and a picket fence with a flower covered trellis at the entry gate. That's a good thought but let's start at the beginning.

Determine what's important

Finding a home that fits your needs will depend on your situation, but once you have determined your city of choice, look for the neighborhoods that best suit you and your family. If schools are important, then you will need to research all the schools in the area so that you can buy within the best school district. There are many school research sources available but you can begin with school search. Your real estate agent will also be a great source of information.

You probably drive to work so location will determine commute times for you and your spouse or housemates. Shopping is important and should be taken under careful consideration, especially now with high fuel prices. Beside grocery stores think about banks, churches, gyms, child care and your favorite barista. When you have selected a few possible locations research those neighborhoods thoroughly. Begin checking local information at neighborhood search.

Once you have found the right city and neighborhood you can concentrate your efforts on finding the right home. Prepare a list of needs, wants and desires to share with your personal real estate agent. Also, find a full-time real estate professional that is familiar with your area, you will need to depend on their expertise. These are just basic suggestions to get you started in the right direction. The key is to do your homework so that mistakes are avoided and the home you choose to live in will be like the one you dreamed about.

Previously published by Greg Saffell/South Sound Surfer

Some ideas for your home search