I was blessed to have been trained by an amazing broker when I first began my real estate career. She held the most fabulous sales meetings which were motivating and enlightening.
One meeting in particular sticks in my mind where she was creatively impressing upon us the lesson that it's not enough to say the right thing, but rather, the right thing must be said in the right way. She passed out a piece of paper to about 5 of us. On the paper was written the phrase
"you're not getting your earnest money back"
and then below that an emotion: angry, sad, happy, embarrassed. Then each person read the phrase with the accopanied emotion out loud to the group.
Even though we had some theatrically challenged agents iparticipating, the point was well made.
How we deliver news and information is equally as important as the content delivered.
When considering hiring a real estate professional, many Sellers or Buyers ask good questions:
But equally important, and in many cases more important to evaluate how the agent presents him/herself. I don't mean dress, car, jewlery. But rather how well do they communicate with you? Do they come across as knowledgeable and articulate?
There have been times when I'm talking with another agent on the phone and am tempted to press record (I don't have this capability so don't worry if you decide to call me)and play the conversation back to them.
Agents can be unknowingly rude and aggressive, inordinately passive and indecisive or extremely articulate and professional....and many have no idea that their verbal skills (both good and bad) are influencing the transaction and negotiations.
So when choosing a real estate professional to market your home, or help you make your next purchase, make sure they are not only qualified, and competent, but ask yourself,
"Am I comfortable with this person speaking on my behalf?"
Shorter days and cooler evening and morning temps (not to mention the mounds of pumpkins at Maple Valley Market) are sure signs Fall has arrived.
Rather than just hanging around the TV each night, have you considered taking a class through the Tahoma Learning Community?
My Fall schedule just arrived and there's something for just about any age and/or interest.
Everything from Dog Obedience to Costa Rica travel.....Art classes for kids, photography, computer classes, boating safety, dance, art, cooking....you name it!
The Mission Statement of the Tahoma Learning Community is as follows:
"The Tahoma Learning Community is a collaborative partnership between business, schools, and community dedicated to enhancing inter-generational life long learning. By serving as a clearinghouse for educational resources and activities, the Tahoma Learning Community will provide opportunities for citizens of all ages to increase knowledge and skills and to share learning experiences."
The ever popular Ski Bus program for Middle Schools, Junior High and High School is co-ordinated through TLC and sign-ups for Ski Bus will begin in October.
For more information about classes or programs, you can call TLC 425.413-3405 or visit their website.
There has been so much written in the news, reported on TV and talked about around the cul-de-sac with respect to Short Sales and whether they are worth a Seller's time or effort. I don't know why, but for some reason everyone in the Universe seems to think they are an expert when it comes to dispensing real estate advice.
Here are a few myths I've heard recently:
If you know someone in Maple Valley or the surrounding market area who needs or wants to sell but is upside down in value, please have them call me or email my team or a Realtor experienced in the Short Sale process.
Statistics show that prices in a neighborhood drop about 10% when a Foreclosure is listed....let's all help be part of the solution!
First time home buyers are driving the entry level market, enabling "move-up" buyers to finally be able to consider a change. It will be interesting to see what happens come November when the first time home buyer tax credit deadline is imminent. It will be tough to tell whether a slowdown (if any) is to be attributed to the end of the credit, or a seasonal slowdown.
But for now, this is what's going on with Single Family homes located within the Tahoma School District:
Active Listings: 263 Average List Price $431,761 Lowest Price: $115,000 Highest Price: $3,375,000
Pending Listings: 115 Average List Price: $344,786 Lowest Price: $124,786 Highest Price: $1,049,000
Sold (6 months) Listings: 488 Average List Price: $362,281 Lowest Price: $65,000 Highest Price: $3,800,000
There are several signs that our market is stabilizing and recovering, that's another blog post, so please check back!
As Summer winds down, it seems there is suddenly a flurry of rental activity in the Maple Valley area. Many owners have made seasonal adjustments to prices and suddenly properties are renting right and left. Whether you're a would-be investor, tenant or landlord, you may find it helpful to stay on top of market trends with respect non-owner occupied properties.
Here is a snapshot of rental activity within Tahoma School District boundaries as of today and what has rented within the last 6 months*
Properties Currently Available: 14
Average Rental Price: $1600/month
Properties Rented Last 6 Months: 30
Average Rental Price: $1570
If you're an owner thinking about leasing your property, I encourage you to consider RE/MAX Select Property Management services. We are the only locally owned and operated company in Maple Valley. Visit our website to view current rental properties and learn more about our services.
*These represent single family properties listed for rent through NWMLS only and do not reflect private rental transactions.
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Broker, Owner, Wife, Mom, Friend & generally Fun Person(if I do say so myself) Serving South King & North Pierce Counties. Specializing in Single Family Residential marketing & sales since 1990!
Almost 18 years ago I decided to enter the Real Estate Industry because I loved the house hunting process and was excited about the opportunities and challenges presented by being self-employed.
I was bitten by the "house-hunting bug" as a young girl when I would go through the Sunday papers with my parents, looking for open houses. My father, Mike McCormack was an NFL football coach and we had moved several times throughout my childhood before finally settling in the NW when he took a job with the Seattle Seahawks. I came to view house hunting and the moving process as an adventure, and although it can sometimes be stressful and inconvenient, I love the process as much today as I did back then!
More than anything, I believe my role is to serve as a real estate advisor for my clients...to offer advice and options in order for them to make informed, educated decisions. I specialize in the greater Maple Valley market which is defined by the Tahoma School District boundaries.
Nestled beside the picturesque Cascade Foothill Mountain Range, approximately 20 miles Southeast of Seattle, Maple Valley Washington is a growing community rich in History and recreational opportunity. Skiing and hiking are only a 45 minute drive away at,Crystal Mountain, or Snoqualmie Summit. Boating and jet-skiing on Lake Sawyer, or swimming at Lake Wilderness are some favorite warm weather activities.
The greater Maple Valley area is defined by the Tahoma School District boundaries and also includes Hobart, Ravensdale & part of Renton. The City of Maple Valley, which incorporated in 1997, is where you'll find traditional subdivisions and retail shops. The rural portion of Maple Valley falls within unincorporated King County and is comprised mostly of homes on acreage. Population is approximately 29,600 (City of Maple Valley approximately 17,000). Median age is 33 and median income is $74,781.
View Complete Maple Valley Demographics.
The Maple Valley housing market is comprised predominantly of single family homes in a variety of settings...homes in traditional neighborhoods, homes on acreage, equestrian properties, lakefront homes and new construction. View information on Maple Valley neighborhoods.
If you're moving to the Seattle area, you may want to learn a little more about Maple Valley. Many area residents, priced out of the Bellevue, Issaquah and Remond Housing Market, moved a little farther South and found an area with a variety of homes ranging from Waterfront to Acreage to New Construction which were more affordable PLUS a School District with the highest test scores in South King County.
What Colleen's Clients Say....
"We wanted to express our gratitude to you for a completely worry-free purchase and sale. From the no-pressure sale, to the very effective marketing of our home, your attention to detail made the entire process pain-free! You anticipated each element with precision, accuracy and, most importantly, caring. We felt as though we were going through this overwhelming process with a friend at our side, and theat eased stress levels considerably."
The Forman's, Maple Valley WA
"Not only did I appreciate knowledge of the market and the area, I really appreciated your warm personality and strategic thinking..."
R. Asay, Auburn WA
"We chose you as our agent because of a personal recommendation from our friends who had seen your work before and they were right...you handled everything in a very professional manner but with a down-to-earth approach and a nice personal touch that we really enjoyed. We felt confident in your guidance and honesty.. So thanks for going the extra mile and for everything you did...
G & L Malmrose, Kent WA
"Colleen really knows the area inside and out, from builders to schools. She is also very knowledgeable when it comes to all the details of buying and selling. Our house sold in under a week for full price...due in part to her marketing skills....There is no doubt we would use Colleen again "
The Marottas, Maple Valley WA
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