Paul Henderson, Realtor ® Lacey & DuPont Washington homes

Weathering the storm...

12-15-08

I am writing this as I get ready to leave for another closing in Lacey. That's right, things are still selling and there are three reasons why.

The house was priced right from the start
The house was prepared to sell
The house was marketed properly

Sounds pretty simple doesn't it? Don't play games with your most valuable investment.

I am currently working with buyers and sellers from all over the country and world. Unless your house is marketed on the Internet with pictures, how can I sell your house to someone in Iraq, Panama, or Korea?

Hire a full time professional to sell your house.

Make sure they know the web and use it to sell your house
Get an agent that publishes your listing on the best national websites
Get as many pictures as possible in the listing including a virtual tour.
Make sure that your Realtor or Agent communicates with you

When you hire a professional, interview more than one Realtor. Dare to compare the services and listen to what they have to say. Make sure you draw on their experience to make the right choice.

Authored by Paul S. Henderson, Realtor ®, RE/MAX Professionals, Lacey, WA.

(http://phenderson.net) or http://www.lacey-washington.com

4 Comments

Home Owner Associations and Dues or Assessments...

11-30-08

Paul Henderson, Realtor ® Lacey & DuPont Washington homes

Now that is a topic that brings a host of different emotions to whomever you ask. Some people have never lived in a housing community that has a Home Owner Associations and have heard horror stories.

I hear the horror stories and I have heard many more great stories of how strong associations have saved views and property values by following the by-laws.

What's up with HOAs?

If you own pet, you might want to look at pet restrictions.
Look at the parking restrictions and if you have assigned spaces or is it first come, first served. Is there guest parking?
Water restrictions, can you wash your car?
Are there any ceilings on how high the monthly fees or special assessments can go?
Find out if there are any ongoing maintenance problems such as siding or roofing issues. How does the association handle any improvements.
How much does the association maintain?
What is the policy on rentals?
What is the owner/renter ratio?
Look at the minutes from the last couple of months and ascertain the politics.
Make sure you look carefully at all the rules and verify the fees.
Are there any architectural rules?
Can you install a satellite dish?
Who takes care of the lawn and common areas?
What is included in your monthly dues or assessments?

These are but a few of the questions you should ask before you buy into a home or Condo with a homeowner association or committee.

You will be sorry if you fail to ask any of these questions. I feel it's like moving to a foreign country not knowing the language, customs or currency before you get there...

Authored by Paul S. Henderson, Realtor ®, RE/MAX Professionals, Lacey, WA.

(http://phenderson.net) or http://www.lacey-washington.com

0 Comments

A Realtor's Open Questions for professional stagers

10-05-08

Paul Henderson, Realtor ® Lacey & DuPont Washington homes

Staging is a very exciting option to offer our clients. I believe a professional is well worth the money that is charged. I really have some questions I need to ask after seeing some substandard attempts to duplicate your profession.

•1. What certifications should we look for when interviewing a Stager?

•2. What professional associations do you belong to?

•3. How do you base your fees?

•4. Do you encourage your clients to use their own furniture, rent, or do you supply the furniture as part of your fee?

•5. Do you charge a consultation fee for your interview?

•6. Do you give out references?

I guess you are wondering, why so many questions? It all started when I called the references on a very convincing stager. Only one of the references panned out as legit out of seven.

I feel, as with any profession, profiteers set in and pollute the market and give the whole profession a black eye. I feel stagers will become just as essential to a transaction as are home inspectors if Realtors learn to use them as a marketing tool and we feel comfortable on what to look for in a stager.

So, as a Realtor, I ask for some help...

Authored by Paul S. Henderson, Realtor ®, RE/MAX Professionals, Dupont & Lacey, WA.

(http://phenderson.net) or http://www.lacey-washington.com

10 Comments

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Paul Henderson, Realtor ® Lacey & DuPont Washington homes
RE/MAX Professionals & Four Seasons Inc.

Paul Henderson, Realtor ® Lacey & DuPont Washington homes: Real Estate Agent in Lacey, WA

Office: (253) 830-6003

Mobile: (253) 318-3493

Whether you are buying or selling a house in Lacey, DuPont, or Olympia Washington, let me represent your interests. Since 1999 I have helped clients get the most out of their home transactions.

About ME!

You gotta love this business!

I find the better educated my clients are about the buying process the happier they'll be with the outcome.

The tougher the housing climate gets, the nicer my clients become. I know that price is usually the most important factor in finding a house; however my job is to keep my clients safe as well as find and negotiate the best price for them.

I started my real estate career 10 years ago. The first lesson I learned, after 21 years in corporate customer service and management, is I didn't know squat about one on one client service. Needless to say I had to learn real fast that real estate is a 24/7 commitment to client service.

Real estate is a learning experience not only for the buyer or seller but also for the Realtor. I have learned something new on virtually every transaction I have been a party to. I am constantly going to classes and seminars to perfect my craft and give my clients the most up to date information of my market and the industry. I have obtained the following designations; Accredited Buyers Representative (ABR), Certified Residential Specialist (CRS), Graduate Residential Institute (GRI), and Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES).

Rather than fear technology I embrace it, giving my clients a step up on the competition whether they are buying or selling. I am currently working with buyers from Australia, Iraq, and South Korea along with several in the continental United States, Alaska, and Hawaii. Technology makes it all possible and makes me more efficient.

Whether your looking for a Realtor for your own needs or as an agent referring a client that needs professional, full service, representation, I'm the Realtor for you.

Areas of Expertise

Specializing in Internet marketing strategies for positive results!

I also specialize in relocation of clients from all over the world. In fact 40% of my clients are military relocating to Ft Lewis, McChord Air Force Base or the Madigan Regional Medical Facility. I am adept at finding good real estate investments for my clients and I have been extremely successful at finding recreation, vacation properties, or retirement residences for clients all over western Washington State.

Testimonials

Paul's service creates a trust that makes a transaction seem so simple that we were amazed he had time for any other clients. Paul was always there. We wondered why the other agent received a commission.

We would never think of selling or buying a home without Paul in our corner...

The Johnson Family

Lacey WA

Paul,

Now that we're back in Australia, we thought that we would just send you a little letter.

We have bought and sold 7 homes in 39 years, in 3 different countries, in fact, 3 different continents. So we have had a bit of experience with the real estate market and realtors.

We have never experienced such efficiency, courtesy, and professionalism from anyone, like we experienced from you! You represented us admirably and addressed our concerns and needs as they arose. But, in addition to this, you went the "extra mile" - who else would assure that new deadlocks were installed late at night, and myriad other tasks to ensure our safety and peace of mind? We can't list all the extra things that you did and are continuing to do, because this would be a never-ending letter.

My friends and business associates are amazed when I tell them what tasks you have undertaken and valuable assistance and friendship extended to us. None of them have ever had this type of service!

We realize that our tight schedule made co-ordinating paperwork and legalities a nightmare, and our short tempers at times were most trying, but rest assured, you have two very happy new home owners in Olympia! ReMax Professionals should be proud to have you representing them....your efforts could not be surpassed by anyone.

Sincerely and best regards,

Ellis & Kimberly Vincent

Paul,

Your service to us was the finest we have had in buying and selling homes. I really appreciated your honesty, experience and help. A real 10 out of 10! Thanks for everything and we will definitely keep you in mind if we know anyone buying or selling in the Tacoma area.

Thanks again,
Mark Shafer

Paul recently worked with me as a Buyer's Representative and was a valuable partner in my efforts to find a new home in a community I was not familiar with.

Paul is very familiar with the area and knowledgeable about local influences on property values. He helped me to find exactly what I was looking for in a home and to maximize my investment in real estate.

My search for a new home took some time. It took more time, in fact, than I anticipated or hoped for. During the long search, Paul never pressured or rushed me through any decision of this important process, and he stuck with me through it all.

No matter how busy he was, Paul kept in contact with me. He also contacted me regularly to see if there were any new developments or to see if I had any questions or concerns that he could answer or address.

Thank you Paul.

Best Regards,
Rachel Saunders

I have bought and sold 7 houses in the past 15 years; 3 in the Dupont area alone. The best real estate agent that I have worked with is Paul Henderson from Re/max. He is honest and will give you a realistic idea about how you should price your house to sell.

I am impressed with Paul because he follows the entire sale and ensures that you understand everything and that you are happy. I have referred him to at least 4 people and every one of them has been very happy.

Nancy Roberts, DuPont

(Referral Testimonial)

Hey Paul -

Yes -I did receive the check and for the full amount agreed upon. I appreciate your promptness in sending it and sending a copy of the HUD as well. It has been so nice to have the updates that you sent as the transactions progressed and regressed and progressed again - and I do appreciate your tenacity in getting Rachel into a home and making some money for both of us! It was probably the best referral experience I have ever had and I will certainly call you again if I have anyone headed up your way!
Success comes in cans. . .not in cannots!
Carol

There are few REALTORS who are consistently meticulous and detailed about the settlement procedure as Paul Henderson. Paul has proven to be professional, knowledgeable and gracious in every business interaction I have had with him. It is with great pleasure that I have the opportunity to recommend him to anyone purchasing or selling a home or investment property. He has a great sense of humor and is a joy to work with!"

Marie Barth, Designated Escrow

Paul Henderson, Realtor ® Lacey & DuPont Washington homes

Weathering the storm...

Home Owner Associations and Dues or Assessments...

A Realtor's Open Questions for professional stagers

Paul Henderson, Realtor ® Lacey & DuPont Washington homesRE/MAX Professionals & Four Seasons Inc.

About ME!

Areas of Expertise

Testimonials

Paul Henderson, Realtor ® Lacey & DuPont Washington homes
RE/MAX Professionals & Four Seasons Inc.