PHILOSOPHY

Because of its complexity and far reaching implications, the process of buying and/or selling a home can often be confusing and stressful. In our current market, more than ever before, making sound buying and selling decisions can impact not only life style but also long-term financial stability. As a result, choosing a competent real estate agent to guide, advise and advocate for you has more long-term impact now than ever before. As an agent, I take my responsibility to my clients very seriously. I use my 31 years of experience to optimize the end result for every client I work with. Whether helping a buyer make a sound purchase or successfully walking a seller through the process, my clients always know that I advocate competently and skillfully on their behalf. My goal in every real estate transaction is not only to earn a client for life but one who will want to share their positive experience with their friends and neighbors.

SERVICE

Well-informed buyers and sellers are the best equipped to make the best buying and selling decisions. To this end, I keep myself current on issues affecting the real estate marketplace and communicate them to you in a clear and concise manner. My commitment to you as a client is that I will work diligently, listen carefully and communicate clearly. I will be accessible and responsive to your wants and needs. I will follow through on the details, until my job has been successfully concluded.
Because the market place is constantly changing, I regularly attend classes dealing with new trends and issues in the market place as well as innovations in the industry. As part of my continuing education and to better serve my clients, I have obtained the following designations: Associate Broker (AB), Graduate of the Realtor’s Institute (GRI), Accredited Buyer Representative (ABR), Accredited Staging Professional (ASP), and Certified Negotiation Expert (CNE).

EXPERIENCE

In one short year after my entry into the real estate profession (January 1979), the galloping housing market of the late 70’s started to crumble. By early 1980, interest rates jumped from 11% to 14% over just one weekend. The market stalled and sales tanked. Then interest rates rose to 17%. Seller’s wanted to sell, but often their equity was less than the market value of their homes. The historically high interest rates made purchasing a home out of reach for many buyers. It was not a good time to be entering the real estate profession. The real estate ranks thinned. Many experienced agents decided it was time to retire. Agents new to the business dropped out in droves. Real estate offices closed. The agents who thrived were agents who were able to think outside the box order to help their clients buy and sell homes.
In the market of the early 1980s, persistence, creativity and skill were required to keep the market moving. It was the climate in which I learned real estate skills that still serve me today in a different but equally challenging economy. Since the market of the early 80’s, there have been other market blips, but none as severe of our current economic situation. In today’s market, the buyers and sellers who work with a skillful agent stand to benefit the most from the unique opportunities that today’s market offers. My experience and skill as proven in a variety of market conditions over the years gives my clients an added edge in tough markets.

BACKGROUND

In 1977, I graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of California of San Diego (UCSD) with a degree in English Literature. At the time I graduated I was nine months pregnant and had a two-year-old daughter. My youngest daughter, who was due on graduation day, was born a week late, so I was able to attend the graduation ceremonies.
After living in California most of my life I was able to return to Washington State (my place of birth) in 1977 and began my real estate career shortly thereafter. Succeeding in the challenging economy of the time prepared me become an effective advocate for my clients in any real estate market. In the years since starting my career, I have learned and developed many more skills which continue to benefit my clients.
I have enjoyed my many years in Seattle practicing my profession of choice and making many new friends along the way. My husband, Peter, and I have two married daughters and two irresistible little grandchildren - all of whom also live in Seattle! Peter and I own an 1889 Victorian home which Peter has spent numerous years restoring and updating. My interests, many of which are shared by Peter, include running, hiking, skiing, boating, opera, reading, sewing, knitting, cooking and Spanish language study.