Andrew Culp, Anacortes Realtor

1206 L Avenue Anacortes WA 98221

2009-01-27T11:47:00.000-08:00

3 bedroom rambler, situated on a big lot. Right across the street from Whitney Elementary School and playground. Filtered views of Cap Sante and the Marina. Currently rented, so great investor potential or great starter home.

This home is being listed at $245,000.00. MLS # 29013207

Contact Andrew Culp for showings and Information
Andrew Culp
Realtor
John L. Scott Anacortes
Fax: (360)293-5605
Cell: (360)391-9342
E-mail: andrewculp@johnlscott.com
Website http://www.andrewculp.com/

Labor Day Weekend

2008-08-30T10:00:00.000-07:00

This is going to be a killer weekend. Dave Matthews at the Gorge, Then Bumbershoot Sunday and Monday. I finally will get to see STP!!!

Well, too much stuff to do to get ready.

Oyster Run 2008

2008-08-21T13:08:00.000-07:00

The bikers are coming! The Bikers are Coming!

September 28th 2008 the bikes will hit the road and wind up in Anacortes for what is always a fantastic event. Everyone in attendance, young and old are bound to have a great time. Visit their website to get a complete run down of the events. http://www.oysterrun.org/ I look forward to seeing you there.

Anacortes Arts and Crafts

2008-07-25T10:42:00.000-07:00

On August 1, 2 and 3, 2008, the streets of Anacortes fill with 250 outstanding juried Booth Artisans, first class Fine Art Exhibitions, Culinary Art with an international selection of foods, and a creative Youth Activities area for the youngest artists.

Pre-Festival activities begin July 25th with the Opening of the Art at the Port fine art exhibition. And to kick things off... the Art Dash on Saturday, July 26.

Four stages of free music during the festival offer Jazz, Rhythm & Blues, Rock, Latin, Folk, Classical, Tango and more.
The evening Concerts at the Port start Saturday, July 26th. These intimate concerts feature well-known musicians in a setting overlooking the water. Tickets are $15 and now available at our office. Call 360-293-6211 for complete information.

One of a kind Home in Mount Vernon

2008-07-24T13:53:00.000-07:00

911 N. 12th St. Mount Vernon WA

This Home is Being offered at $574,952.00

One of a kind updated farmhouse in the heart of Mount Vernon. The lot is huge, the home is huge, the garage/shop/studio loft area is huge,you can fit a 24'RV and hook it up in one of the bays. Garden space galore and a green house for starters. Private solarium off the master with a hot tub. Passive solar heat,skylights,wrap-around deck,and a fully finished basement add to the numerous features of this home. The MIL is a detached 650sqft 1 bedroom 1 bath with its own garage and laundry.

Contact Andrew Culp for showings and Information

Andrew Culp

Realtor

John L. Scott Anacortes

Fax: (360)293-5605

Cell: (360)391-9342

E-mail: andrewculp@johnlscott.com

Website http://www.andrewculp.com/

2202 19th St. Anacortes

2007-12-19T13:39:00.000-08:00

Price Reduced!!!!!!!!!!

Now offered at $497,565.00

Roomy 5 bedroom home in Windward Village. Daylight rambler with Baker and Island views. Open concept main floor has hardwood floors with cherry accents,crown moulding,vaulted ceilings,and big windows to let in lots of natural light. Efficient gourmet kitchen has granite counters,gas range,double oven,and pantry. Master suite has 3/4bath with tavertine elevated counter and walk in closet. Downstairs has 2 beds,full bath and a rec/media room,and lots of unfinished storage.
Contact Andrew Culp with John L. Scott Anacortes:
Andrew Culp
Realtor
John L. Scott Anacortes
(360)391-9342Fax: (360)293-5605
andrewculp@johnlscott.com
http://www.andrewculp.com/

1019 21st St. Anacortes

2007-08-22T14:32:00.001-07:00

This one is sold, but there will be others!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

Vintage Anacortes home! Situated on a big fenced corner lot, a 2+Bedroom 1 Bath features lots of upgrades. Vinyl windows and easy care vinyl siding. RV parking, garden spaces, dog kennel,and mature trees. The detached 2 car garage also has a shop area and a 1 bedroom 3/4 bath apartment. Great Zoning potential R-4, so a lot can be done with this property. Contact Andrew Culp with John L. Scott Anacortes:

Andrew Culp
Realtor
John L. Scott Anacortes
(360)391-9342
Fax: (360)293-5605
andrewculp@johnlscott.com
http://www.andrewculp.com/

Oyster Run 2007

2007-08-17T13:01:00.000-07:00

Oyster Run 2007 is almost upon us! For those of you that live in the Northwest and haven't experienced Oyster Run in Anacortes, it is a blast! Our little town gets converted into a giant party with Bikers, Bars, Beer gardens, Boisterous fun, and Unmuffled exhaust. It all happens on Sunday September 23rd. There is no specified time or route to participate in the run. People even show up at the start of the weekend to check out the town and participate in the pre-run festivities. Downtown really gears up for the weekend by bringing in live music for the weekend. For complete details go to the official website http://www.oysterrun.org/ There are lots of links to local information on their site.
This is a very family friendly event. I take my boys downtown to look at the bikes and of course the people watching is fantastic. Here are a few pictures of the Bikes and the masses of people that come down for the food, fun and entertainment.

Nearly New in Mount Vernon WA

2007-07-17T15:05:00.001-07:00

Fantastic 2 bed 1 bath home in Mount Vernon. Open floor plan with vaulted ceilings. Well maintained inside and out. Privacy fenced with attractive landscaping. Inside has decorator accents and a beautiful color palate. Contact Andrew Culp for additional information and showings.

Andrew Culp

Realtor

John L. Scott Anacortes

http://www.andrewculp.com/

http://www.johnlscott.com/andrewculp

(360)391-9342

Roger Waters Gm Place June 21, 2007

2007-06-22T11:43:00.000-07:00

Here's the set list for the show. Absolutely spot-on musically. Great effects, a giant flying astronaut, a giant flying pig, and a laser light show that blew my mind. The Woman that did "Great Gig in the Sky" nailed it, and sent chills up and down my spine. I've seen Pink Floyd a couple of times and this show was the best yet. I'm a little biased though, I look at Roger Waters as the driving force behind everything that is Pink Floyd.

Set One

Roger Waters and band play Pink Floyd's "Set the Controls for the Heart of the Sun"
In the Flesh
Mother
Set the Controls for the Heart of the Sun
Shine On You Crazy Diamond (Parts II - V) (abridged)
Have a Cigar
Wish You Were Here
Southampton Dock
The Fletcher Memorial Home
Perfect Sense, Parts 1 and 2
Leaving Beirut
Sheep
Set Two, (The Dark Side of the Moon)

Roger Waters performing Dark Side of the Moon Live in 2007
Speak to Me
Breathe
On the Run
Time
Breathe (Reprise)
The Great Gig in the Sky
Money
Us and Them
Any Colour You Like
Brain Damage
Eclipse
Encore
The Happiest Days of Our Lives
Another Brick in the Wall, Part II
Vera
Bring the Boys Back Home
Comfortably Numb

Anacortes Waterfront Festival

2007-04-09T13:55:00.000-07:00

Events
Waterfront Festival Kick-off Dinner – hosted by the Port of Anacortes and presented by the Economic Development Association of Skagit County and the Anacortes Chamber of Commerce, this event launches the festival with a community gathering. Tickets $47/person or $360/table of 8 are available by calling EDASC 360.336.6114. Featured band: Tim Casey and the Bluescats (www.timcaseybluescats)
Children’s Area – Free activities for children and pay-for-play features
FREE BOAT RIDES – brought to you by the Anacortes Yacht Club, located on D Dock
Learn in the Big Top – Educational displays – learn about boats, the waterfront and so much more.
Boat Show – In-water and trailered boats will be on display. Contact the chamber to get involved.
Car Show – Open Class Car show. Contact the Majestic Glass Corvette Club: 299.9303

Car Show Information

Corvette Show Information
Swap Meet – Marine Swap Meet & Small Used Boats (small charge for setting out your stuff)
Model Boat Show – Hosted by Skagit R/C Ship Modelers
Water Safety Demonstrations

Andrew Culp, Anacortes Realtor: Anacortes View Home

2007-04-01T11:09:00.000-07:00

Andrew Culp, Anacortes Realtor: Anacortes View Home

Anacortes View Home

2007-04-01T10:55:00.000-07:00

Brand new home overlooking Fidalgo Bay and Cap Sante. Main level open floorplan with fireplace,and a den/bedroom with its own fireplace. Beautiful granite countertops,tile backsplash,tile floors,and stainless appliances in the spacious kitchen. Water views from the Master Suite and an enormous walk-in closet. The Master Bath has granite counters,double sink,big tile shower and extra linen closets. Two lower bedrooms and full bath share a large family/media room with other bonus rooms.

Anacortes Real Estate

2007-03-26T11:05:00.000-07:00

Well now that it's oficially spring, things are begining to happen around here. The Real Estate market is begining to take it's annual upturn in activity. Western Washington is coming out of its winter slumber and people are very optimistic about the prospects of buying a home in Anacortes. Go to my website http://www.andrewculp.com for all of your Real Estate questions and answers. I also have lots of local business information to provide the resources for any questions you may have regarding Anacortes Washington.

Mount Vernon Hill

2007-02-20T09:58:00.000-08:00

Immaculately maintained home on the hill in Mount Vernon. Lots of garden space on this large lot,with a spacious wrap around deck for entertaining and views of the Skagit River. The interior boasts a bath off the master, gas fireplace insert,and views of the Skagit from the living room and kitchen. The lower level has a spacious flexible floor plan with lots of possibilities for different uses, bedroom, offfice, meia room. Bring your imagination.

This Big picture window looks out over the deck and to the Skagit River.

Lots of garden Space in the back yard

The Finished Basement has over 700 square feet and is flexible as an office/bedroom/media/family room.

Real Estate Profitability

2007-01-11T12:25:00.000-08:00

I'm really optimistic about 2007. I think that a lot of the buyers that were holding back around the holidays are starting to re-enter the market. Mortgage applications are up in my area and prices seem to have stabilized. Of course it is more important now to price a home right the first time. The homes that are priced right are percieved as the cream of the crop and outsell their competition. I work with my sellers to achieve the highest realistic price for their home, and I impress upon them that it's the market that sets their price, not their need or greed.
Oh, and another thing. I used to counter low ball offers in a sarcastic tone. If they came in at $20K below the asking price, I would counter back at $20K over the asking price, and let the selling agent know that my sellers were deeply insulted. Since our market has cooled since 2005, I have a different tone. I look at any offer and think, "well,here's a starting point, let's put this together". That strategy has paid off for me. Sometimes you just have to roll with the punches.

New Listing in Sedro Woolley

2007-01-02T13:22:00.000-08:00

Sedro Wooley charmer on about 1/4 acre. 2Bed 1Bath with many upgrades. New Kitchen cabinets and stainless steel appliances. A remodeled bathroom with jetted tub and tankless gas water heater. The exterior boasts a new roof, 16x16 cedar deck, hot tub, and a poured concrete patio. Garage has been rewired, plummed and framed in for additional space (shop,rec room, storage)just needs some finish work. Offered at $189,900.00 by Andrew Culp Realtor John L. Scott Anacortes (360)391-9342

Does Spelling Count?

2006-12-29T16:21:00.000-08:00

It always pays to proof your ads before they go to print. Realtors have so many platforms in which to market homes an share information. Letting a typo fall through the cracks can actually get someone in hot water with HUD or their local Board.

Rest in Peace Godfather

2006-12-25T15:12:00.000-08:00

There have been many musicians hat I have enjoyed over the years, and their deaths have saddened me. John Lennon, John Bonham, Keith Moon, Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Jerry Garcia, Dimebag, and too many more to mention. They have added one of the greatest ever to their attendance. His last words,"I'm going away". Well, wherever you are going James, a lot of people will miss you.

More Power to You

2006-12-21T09:24:00.000-08:00

What a weekend we had in Western Washington! 90 mph winds, sideways rain, power outages, and cold weather. I'm grateful for good friends who let us use their shower. We had to cancel a dinner party on Sunday due to the lack of power, and water. That's nothing compared to people who still haven't got any power or heat and don't look like they'll get any relief for several more days. I take my hat off to those work crews that have been working their asses off so that we can be comfortable. To everybody braving the cold to cut down trees and re-establish power to all the residences in Western Washington a huge THANK YOU!!!!!!!

Anacortes Condominium 1710 Skyline Way #204

2006-12-12T12:52:00.000-08:00

Close to Whidbey Island NAS and ready to move in, 2bedrooms 2 full baths condominium in Anacortes Washington. Two balconies, one has a private access from one of the bedrooms. Two seperate entrances make this a unique set up for a flexible living situation. This condo was recently updated in the kitchen and has new flooring throughout the home. Call your helpful listing agent Andrew Culp (360)391-9342 for showings and additional information.

I'm doing some time for Jerry's Kids

2006-11-30T21:22:00.000-08:00

This year, I have the honor and pleasure of participating in MDA's Anacortes Lock-Up to help "Jerry's Kids®". To reach my goal I need your help! I'd like to include you or your company on my list of contributors who are helping me reach my goal. Your donation would help MDA continue the important fight against muscular dystrophy. Check out my web page by clicking on the link above. There you'll find all kinds of information about MDA, and be able to make your tax-deductible donation on-line using your credit card. MDA serves people in our community with neuromuscular disease by providing clinics, support groups, assistance with the purchase and repair of wheelchairs, braces and communication devices, and summer camp for kids. MDA also funds research grants to help find treatments and cures for some 43 neuromuscular diseases that affect people of all ages, right here in our community. I sincerely hope that you'll take the opportunity to support MDA. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to call or e-mail me. On behalf of the families MDA serves, thank you! Warmest Regards, Andrew Culp
Click here to visit my Participant Page.If the link above does not bring you to my Participant Page, cut and paste the address below into the address bar of your internet browser.https://www.mdaevent.org/ParticipantInfo.aspx?j=ac06cca6-11e7-4440-9be9-e67c4935ea20

Snowed In

2006-11-28T10:06:00.000-08:00

Real Estate in winter is challenging. Only the most motivated buyers and sellers get involved in transactions when it's snowing and blowing. In my corner of the world we are challenged with icy roads, power outages, and school closures. Thankfully it only lasts for a couple of weeks every year. I don't know how Realtors in the midwest do it when they have a solid three months of winter.

This is a great time to go on vacation, or just spend some quality time with the family. I can't believe I spent thirty dollars for a cheap plastic sled at the hardware store. It was well worth the price watching my four year old bombing down the hills. He had no desire to go back in the house even though his face was beet red and numb. I think he thouroughly enjoyed himself.

This can be a challenging time for the housing market, but showing homes can be a lot of fun when the family has the house all dressed up for Christmas, with the lights and the tree and all of the decorations. The prospective buyers don't have to use their imagination to wonder what the house would look like with holiday decorations.

Some homes look really good with a good layer of snow around. It's also nice to publish pictures and market homes with the contrast of the snow bringing out the colors of the home and trim. With view property there are fewer obstructions this time of year without the leaves on the trees. I'm going out today to get a few snowy shots on a couple listings just for additional marketing pictures.

I wish the snow would last longer but in the Pacific Northwest this is just a temporary condition. It's going to melt away soon and be replaced by rain as usual.

Turkey Day

2006-11-21T00:54:00.000-08:00

I love this time of year!!!! i don't want to hurt anyone's feelings, but I go nuts for turkey on Thanksgiving. I am a complete and total carnivore, and when it comes to that big roasted bird I lose my mind.
I am so grateful for my clients, and all that I have is because of them. Let's face it folks, without our people we would have no business. In addition, a lot of my success is due to my wife's contribution to the homestead. It takes a lot of patience and planning to manage a household and my wife is the glue that holds ours together. I am truly blessed and have a lot to give thanks for, this and every year.
Let's get back to the Big Day. Since I kind of grew up I have come to love this holiday that is devoted to gluttony, sloth, and greed. I only partake in the first two. I leave the Black Friday shopping to the rest of the crazy people who are convinced that they are actually saving money by shopping the day after Thanksgiving sales. I actually heard a relative bragging about saving six dollars by driving twenty miles to get to a big box store. You do the math.
Gluttony and Sloth! Now that's for me. I do all of the cooking, Stuffed Roasted Turkey, Mashed Potatoes, Green Bean Casserole, Gravy, Cranberry Sauce(out of a can), and Pecan Pie a la mode for dessert. If anybody has a favorite dish they are welcome to bring it, but that's all that I cook. In between all of that cooking I still manage to watch the football games. I'm so thrilled, there are three games to watch this year thanks to the NFL network. One of which includes the Miami Dolphins, my favorite team.
Wine is an integral part of the dinner. My preferrence is Pinot Noir with turkey, but there are so many varietals that go with the dinner that I put out a big selection for guests.
Enjoy this holiday with family and friends and don't forget to nap before dessert to make room for pie!
Happy Thanksgiving

Winter whale watching

2006-11-14T15:08:00.000-08:00

Well, here it is mid-November and I am already missing summer. I usually don't get this way until around the begining of February, but we have had the rainiest November (it's about to break the record) and it's looking pretty gray today.
I was just thinking back on how wonderful this summer was, and how much fun whale watching can be. I feel so fortunate to be in a place that has such easy access to boating, the ocean, and a vast array of marine wildlife. I have only had one opportunity to whale watch from my house. It was June of 2002 when my son pointed out the spray of a surfacing Orca. The small group passed by Deception Island and skirted the western coast of Whidbey Island by the Naval Air Station. I'm not sure if it is fact, but I was told that the whales won't go through Deception Pass, because that was where their ancestors were caught for the water-theme parks back in the seventies.
There are a couple of whale watching businesses out of Seattle, as well as Anacortes and other San Juan Islands. The companies I have dealt with have really gone out of their way to run a first class operation, and have proven over time that eco-tourism is a valuable resource to be respected and protected. They keep their distance from the animals, and they don't waste a lot of time searching around because they have a wonderful network of spotters that keep them informed as to the current locatoins of the different pods. The staff on board are well informed about the whales as well as other wildlife that one might encounter on any trip.
It's not a bad idea to go whale watching in winter. There are fewer runs, and yes it can get cold and wet, but dress for the Northwest and find a whale watch boat with a big cabin. I have a links to Some of the services that Anacortes has to offer, check them out and let me know what you think.

Benefit Tonight

2006-11-12T09:35:00.000-08:00

Tonia Radke has some huge medical bills to pay with no insurance (bartenders rarely have insurance) Come in and support her by participating in our silent auction, raffle or just buy a burger, Anacortes Amber, Absolut, Jim Beam or Sauza! Procedes go to the Tonia Radke Melanoma Fund.Silent auction begins Sunday morning. Come in and fill out a bid form and re-bid as often as you like and we will contact you if you win such items as an ipod nano, 2hrs of limousine service, full car detailing, local restaurant gift certificates, massages, salon product and service, art work and much more. At 9pm there will be a $3 joint cover with the Watertown (100% donated) at the Brown- Mouseheart Factor performs followed by Red Note and DJ Funkin' A. In between MC AC Murry will be giving away some fantastic raffle prizes. At the Watertown To Spite Mike performs followd by Thin the Herd. See you there!

Covenants Codes and Restrictions

2006-11-07T11:51:00.000-08:00

Anyone who lives in a neighborhood with a homeowners association, architectural committee, or any local governing board has run into some form of resistance when it comes to change. Change, be it good, bad, or indifferent is difficult when a consensus is required.
What are CC&Rs? The covenants, conditions and restrictions (CC&Rs) are the governing documents that dictate how the homeowners association operates and what rules the owners -- and their tenants and guests -- must obey. These legal documents might also be called the bylaws, the master deed, the houses rules or another name. These documents and rules are legally enforceable by the homeowners association, unless a specific provision conflicts with federal, state or local laws.
I pulled that definition off of Realtor.com. It seemed to be the most comprehensive (and shortest) definition I could find.
I look at CC&Rs as a double edged sword. They are established to maintain a certain level of integrity and uniformity to the neighborhood or condo. However, they also restrict one of the fundamentals that makes us all proud to be Americans, FREEDOM.
I have sold homes to clients that expressed to me that they would absolutely not live in a neighborhood with and HOA, and I have sold homes to people that liked the idea of an association looking out for the neighborhood. As an agent, I find myself riding the fence in this debate. It's really easy to do a Comparative Market Analysis in a neighborhood that has conformed to the original design and maintained the sameness for all of the houses. I find myself scrathing my head sometimes in an area that has gone unchecked, and there are very few similar homes from which to draw any comparisons.
That's what makes this job unique. If every home were the same we all would be doing something else for a living.

Anacortes in Winter

2006-11-04T12:58:00.000-08:00

I just remembered one of the many reasons Why I love Anacortes. Even though it's a little cold and rainy today, We still know how to have fun.
My wife and I went for a ride yesterday just to storm-watch. The wind and rain were unstoppable. We drove up and down the coastline stopping at various places to watch mother nature do her thing. The leaves were blowing off of the trees, branches were all over the roads, birds were having a hard time getting to where they wanted to go. At a couple of shoreline stops we watched the surf throw fifty foot logs around like they were tinkertoys.
Anacortes beaches are the best for storm watching. I always feel for the folks braving the weather in boats as they journey through Deception Pass. The currents are dangerous and mix in some 50 mile an hour winds and you've got yourself a rodeo. Our house is on a high bank at Rosario Beach and from our living room we can watch the boats go by and watch the high energy beach action when the storms come in. Living there is not without its problems. With the high winds come the occasional power outages. Good for flashlight tag, but not so hot when it comes to showers(no water).
The power outages don't usually last for more than a day or so. It's a small price to pay for living in paradise.

Deferred maintenance

2006-11-02T12:56:00.000-08:00

Recently I had the opportunity to sell a home in Anacortes that had quite a lot of growth around it. I made the call to my buyers that first and foremost this home needed to be groomed. The plant material was overgrown and in direct contact with the siding and the roof. There were even places where the plants were growing into the siding. The mature landscaping was not ugly, but did threaten the well being of the home.
Undeterred, my clients went ahead and made an offer on the home. After a little haggling it was accepted and we pressed on toward inspections. The home inspector came to the same conclusions as I did. Trim back the shrubs!!! Now here's where things got wierd. We called for the sellers to cut back all of the vegetation a minimum of six inches from the home. Sellers agreed, but warned of a few plants that might suffer permanent damage from the pruning. Buyers got anxious and were no longer keen on trimming things back. Sellers did the bare minimum, buyers checked it out and were satisfied.
Now, I am not a botanist, arborist, or gardener. These matters are like trying to understand why my wife needs so many shoes. I drove by the house the other day. The new owners not only trimmed things back, but it looked like they completely removed the plants that they previously had been so concerned about preserving. Ah, the rights and pleasures of home ownership.
I can even recall a deal where the sellers insisted on writing up an addenda that allowed them to come back to the property after closing, and harvest their green beans from their garden. And they say that we don't deserve or earn our commissions.

Political Fallout

2006-11-01T13:40:00.000-08:00

So, Bush and Kerry are at it again. After John Kerry fired a bunch of one liners the entire GOP is up in arms and ready to tar and feather the Senator. Can't anyone take a joke anymore? What ever happened to free speech?
I can hardly wait to see what happens next. I appreciate what Kerry had to say about the state of our country. I understood completely when he made fun of Bush, "You know, education, if you make the most of it, you study hard, you do your homework and you make an effort to be smart, you can do well. If you don't, you get stuck in Iraq."
With all of the resources at his fingertips our President should be making informed decisions about foreign and domestic policies. There are men and women out there that have a better understanding of how to deal with, and achieve diplomatic relationships with different cultures that are different from ours. These people are paid to advise and counsel our leaders. It is up to our leaders to listen.
Bush's response was the classic gibberish that we have been laughing at for six years now, "The members of the United States military are plenty smart and they are plenty brave, and the senator from Massachusetts owes them an apology," said Bush.
I have served in the military and I know that we have intelligent and brave men and women serving our country. Bush's quote just further supported Kerry's joke, however "botched" it may have seemed to the press and everyone else who found it objectionable

Anacortes Real Estate

2006-10-31T11:44:00.000-08:00

Get there any way you can.

The process of moving doesn't have to be this involved. I have all of the resources that it takes to make your next move a smooth one. Go to my website and start your transition today. www.andrewculp.com

I just got served

2006-10-25T15:17:00.000-07:00

I just recieved a subpoena today to appear in court. Thankfully it's not me on trial here.
Here's a little background, you see I knew this day would come. Over a year ago I listed a home in which my client was murdered!!
I made my first follow-up call after the weekend to report any showing activity and just check on my client's status. Everything was just fine, no showings but overall my client was pleased by my attention and marketing plan that was well underway. By the second week I made my calls and got no response. I attempted repeatedly to make phone contact but to no avail. It was on week three that I was finally able to contact the client's daughter. I was surprised when she answered the home phone. It was then that I heard the bad news.
Here we are, over a year later and the suspect is being brought to trial. The prosecution wants me as a wittness. Dum Dum, Ba Ba Ba Ba Ba Ba The theme song from Law & Order was the first thing out of my mouth. I don't know whether to be excited or scared out of my mind. I really have done my best to avoid courtrooms. Nothing but criminals and attorneys there.
Anybody else have this happen to them?

The Best of Times

2006-10-17T13:05:00.000-07:00

These are the times that try men's souls. Baloney!!!!!!
Welcome one and all to the reality of Real Estate. As a Realtor in a consistently hot market, let me tell you that this cool down that we are experiencing is a welcome one. For the last 3 years, my sales territory has experienced unprecedented growth. This has been great from a volume standpoint. From a customer-care standpoint it has been less than glorious.
I built my business on a client based business model. I have many years in various service industries where the customer is always right and that's hard to ignore. Many businesses have poor products, but if the perception of quality is instilled in the consumer, they will succeed. This is especially dificult in hot Real Estate markets. Try to explain to long time residents of a community that rising housing prices have driven them out of the market. "If I had only bought five years ago" is the cry of the first time buyer.
So what is the secret? How can everyone benefit from a hot market that is slowing?
Here it is.........Are you ready?............Do you have a pen and paper?..........
Don't wait for the bubble to burst!! There is no such thing!! Don't wait to pay off your fancy car!! Trade it in for something practical!! Clean up your credit and get pre-qualified!!
There I'm done yelling at you. Now that I have your attention, here's some sound advise. Real Estate will always blow hot and cold. Be patient. Just like the stock market there are always ups and downs. Buy now when it's cooler and when it heats up again, sell. You will still make money even if we don't see double digit appreciation every year. It's still cheaper than renting and it's an investment in your retirement. (but that's another story)
What makes this such a great time to invest in a home or investment property is that sellers have to get real. They can't price their property as agressively, and have to look reality in the face. Gone are the days of the multiple offer situation. We can actually fit the home to the buyers' needs and avoid pressurring our clients into a "buy it now or lose it" scenario. Let's all breathe a sigh of relief and get back to service with a smile. It's a wonderful time to be in this business.

The Crest

2006-10-17T12:53:00.000-07:00

This is my hangout every Thursday (if it's sunny) and some weekends. I'm part of a team that sits the condo's model. There are only five units still available. One Penthouse, one second floor, and three groundfloor units. The views out here are incredible. I sit and watch the boat traffic all day, while working on my laptop. Thank God for wireless internet.
I know what you're thinking......What's the pricetag? For a 2900 square foot condo the price range is $699,000-$969,000 depending on views and of course upgrades are additional. If you're ever in the area, stop by and visit one of the team. We'll be happy to show you around the model, and if you're real nice, we'll take you around in the construction areas. You have to sign a release form first. Injury liability and all that.
Go to the web site for more information. http://www.thecrestatsunsetcove.com/

Eaglemont

2006-10-17T12:21:00.000-07:00

This one is sold but there are more.

Just a Chip shot away from Eaglemont's Clubhouse. Built in 2000 this well cared for home sits in a well established neighborhood in the Eaglemont community. Professionally landscaped and appointed with a peaceful backyard oasis that has a pergola and a Koi pond waterfall feature. Inside there are three bedrooms and two and a half baths. The master is on the main level with a deep walk-in closet and master bath soaking tub and separate shower. The living room has cathedral ceilings, a two sided fireplace and giant windows to let the sunshine in. A formal dining room and kitchen with eat-in space, a kitchen island, and large pantry make for easy entertaining. This fine home is beinng offered at $389,999. Please contact this friendly listing agent for showing information. (360)391-9342

Inspection,Who's Responsible?

2006-10-17T12:07:00.000-07:00

My training taught me quite a lot about contracts, and customer service. My training also taught me about liability. Here's a little annecdotal information. An agent and client were present together with the home inspector during an inspection. The new agent, eager to be helpful and diligent, went everywhere with the client and the inspector around the house. Taking care to note any deficiencies that the inspector points out. It's a newer home, so no laundry list of problems. Except, they couldn't get the gas range and oven to work. After a few attempts they moved on. End of story......right? Later that evening the seller comes home to a gas filled home, rescues the family pet and ventilates the house. Whew!!!! No harm done, everyone's OK.
Flip that story around to a not so happy ending. Consider the liabilities for the inspector, and the agent. We operate with the best intentions. We do our best for our clients. All it takes is one small slip and the lawyers and insurance companies are on us like a cheap suit. They always look for the deepest pockets. The agent may or may not be loaded, but you can be damn sure the brokerage has got some coin, and who cares who goes down in the process.
I'm not too keen on the verbage on listing agreements. The liability coverage of homeowners' insurance policies is supposed to cover damage of real and personal property. What about personal injury? Who is responsible for clients and their pets, and their friends, and their neighbors, and their kids, and their cousins, and their parents, and their cars, should something go wrong at a listed property?