because being happy matters
Your no-fluff, no frills, no nonsense guide to all things real estate in the Pacific Northwest.
About Andi
I believe that buying and selling real estate can (and should) be fun.
If your last buying or selling experience was... how do I say this? Less fun than a root canal, let's talk.
Buying and selling homes is not for the faint of heart.
If only it were as easy as they make wedding dress shopping look on "Say Yes to the Dress."
"This is the one!" you imagine yourself saying. Then, you wrap it up, exchange some money, and live happily ever after.
Right?
Well, not exactly.
Or at least not traditionally.
See, there are plenty of agents who think that the more obscure they make the process, the more job security they have.
That's not me.
In fact, it's my job as your agent to get you the best price possible (if you're selling) and have a really clear idea of what you're buying, at the best deal possible (if you're buying).
And fun? Well, that's just icing on the cake.
I'm not going to sugarcoat things if an inspection report comes back with glaring red flags.
I'm going to advocate for you every step of the way.
Because this isn't just a regular purchase.
It's your life.
Knowledge = Power
I'm here to provide you with as much knowledge and information as possible for you to make the best decision for the next chapter of your life.
Questions to ask an agent you want to work with
Most real estate agents want the best for their clients. But this is a decision that will guide you through one of the biggest decisions of your life. And since it's a big deal, here are some questions to ask any potential agent:
"Would you represent multiple buyers in one transaction?"
Agents who represent multiple buyers in the same transaction have insider information that doesn't help everyone. You want an agent that will only present one offer — yours — in any given buying situation.
"Are you going to represent both the buyer and the seller in the same transaction?"
Agents who represent BOTH the buyer and the seller in the same transaction put themselves in a pickle. How do they give the seller top dollar AND ensure the buyer is getting the best deal?
"I'd like to use a different inspector or vendor than what you're recommending. How do you feel about that?"
Agents who only recommend inspectors they're related to, or agents that openly discourage working with vendors you already trust could have a conflict of interest. You want someone who will support your decisions every step of the way, and will only offer their trusted resources as a suggestion, not a mandate.
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"Do I have to use your lender or can I bring my own?"
Agents who require you to be pre-approved by one of THEIR lenders almost always have a financial incentive to do so. You want someone, again, who will work with you, no matter how you've managed your financing.
"Will you explain everything I'm signing?"
Agents who don't explain what they're asking you to sign forget that even though they see this paperwork every single day, you don't.
"Can I come to you with a list of houses I've already seen?"
Agents who get nervous when they see you're searching for homes without them forget that their role has changed. We're not in the business of finding you a home, there are plenty of tools that can do that for you. We're in the business of being your advocate in one of the biggest purchases of your life.
"Will you adhere to my price range?"
Agents who encourage you to "just browse" before you know your price range WANT you to overextend yourself. But that's just not cool.
"How big of a deal is water damage?"
Agents who don't seem to understand the role of water damage in the Pacific Northwest will make a mountain out of a (can't help it) mold hill. Over the years, I've learned to interpret water damage and will help you figure out what can be remediated and what can't.
There's no upward limit to the number of questions I'm willing to answer.
In today's market (and I don't see this changing any time soon), houses are selling fast. REALLY fast. So it pays to be really well informed when you list.
That's what I'm here for.
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