Seattle Real Estate Blog ~ Seattle's Urban Villages ~ Deborah Burns

Please visit my blogs at:

I am also a contributor to:

If you are Relocating to Seattle and thinking of Buying a Seattle Home, please contact me. As a Relocation Specialist I would be happy to help you make Seattle your new home.

If you are already living in Seattle, and thinking of Buying or Selling your Seattle Home, I would be happy to meet, and talk with you about the service I provide my clients as a Seattle Real Estate Agent.

Free HubSpot.com Social Media Marketing Webinar This Wednesday!

Deborah Burns ~ Seattle Real Estate Agent (BRIO Realty) — Sat, 05 Apr 2008 23:53:28 -0500

I have been a guest at several HubSpot.com Webinars and have found them very helpful and interesting. This coming Wednesday's Webinar is about Social Media Marketing, something I want to know more about. This is what HubSpot has to say about the Webinar:

Learn how to harness the power of the social mediasphere

- facebook, digg, del.icio.us, reddit, and many others -

to get found by more potential customers, develop meaningful relationships with others in your industry,

and position yourself as an expert in your field.

This webinar is intended for marketing professionals and business owners

who wish to learn about leveraging social media for their business.

No prior knowledge is required.

Register for Free Webinar

I have been wanting to improve my Social Media Marketing for awhile, but I have not understood how to do it effectively. I have both a Facebook and LinkedIn account and the only reason I do is because someone I admire sent me invitations to join his network! So far I have not done much with either. The other Social Media places like digg, del.icio.us (I pronounce this weirdly BTW) reddit etc. I am clueless about. HubSpot is offering me (and you if you register) a wonderful opportunity to learn more about them and how to use them effectively.

I am planning on attending, you can too!

Jumping into the Flip Video Wave....

Deborah Burns ~ Seattle Real Estate Agent (BRIO Realty) — Sat, 05 Apr 2008 12:09:04 -0500

A few months ago I was not convinced that video had much value in a real estate blog and commented about my opinion on The Real Estate Tomato on "What Is The Future Of The Real Estate Blog?"

Video means you have to wait for it to load, before knowing much about it's value.
Video means that you have to watch and listen in to see if it has interest or value for you...no skimming a written post to see if you want to read more in depth.
Video is harder to do well and there may be a "cringe" or embarassment factor to the viewer for watching a poorly done video production.
Watching someone drone on and on without getting to the point is tedious.
Video from the point of view of the blogger invloves extra costs to do video well.
Not all bloggers will "present" well to the camera.
And the most improtant factor for a blogger...it's not professional to video blog on camera in your PJ's or (?) at 3AM!

During the discussion I changed my mind, and decided that there was some good potential for effective video blogging...but I think that my list above must be addressed so that no one *clicks* away!

So I am now going to ride the video wave with many of my fellow ActiveRain blggers....

...I bought my Flip Video last Monday!

Loose Lips Sink More Than Ships...They Will Sabotage Your Negotiation Position!

Deborah Burns ~ Seattle Real Estate Agent (BRIO Realty) — Sat, 05 Apr 2008 04:50:02 -0500

Last year I was working with some very nice and friendly Seller Clients on selling their Seattle rental house. My Client's tenants had moved out, the house was vacant, and I added a few things to stage the Kitchen and Bath warming them up for online photos and potential buyers. The house was well priced and ready to Sell!

We got two offers the Monday following the first weekend of the house being listed for sale on the NWMLS. One Buyer's offer was accepted, the Buyer and the agent moved quickly to schedule an inspection. After the inspection the Buyer's agent called me to let me know that it was finished AND that my Seller Client happened to show up (lives next door) agreeing to fix everything that the inspector pointed out!

There went our negotiation position!

Tip for Sellers: Please don't give away your negotiation position, allow your agent be your liaison, avoid talking to potential Buyers, and especially avoid talking to the Buyers you are in contract with, that is your Seattle real estate agent's job! You may give away some of your homes value (your net proceeds) when you inadvertently give away information and your negotiation position....

Loose lips will sabotage your negotiation position!

My New Phone, 2 Points, Me...0 Points!

Deborah Burns ~ Seattle Real Estate Agent (BRIO Realty) — Sat, 05 Apr 2008 03:52:04 -0500

Okay...so I'm working on being Internet connected so that I can blog anytime, anywhere!

Three weeks ago I went to my local Verizon Store and announced to the first salesperson I saw, Tony, that I wanted a new phone with Internet capability and unlimited hours. After asking me questions trying to determine what kind of phone would be the best one for me, Tony showed me some Blackberry's.

The Blackberry Pearl (in pink!) beckoned and that's the one I picked.

Tony set me up with it, and when he reached for my old dependable LG "flippy" phone...I said "umm, I'm not ready to totally commit to my new phone yet". I need to keep my old phone until I figured out the new "Pearly" one.

It wasn't until a few days later on Monday, that I had time to "play" with my new pink Pearl and I realized that I was having trouble keying in on the keyboard (not full qwerty) and that was going to be a problem.

Score 1 for My New Phone, 0 for Me!

Returning to Verizon, I explained my difficultly to Tony with the Pearl phone. We talked further to determine what would work best for me. I needed a full qwerty keyboard, so that I can easily post comments or even write a blog post without my laptop. Enter the Samsung i760 with a slide out keyboard. Very cool! I walked out of the store with my new phone...and my old LG "flippy" phone still not ready to give it up!

Well, it's been almost two weeks, and except for sitting down twice to try and figure it out, I find that I need some help. When I get some time I will call and get some help over the phone...that would be making the call on my old LG "flippy" phone!

Score 1 more (that makes 2) for My New Phone, 0 for Me!

The Real Estate Tomato and I....

Deborah Burns ~ Seattle Real Estate Agent (BRIO Realty) — Sat, 05 Apr 2008 02:09:13 -0500

One of the wonderful things about participating here on ActiveRain is learning...

and here I learned about The Real Estate Tomato ....

Well over a year ago one of the blogs I regularly read and subscribed to was The Real Estate Tomato because of all the wonderful and helpful tips on blogging and SEO. I decided early on that someday I would have them "do" a custom blog site for me. Occasionally I would leave comments on the RET blog (not just the ActiveRain one) and let them know that someday...I would have a "Tomato Blog".

Interestingly enough with all the recent blogging here on ActiveRain about using videos on blogs and the Flip Video I got into a discussion last November on The Real Estate Tomato after their post: "What Is The Future Of The Real Estate Blog?" because I was not convinced, and Jim's comments made me rethink my opinion.... I bought my Flip Video last Monday!

Well, this week everything finally aligned and I called Jim Cronin of The Real Estate Tomato on Tuesday, we talked and Jim set the Tomato Team in motion! This morning was my first design meeting...now I have some more "homework" to work on this weekend to find more elements to include on my new blog site...

I am so excited!

Seattle's First Thursday Art Walk in Pioneer Square

Deborah Burns ~ Seattle Real Estate Agent (BRIO Realty) — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 02:43:07 -0500

This evening my friend (who manages the Daniel Smith Art Supply Store in Seattle) and I went to Pioneer Square in Downtown Seattle to attend First Thursday Art Walk . The Galleries in Pioneer Square keep their doors open late (until 8 PM) the First Thursday of every month and many host Artist Receptions for new art shows.

This evening was a nice clear and mild Spring evening, big difference from last week when many Seattle areas had late snow! There was a lot of people visiting the Galleries and it was still daylight!

We did not go to all the Galleries (just not enough time) but we did visit all our favorites and a few others that are close by. At ArtForte Gallery I saw my favorite painting of the evening. Flora S. Bowley , her acrylic on wood painting "Efflorescence " really caught my eye, it was very painterly and beautiful, unfortunately the small photo does not do it justice.

Another favorite gallery is the Davidson Gallery on Occidental Ave S featured several artists whose work I very much enjoyed; Hibiki Miyazaki , Jenny Robinson , and Marino Marini

The Glass House Studio has many beautiful glass pieces and there is the on site Studio where glass where you can watch glass being blown and sculpted. This evening the shop was glowing in the twilight.

If you enjoy art, and are looking for original art for your home, come to the First Thursday Art Walk in Pioneer Square. First Thursday is every month and there is a roving cocktail party atmosphere at the Art Walk, so it feels more accessible for many than walking into a quiet gallery...it's FUN!

******************************************************************************************

I Love Seattle! For more information about Seattle and Seattle Real Estate, please contact:

Deborah Burns

206-618-0565

BRIO Realty

Please visit my blogs at:

I am also a contributor to:

Curious About the Internet? Check out this Program....

If you are Relocating to Seattle and thinking of Buying a Seattle Home, please contact me. As a Relocation Specialist I would be happy to help you make Seattle your new home.

Reminder about a TV Program Tonight - Download: The True Story of the Internet

Deborah Burns ~ Seattle Real Estate Agent (BRIO Realty) — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 12:04:22 -0500

Tonight is the last of 4 episodes, and this one is very likely the about us! The title is called "People Power" and it sounds like it is about Social Media and Marketing using Web 2.0 and that would be You and I!

************************************

"Here is the reminder you requested through Discovery.com . We hope you enjoy the program!

Saturday, March, 29, 2008 at 11:00 PM ET on Discovery Channel

Download: The True Story of the Internet
"People Power"
This is the story of the internet has changed society and how a new breed of entrepreneurs are shaping our digital futures"

************************************

I wanted to give you all a reminder if you saw my post last week:

If you missed my original post, then I want you to know about it if you are interested in what has and is happening with the Internet. I think the subject is very, very interesting!

Seattle: Home to Bald Eagles!

Deborah Burns ~ Seattle Real Estate Agent (BRIO Realty) — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 01:16:47 -0500

One of the really cool things I found after moving to Seattle was that Seattle is home to Bald Eagles !

I just recently while I was driving on the I-5 to my Real Estate office at BRIO Realty, I saw a Bald Eagle soaring alongside the freeway moving in the same direction as I was. It must have been hunting since it was soaring over the grass and shrubs bordering the freeway. I was so excited to see the Eagle! I safely watched it as long as I could...it always brings such a lift to my day when I see one!

Two days later I was on Alki in West Seattle to buy a "Thank You" gift certificate from Salty's on Alki for my clients who just bought a home with a BIG view of the Kent Valley. We also happened to see an Eagle while on our first showing of what has now become their Dream Home here in Seattle!

Anyway...just before going into the restaurant, I happened to see a Bald Eagle fly into the tall trees across the street from Salty's. The Eagle landed in a huge nest! Of course I whipped out my camera, although by the time I got it out the Eagle had moved to branch nearby so I waited and watched to see if I could get a photo of the Eagle flying. I was not able to get that photo, but I got some of the Eagle perched near it's nest.

I went into Salty's to purchase the gift certificate, and asked the person helping me about the Eagle I saw. She ointed to a plaque nearby with a great photo of the Bald Eagle. A pair has been making a home in the nest, and the restaurant staff has named the Eagles, what else...Salty!

I love Seattle...it's a wonderful place to live and make a home for people and Bald Eagles!

*******************************************************************************

I Love Seattle! For more information about Seattle and Seattle Real Estate, please contact:

Deborah Burns

206-618-0565

BRIO Realty

Please visit my blogs at:

I am also a contributor to:

If you are Relocating to Seattle and thinking of Buying a Seattle Home, please contact me. As a Relocation Specialist I would be happy to help you make Seattle your new home.

Seattle's "TOP" Ladies' Restroom!

Deborah Burns ~ Seattle Real Estate Agent (BRIO Realty) — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 01:41:39 -0500

I have heard for a long time about the Best Ladies' Restroom in Seattle , and today I got to experience...ummm...see it for myself! LOL!

My friend Christi, took me to lunch at the Top of the Columbia Tower and WoW! Absolutely Breathtaking Views... Our table was in the northwest corner so we had views of Puget Sound, the Seattle Waterfront, Magnolia, Queen Anne, the Space Needle (we were looking down on it!) Belltown, Lake Union, Capitol Hill...really amazing!

Of course, throughout our delicious lunch I was anticipating a visit to the Best Ladies' Restroom in Seattle, and upon entering my own private room....

YES...it was fabulous!

Curious about the History of the Internet? Check out this Program....

Deborah Burns ~ Seattle Real Estate Agent (BRIO Realty) — Sat, 22 Mar 2008 19:55:30 -0500

Hey all of you ActiveRainiers curious about the history of the Internet. The Discovery Channel has a four part series called "Download: The True Story of the Internet ", hosted by technology journalist John Heileman. Heileman (former "Wired" editor and writer) witnessed much of the story first hand and tells the story as exciting wild, wild west stuff...although you may have to have Geek-like tendencies to really get into the story!

It was originally broadcast earlier in March on The Science Channel (Discovery Channel's Premium cable chanel). It is now being broadcast on The Discovery Channel on Saturday evenings at 7 and 11 PM, part 3 of the 4 part series is tonight. I missed part 1 two weeks ago, but happened on part 2 last week. Part 2 was called "Search" and was about the development of Google, a topic that I find endlessly interesting.

Part 3, tonight, is called "Bubble" and to quote the program description: "In an astonishing journalistic coup, the founders of Amazon and e-Bay, Jeff Bezos and Pierre Omidyar, tell the stories of how their businesses grew from nothing to dominate the global economy. These companies have changed the way Americans live."

Part 4 is next Saturday, March 29th and is a topic near and dear to all of us here at ActiveRain "People Power" and how: "The internet has changed society and a new breed of entrepreneurs is shaping the digital future. Find out how it all started with Napster, a way of swapping music dreamt up by the teenaged Shawn Fanning".

The program will be repeating in April on The Science Channel, and I hope also on The Discovery Channel so I can catch part 1 which I missed. If you are interested in the development of the Internet, you will find this interesting, so tune in!

UPDATE:

The program was really interesting, try and watch it if you get a chance. I am going to watch the 11PM broadcast too. The Host John Heileman, made some interesting observations about the .com bubble burst, and how that kind of financial feeding frenzy and wall street losses has repeated again and again. Sound familiar? Check it out if you can!

A Few of My Favorite Things at this Year's Northwest Flower & Garden Show

Deborah Burns ~ Seattle Real Estate Agent (BRIO Realty) — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 01:20:07 -0600

Besides the Display Gardens....that would be the Marketplace !

Shopping or browsing at the Northwest Flower & Garden Show ( NWF&GS ) in the Marketplace is one of the highlights of my annual visits.

I always make sure to visit my "old friends" and meet some new ones after seeing the display gardens, so off to see the Ravenna Gardens booth!

Every year I enjoy seeing what beautiful garden things they will have to tempt me....

Lucca Statuary

The Chocolate Flower Farm which SMELLED wonderfully from the candles, I succumbed and bought!

Stone Manor Lighting which had a wonderful display, very moody with it's twilight atmosphere.

The Home & Garden Art LLC in Ballard featured whimsy with it's scrap metal sculptured animals.

On the Skybridge straddling over Pike Street by a couple of stories are the Container Garden Displays, great place to get some ideas for a patio or balcony garden. Here are a couple of my favorites.

To see my blog post on my Favorite 5 Display Gardens, click here

This year I was a Guest Blogger for the NWF&GS, click here to read my post.

Next year the Northwest Flower & Garden Show will be February 4th to 8th, 2009, plan to come and be inspired for Spring!

****************************************************************************************

I Love Seattle! For more information about Seattle and Seattle Real Estate, please contact:

Deborah Burns

206-618-0565

BRIO Realty

Please visit my blogs at:

I am also a contributor to:

If you are Relocating to Seattle and thinking of Buying a Seattle Home, please contact me. As a Relocation Specialist I would be happy to help you make Seattle your new home.

Seattle Buyer's...Why are You NOW Interested in my PENDING Listing?

Deborah Burns ~ Seattle Real Estate Agent (BRIO Realty) — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 23:23:11 -0600

Recently another Seattle Buyer's Agent called me, the Seattle Listing Agent, if my now Pending listing looks solid, or if there might be a chance that the transaction could fail?

*Sigh*

So the question I have to ask the Buyer's Agents is why NOW?

The house has been on the market for months, with no interest, so where were these interested Seattle Home Buyers? I know our Seattle Real Estate Market is picking up for spring, but still, I have received 3 of these calls in the past few weeks. I got the same answer from all 3 Buyer's Agents, their Buyers had been sitting on the fence about making an offer. That waiting while deciding what to do, caused them to lose their opportunity to make an offer when someone else beat them to it.

It is HARD to decide to make an offer. Especially if as a Buyer, you are wondering if you should wait and see if the listed price might be lowered...or if home prices in general go down.

Since the house had been on the market for a few months, my Seller Clients were considering lowering the price (again) when we got the offer. While we hadn't lowered it yet, the Buyer was able to easily get an accepted offer at a lower than the listed price, since a lower price was ALREADY being considered by my Seller Clients.

So a tip for you Buyers considering buying a Seattle home, make an offer! If the house has been on the market for while, the Sellers may be willing to consider your less (way less?) than listed offer, it's called negotiating!

As hard as it is to make the decision to make an offer on a house that you are interested in...think of how you will feel if someone makes an offer on what could have been YOUR home?

********************************************************************************

I Love Seattle! For more information about Seattle and Seattle Real Estate, please contact:

Deborah Burns

206-618-0565

BRIO Realty

Please visit my blogs at:

I am also a contributor to: