What is the best class you have taken for clock hours? - 08/31/08 11:35 PM
It will be renewal time again before you know it. I like getting my hours in early, and I love learning new things. I always get a lot out of current issues. But a few of my favorites have been Fungshai( did I spell that right?), and staging.Through out the years the real estate trends come and go. What do you think is the most valuable, or fun class you have taken?
… (5 comments)

I know it is early, but what are you going to give during the holidays? - 08/31/08 11:18 PM
Times are a little tougher for all of us this year, and I have been trying to think of what to give my special clients during the holidays this year. I want them to know I remembered them, but I do not want to break the bank either.Do you have any ideas on how to make your clients know they are special during the holiday season?
… (2 comments)

Lakeland Village 5 bedroom home! - 08/31/08 10:31 PM
LakeLandVillage offers a 27 hole golf course, private trout stocked lake, waterside club house, and this beautiful 3,000+ sq. Ft. 5 bedroom home. This  exquisite home offers a master on each level,granite counters,hardwood flooring and a heat pump with AC.  Call Dinah and Michelle for a personal tour today at 360-551-8888 or visit NowYouAreLivng.com for additional information and pictures.
… (0 comments)

Orange you glad I did'nt say banana! - 08/31/08 02:03 AM
Everyone knows that the way a home smells when you walk in the door for the first time can be a very bad thing, or a pleasant thing, and it can make a difference on how people feel about the home.A common scent that real estate agents like to use is the smell of fresh baked cookies(even better when you have a few on hand) because it reminds us of good things. A recent study now suggests that the scent of oranges makes people happy! Cinnamon sticks in a little water on the stove are also known to put a fresh … (17 comments)

Help-I need a good open house recipe! - 08/30/08 11:53 PM
What is your favorite item to serve at an open house. I think that we have all made cookies. This summer I have made a lot of strawberry shortcake, and I tried sundaes. Does anyone have a dish that is easy to make ,easy to clean up, and is not your typical fresh baked cookies? I need ideas!~Dinah
… (3 comments)

Is your phone starting to ring? - 08/30/08 11:49 PM
My phone has really started ringing these last few weeks, and I think that things are on their way back up again.I was surprised because I did not expect this so close to September. Are you seeing the same things in your area?I would love to hear from other Agents on what they see the market doing in their neighborhoods.Has anything in particular worked to make the phone ring?
… (4 comments)

$210,000 Camus Drive- island get away - 08/30/08 11:21 PM
Just listed! Beautiful custom cabin on quiet Harstine Island. This is the place to get away from it all. Camus drive is know for it's beautiful views and this cabin will not disappoint. Complete with hot tub, covered deck, large basement, detached garage and nature all around- this is the one you have been waiting for. Call Dinah or Michelle today at 360-551-8888 or go online to view pictures and more at NowYouAreLiving.com
… (0 comments)

Back to School all ready! - 08/30/08 11:16 PM
It is back to school for our family this week, and I am going to miss my kids. I have really enjoyed summer, but I am looking forward to fall. I use this time of year to start planning for business next year. With the market changes we have seen I am wondering if I will implement the same marketing as I have in years past. Are you planning on the same marketing strategies, or are you going to try something new? I would love to hear your ideas.-Dinah
… (2 comments)

LakeLand Village home with Mt. Rainier view - 08/26/08 09:05 PM
Recently built in beautiful LakeLand Village this mountain view home features inlayed hardwood flooring, tile, grand entryway, hot tub, engineered decking, and so much more. LakeLand Village offers a 27 hole golf course with pro shop, Anderson lake stocked with trout, and a water side clubhouse. There are several parks and trails to walk as well. In the nearby town of Allyn there is a boat launch, and Kayak park on Case Inlet, as well as a drive in diner, shops, and more.Call Dinah and Michelle with Windermere Peninsula Properties today @ 360-551-8888 or to visit pictures of this home visit us … (0 comments)

RiverHill home on acreage - 08/26/08 08:46 PM
Enjoy the privacy of your own acreage from this remodeled rambler, in a quiet country neighborhood.Priced at just $219,900 and move in ready, this home is just waiting for it's new  owners. Have a heart and call Dinah or Michelle today with Windermere Peninsula Properties @360-551-8888 and give this wonderful home the owners it is hoping for! You can also visit pictures of 390 RiverHill in Belfair, Washington @
NowYouAreLiving.com
… (0 comments)

You get what you give! - 08/23/08 01:41 AM
I have been blessed in this uncertain market to get referrals. I do my best and at times the job is challenging. It feels so good to have done a job so well, that another person would like to give your name out so you can do the same for someone they care about. That is an awesome compliment, and really means a lot right now!
… (6 comments)

Keeping it Together... - 08/22/08 11:44 PM
I have been giving out binders that hold info about the new home. It is a great place to keep inspection reports, important receipts, and all the info on the home. This makes it much easier when you sell the home in the next few years. Your Buyer turned Seller now has your contact info for finding you, and you have all the important documents,ect. in a nice little binder ready to go!
… (12 comments)

What rhymes with Orange? - 08/22/08 11:34 PM
A new color I am seeing in houses is Orange, and in many shades. Are your clients on this trend too? I actually like it, and I thought I would not. My favorite is deep dark oranage. A lot of things look great with it. I like to stage a home with an Italian theme around these blazing accent walls.Although it depends, sometimes native american art,northwest rustic or southwest art go great. Do you see this in other parts of the country?I am in the Northwest.
 Please visit my website at NowYouAreLiving.com and let me know what trends you love!
… (2 comments)

Where have you called your clients from? - 08/22/08 11:27 PM
I have called my clients from the garage so  that they could not hear my kids in the back ground. I have also been known to lurk in closets,corners,parked cars, and by the garbage cans outside. Do not hide in bathrooms-they echo. Where is the craziest place you have gone to be professional on the phone?
… (3 comments)

Showing a surprise! - 08/22/08 11:20 PM
I have had my share of surprises at showings. My favorite was a listing that had a last minute interested party. I drove them by knowing that it was vacant, clean and ready to go at a great price. I showed the home despite the fact we were negotiating an offer. It was my job to bring as many offers as I could for the seller to consider.
When I pulled into the driveway I could see the smoke billowing from behind the house... I got out to investigate, as did the new prospective buyers. We then noted a hose running from the … (7 comments)

How do you fit 25 hours in a day? - 08/19/08 12:11 AM
I love my work. If work is even the  right word. I could work form the time I get up to the time I go to bed, and I have. Where do you draw the line? When are you just putting in more time, and not seeing the benefits?
 I feel that there is no lost time. What ever you do, do it with all you have and you will always receive something in return. Do you agree? Do you think agents should work a set amount of hours? When do we clock out? Do you network every where- even on vacation? … (7 comments)

Low offers-how do you deal? - 08/18/08 11:41 PM
Do you advise your clients to counter on low offers, or just not respond? I have wrote a few lately and the potential buyers were expecting a counter offer. The seller did not even respond. the Buyers were surprised. Do you think that the Sellers may have missed the boat? Do you think that if they countered, and were willing to accept a lower offer, just not that low ,we could have had a sale?Let me know what you think-Dinah
… (4 comments)

Do you market on the internet? - 08/18/08 11:36 PM
Do you market on the Internet? Do you find that this works better than in print?
I love the Internet. With the cost of gas these days it is the only way. I love it when agents put a lot of info out that my client can see from the comfort of their home or office. I like the ease of e-mailing at any time. I never have to worry about interrupting a important dinner, or event like a telemarketer. My clients respond at their convenience. I can also get additional pictures, and information to them via the Internet and they do … (8 comments)

Is the market on the way up? - 08/18/08 11:26 PM
Everything is looking better to me. Sales are slower, but I see more activity. Do you? The presidential election is a big...What if for people. Do you think that we will see a change in the market once we have the question of Commander and Chief settled? Or do you think that this is just a minor detail that does not interest buyers decisions? Let me know what you think .-Dinah
… (1 comments)

How many agents does it take to screw in a light bulb? - 08/18/08 11:06 PM
Have you been in the real estate market long enough to see the flux of agents coming and going based on market conditions? How does this make you feel? Have you put in long hard hours, survived market swings, only to have everything improve, and see new agents swoop in and take advantage. Does this bother you, or do you consider this a cost of doing business? The market is on it's way up... Are you ready?
… (9 comments)

What should I offer? - 08/18/08 10:55 PM
There is a lot of information on real estate market conditions in the media today.Not all of it is accurate or even applies to the market in your area.
In Washington State the market is very different than it is in Florida,Texas or California. Locally in Mason County Washington we are doing quite well.We have a lot of inventory , but homes are still selling.
The average time on market may be longer and not everyone is getting the full asking price, but sellers are still selling. Many are getting close to their asking price, and buyers are getting good deals.
My advise … (1 comments)

New kid on the block - 08/17/08 11:24 PM
Are you searching for that perfect home, in the perfect neighborhood, in the perfect school district? You may have a lot more options than you once thought.
Many school districts are offering alternative educational choices from different programs, home school groups, to on-line courses. In fact if you live in Washington State there are free programs that you can access from virtually anywhere. These new options can really expand your horizons when searching for a new home.
Activities for youth are plentiful as well. Your child can live a very enriched life from many different locations, leaving you free to explore … (8 comments)

Your home aught to be in pictures! - 08/17/08 10:48 PM
Are you building a new home? Do you have a camera? Are you taking pictures along the way?
Taking pictures while building your home can be a lot of fun as you go through the process. It can also be great later on when you need to remember where certain things are that have now been covered up. A sewer line, water line, and electrical can all be important to find later on down the road,and pictures can make it that much easier.
Another great advantage to taking pictures of  the building progress is when you go to sell your home. Potential buyers … (0 comments)

to update or not to update- that is the question - 08/17/08 10:30 PM
Many of my clients have wanted advise on updating their homes to sell. This depends a great deal on the market, and the condition of your home.
Generally I believe that too much of a change can cost you a lot of change, and not give you much in return. A great way to make inexpensive progress is a good quality paint, in earth tones. This can make a huge difference. Try and keep your color scheme as neutral as possible. People want to imagine the home with their items, not be distracted by your personal preferences.
Depending on what you … (1 comments)

Get ready, set, show the house! - 08/17/08 10:03 PM
 I have sold my own home, and assisted others in selling theirs. It can be a trying experience. Especially when you are maintaining a job, busy schedule, active children and a clean, ready to show in an instant, home.
 Getting your home ready means touch up paint, removing clutter, the smell of fresh cookies, and getting your kids in gear. That can be challenging with everyday life, let alone being on display for anyone to see at a moments notice.The following are a few things that both my clients, and I have done to make this a little easier on the … (0 comments)

Whats a kid to do? - 08/17/08 09:12 PM
 I am a mother of three, and a real estate agent. I have shopped for a new home with my children, and been there when my clients searched for a home with theirs. It can be challenging to say the least.
 One thing often overlooked is that looking for a home involves the entire family. A new home sometimes means a new school, new friends, a new route, a new backyard, and a new room. Kids can feel the pressure too!
 Dad and Mom are generally in charge of all of the choices, and kids just go along for the ride. Regardless of the ages, kids … (0 comments)

How do I choose an Agent? - 08/17/08 07:29 PM
 When you are in the market to buy or sell your home you may want to use a Real Estate Agent. Of course I would recommend this because I am an agent. So how do you choose?
 If I were going to buy or sell a home I would...
Look on the Internet and see who is marketing and where.( this is probably how they will market your home)
Compile a list of  local agents that caught my attention and list where they work.( they should know your neighborhood)
Prepare a list of questions.
Call them up and set up an … (4 comments)

Are gas prices driving the market? - 08/17/08 07:14 PM
 I am sure that I am not the only one worried about the cost of gas these days. As a real estate agent I spend a lot of time in my car viewing properties,stocking my listings with fliers, and keeping updated pictures on the MLS. It can be expensive. Of course I need to do this so I just keep filling the tank.
 Over the years I have always asked my clients why they have decided to purchase now, and lately I have been surprized by the answer. The cost of gas. Whether they own a large RV, or they miss their families people are buying … (2 comments)

Making an Offer. - 08/17/08 06:41 PM
 The first thing that people look at when buying a home is the price. Many even have a price range, or an amount that they will not go over. This is good it helps to narrow down the choices.
 Using a reputable lender is an important part of deciding how much home you want, or can afford to buy. The interest rate can be a big factor in this equation as is your credit score. the higher the credit score the lower the interest rate, and that makes for a more affordable payment. Once you know how much you qualify for the … (0 comments)

Help! I want to buy a home? - 08/17/08 06:25 PM
 Buying a home at any time, regardless of market conditions can be stressful.There is a lot that goes into searching for a home, and a lot of the time couples have different ideas on what they even want.
 From inspections, loans, moving vans, to schools, commutes and neighborhoods you will need an advocate that knows the market.That is when it really pays to have your own Real Estate professional working for you.
 A Buyers Agent more often than not works free of charge. They are payed by the Seller at the time of closing. The benefits of using a Realtor are … (0 comments)

Inspections- Are they worth it? - 08/17/08 05:45 PM
 I have sold many homes over the years, and inspections are always a hot topic. People feel that they want a house in good condition, but can be leary about paying an inspection fee if they do not need to.
 My advise has always been to have an inspection. The cost is generaly about $300-$400 depending on the size of the home. This may seem like a lot, but in the end it can be well worth it.
 I tell my clients that an inspection is mainly informational. How much longer will the roof last? Will I need to paint? How is the … (7 comments)

Do you really qualify? - 08/17/08 05:22 PM
 Lately have spoke with several people who told me that they wanted to buy a home, but did not qualify for a loan. This was concerning because I knew that we had houses that matched what they were looking for, with motivated sellers hopeing for offers.
 I called a lender that I have done a lot of business with, and told him of my dilemma. He asked me to put him in contact with the individuals to see if he could help.I passed the information on, and what I found was surprising! Not only did all of the people I spoke with … (0 comments)

The grass is greener - 08/17/08 02:55 PM
 A new trend in the real estate market today is green living. Going green as many are calling it has many benefits. Not only are you helping to save the planet, but you are most likely going to save money as well. From high efficiency light bulbs, tank-less hot water heaters, more efficient insulation, and energy efficient windows, to the countless products made from recycled materials.Everyone has an opportunity to go green.
 The real estate market today is full of Savvy shoppers. They want a good deal, know exactly what they are looking for, and have a great selection of homes to … (5 comments)

 
Dinah%2039%20today Rainmaker_large

Dinah Lee Griffey

Inferno Advertising

Shelton, WA

More about me…

Inferno Advertsing

Address: 4783 E North Island Dr, Shelton, Wa, 98584

Office Phone: (360) 204-9636

Cell Phone: (360) 551-8888

Email Me

Facebook Badge START -->Dinah Lee Espedal Griffey's Profile
Dinah Lee Espedal Griffey's Facebook profile
Create Your Badge<!-- Facebook Badge END --> Share 1D93298F44261FC53109ECB337F46B78029FFE17


Listings

Links

Archives

RSS 2.0 Feed for this blog

Find WA real estate agents and Shelton real estate on ActiveRain.