The Real Estate Novelist

A Quick and Easy Way to Boost your Online Presence

Rob LeRoy (eXp Realty) — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 23:09:22 -0800

The Latest in Personal Branding and Search Engine Optimization

Building brand awareness is necessary in any business, especially real estate. Claim.io is a new service designed to help you expand your brand and increase your name recognition across the entire spectrum of online social networks, resulting in a big boost for your website among search engines (SEO).

These days, with technology advancing at a record pace, keeping up with the latest tools and tricks is a truly daunting task. You are probably using Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter to connect to your potential clients. But, how about the other 300+ social networking sites?

I have been working in the real estate industry for 6 years, and currently operate in the Bellingham and Seattle, WA areas. I've read all the books and attended just about every class and seminar, and there is one thing I can tell you for certain: The internet and it's search engines are the cornerstones of modern marketing, and social media marketing is fast becoming the #1 method for optimizing search engine placement.

As one of Claim.io's pioneering clients, I have etched my name and personal brand into over 300 social networking sites!

So, why should you care about securing your name or brand with Claim.io? Keep reading, and I'll tell you...

Here's what Claim.io can do for you:

Improve your rank on search engines. Search engine placement is the name of the game these days. Claim.io will get you noticed...a lot!
Eliminate brandjacking and other malicious behaviors. Ever wonder if you are the only "you" in the world? Google yourself and find out... Did you know that someone else can own your name on the internet? It's true. Anybody can register a name on a website...Get control of your name before your competition does!
Broadcast a consistent message across all major social networks. This is the most important. Own your name and broadcast a consistent message across all of the social networks, with links back to your preferred website.

In the world of real estate, getting ahead online takes a ton of work and technical knowledge. Unfortunately, most of us are too busy focusing on closing deals to spend much time working on our online presence. What we really need is some help, and Claim.iodelivers.

With Claim.io you can "claim" your name or business, giving you control of your personal brand across the internet. For example, you could create a username of "Bob Smith" which would then be signed up to 300+ social networks, all of which would link back to your main website, providing powerful SEO for that site. That means that if someone Googles "Bob Smith" there is a good chance they will be directed to your website. But, there's more... You'll have a personalized bio and picture that will detail your services and personality. That way, even if somebody finds you on a site unrelated to your business, they'll be able to know what you do. Adding short and long-tail keyword phrases to your bio will help your home site come up first whenever those phrases are searched in Google by potential customers. For instance, my bio says that I specialize as a "Bellingham buyers agent"... Now my name comes up on the first page if you Google that phrase. Of course, your success with Google placement will depend on your choice of phrases and local market competition. Regardless, your search ranking will certainly be better than it is now!

I'm sure you have some questions, and that's just fine. I'm happy to chat with you and answer your questions any time. Just e-mail me at rfleroy@gmail.com or click on the banner below!

Rob LeRoy is a Seattle real estate agent and social media marketing coach with eXp Realty, as well as Marketing Director for Dwellings Seattle Property Management. He can be reached at 206.883.6668 or by e-mail at rfleroy@gmail.com

A Beautiful Home on Bellingham's Lake Whatcom Waterfront

Rob LeRoy (eXp Realty) — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 19:13:57 -0800

Looking for the perfect waterfront vacation home? How about a private corporate retreat? Or maybe you’ve dreamed of owning a bed-and-breakfast or an income-producing vacation rental, perfect for grand weddings and family reunions… Here it is, the estate at Chesley Park on the shores of the beautiful Lake Whatcom.

Nestled at the southern tip of Bellingham’s Lake Whatcom is a small waterfront community of a few dozen beautiful homes. Many of these are vacation homes, owned by snowbirds from all over the World. Just up the hill, overlooking the lake is a magnificent estate that rests on almost six acres.

The estate consists of a carriage house, a main residence, a couple of outbuildings for parking, storage and landscaping equipment, as well as 460-ft of shared Lake Whatcom waterfront, including a dock. The main residence is a grand, custom-designed marvel consisting of 6 bedrooms and 5.5 bathrooms. Designed and built in the early 90’s by its one and only owner, the home is like none other. The innovative floorplan includes a Great Room with 30-ft ceilings, a library, and a huge kitchen designed for traditional entertaining. The large deck extends from the dining and living area and faces north toward the private orchard and Lake Whatcom’s majestic blue waters. The carriage house offers 1725 square feet with 2 bedrooms and 2.5 baths, with a double garage. The finishes are high quality, though somewhat dated. The right buyer with an eye for design could polish this gem into a shining masterpiece.

Click here for additional full-size pictures of the estate and surrounding area.

As a family friend of the owners, I have spent some time at this wonderful home over the years. My personal feeling is that it is perfectly suited for a bed-and-breakfast, vacation rental or corporate retreat. It is possible to comfortably accommodate 15-20 people between the main house and carriage house. There is room for weddings and all sorts of gatherings in the front yard with the lake as a backdrop. Parking is ample, and the setting defines the words serene and private. Weddings at comparable properties often go for thousands per day. Vacation rentals of this size can rent for thousands per week. The house is set up such that there is a true Master Suite on the main floor, apart from the rest of the house, perfect for a live-in operator of a bed-and-breakfast. The opportunities and possibilities are myriad…limited only by the imagination and ambitions of an inspired new owner.

Currently listed at $1.25M, this home is truly unique. There is nothing else like it anywhere… 6 acres, 460-sf of Lake Whatcom waterfront, 8 bedrooms…surrounded by private forests… It may be beyond the scope of most of us, but there is a special someone out there for whom this magnificent estate will be a dream come true.

For more information, or to schedule a tour, contact Rob LeRoy directly at 206.883.6668 or by email at rob.leroy@exprealty.com

Thanks for Reading!

Last-Minute Gift Ideas for the Holidays

Rob LeRoy (eXp Realty) — Fri, 25 Dec 2009 01:59:59 -0800

Looking for a last minute gift for your special someone? Still struggling to figure out what to get for the person who has everything ? I’m here to help! Believe me, I know how hard it is to find the perfect gift. Fortunately, I am a master of creativity. In my capacity as Realtor Extraordinaire, I am commonly asked for assistance with some of life’s biggest decisions. Here are some thoughts for great gift ideas:

How about a nice remodeled craftsman bungalow?
Or maybe a water-view condo with easy beach access?
Perhaps that Lake Whatcom waterfront estate with a dock for your boat?
Maybe a Fairhaven fixer project?
Maybe a nice little cottage on the water in Birch Bay?

Just imagine the surprised and happy looks you’ll get when they tear the wrapping off of that huge box under the tree on Christmas morning! Just be careful when you try to explain the inherent paradox of Santa coming down the chimney of your house while carrying another house in his sack…it might get a little messy with the kids. Go ahead and dumb it down for them, if you like…

There is still time left to shop! Operators and lightning-fast escrow officers are standing by:

*first 5 callers will receive a free 100 yard spool of giant ribbon! (green, red, or sparkly silver)

Happy Holidays from Rob LeRoy and eXp Realty! You can reach me any time at 206.883.6668 or by

e-mail at rob.leroy@exprealty.com

A Walk in the Park in Anacortes, Washington

Rob LeRoy (eXp Realty) — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 14:45:29 -0800

Not long ago, I took a drive over to Anacortes to see what I could see. It had been a few years since my last visit, so I thought a refresher was in order. I packed up the dog and my special ladyfriend Jody and headed South in the hope of discovering something new and interesting.

By the time we got into town, heading North on Commercial Street into the heart of Old Town, it became evident that Dog was antsy and in need of either refreshment or outdoor “personal time”, so I decided to drive through a Fidalgo Bay coffee stand, which seemed fitting, given our proximity to the actual Fidalgo Bay. Fortunately, the coffee person was wise enough to offer Dog a treat, lest she risk the loss of a portion of pinky or the more subtle, but devastatingly effective “eclate-de-chien”, which has been known to induce vomiting and night sweats. Unfortunately, it soon became clear that I had misjudged Dog’s needs and an outdoor pit-stop was in immediate order. Also, we wanted cookies. So we shifted West through town past the ferry terminal and ended up at the beautiful, if mysteriously titled, Washington Park. At first we attempted a beach landing, but were immediately turned back by the sudden emptying of a tour bus filled with wild-eyed octogenarians hell-bent on storming the nearby barbecue hut. We thought it best to leave them be, having decided that now was not the time to risk life and limb in what could turn out to be a lengthy and treacherous ground assault. Surely, at 220 acres, there was room enough in this park for all of us to co-exist peacefully…at least for the moment.

After a few minutes of slow cruising through a winding, single-lane road lined with Madrona trees reminiscent of Northern California, we arrived at a clearing near what seemed to be the high-point of the park. The views were phenomenal and beyond compare, at nearly 200 degrees.

To the East the Skyline Marina of Burrows Bay was visible, while to the South and West the Rosario Strait stretched out toward the San Juan Islands.

Having parked, we started to hike down the hill toward the water below…about 100 very steep yards. It took almost no time for Dog to conduct his personal business, and soon he was quite bouncy and tugging eagerly on his leash. This was a problem, due to the steep grade and the dusty nature of the path, which is composed of rocks and soil that are unusual, in that they are deficient in certain nutrients, causing a reddish tint and unstable texture. The path is especially slippery and treacherous if tread upon without proper footwear. We were wearing flip-flops. Flip-flops are pretty much the worst possible footwear one could choose, with the possible exception of a peg-leg, if that even qualifies as footwear. Fortunately, as fate would have it, the pirate community has already forsaken the park for political reasons unrelated to the particulars of the soil, leaving one-legged pirate tourists at little risk of taking an embarrassing spill down the dusty trails.

After reaching the bottom of the hill, stopping to pose for pictures and taking the obligatory 5-minutes to quietly pause and reflect, we decided it was time to head back. This proved to be quite difficult, given the aforementioned trail conditions and our woefully inadequate footwear. Luckily, our cocktail consumption of the previous evening had left us feeling more robust and agile than might be typical for a Sunday afternoon. With some determined and carefully placed footfalls, a few grunts, and the occasional muffled obscenity we managed to reach the top in what seemed like only a few hours, but was in reality closer to 10 minutes. Having finally arrived back at the car and caught our breath, we congratulated ourselves on having inadvertently stumbled into some exercise in our quest to find cookies. With a quick high-five and some pats on our respective backs, we piled back into the car, dog in tow, and headed back into town in search of our hard-earned snacks. All-in-all, it was a rewarding experience, and I plan on returning someday soon with my trusty hiking boots, so that I might more thoroughly explore those beautiful and unique trails.

Click here for more pictures! Click here for more of my articles!

Looking West from Washington Park

Best of Bellingham, Part 7: Hotels

Rob LeRoy (eXp Realty) — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 14:14:36 -0800

For part 7 of my Guide to Bellingham, I would like to take a break from talking about the myriad ways with which to fill your days, and instead tell you about where to spend your nights, at least until you’ve purchased a home of your own. Like most American cities, especially those with major Interstate highways bisecting them, Bellingham has all sorts of overnight lodging options. We’ve got everything from four and five-star luxury hotels with water views and swanky wine bars, to flea-ridden, boarded-up shanties with hourly rates. It is upon the former that I will dwell here, though there are certainly some entertaining stories to tell about the latter. Not from personal experience, necessarily…but I know people…friends of my brother’s college roommate, as it were. Just kidding. I don’t even have a brother….

The Best Western Lakeway Inn: Situated right in the middle of town, just off of I-5, the Lakeway Inn is not your average Best Western. They’ve got a high quality restaurant, conference space, a nice indoor pool, and a great bar (Poppe’s ) with live jazz and one of the best Happy Hours in town. It is about a 10-15 minute walk to downtown and has easy access to everything. They also happen to offer special rates to clients of mine who are in town to look for homes… 714 Lakeway Dr Bellingham, WA 98229 (360)671-1011

The Lakeway Inn

The Fairhaven Village Inn: Nestled in the heart of the Old Fairhaven historic district, the Fairhaven Village Inn is a cozy (22 rooms) and inviting slice of Bellingham history. The Inn is across the street from the Fairhaven Village Green Park, which features a farmer’s market, outdoor movies, and several shops and restaurants nearby. You won’t have to bother with a car here, as everything you’ll need is within easy walking distance. Dozens of unique and boutique little restaurants, shops and walking paths are right outside the door. If you do feel like a drive, downtown Bellingham is just 5-minutes to the north, as is Western Washington University, with the fabled Chuckanut Drive beginning it’s long and winding road just a few short miles to the south. 1200 10th St, Bellingham, WA 98225 (360) 733-1311

The Fairhaven Village Inn

The Chrysalis Inn and Spa: If you want luxury and unparalleled pampering, try the Chrysalis Inn, also in Fairhaven. Overlooking Bellingham Bay, the Chrysalis features the very finest of everything. The restaurant and wine bar, Fino, is fantastic, and the views are breathtaking, looking west over the Fairhaven boardwalk, Bellingham Bay and the San Juan Islands. And then there’s the spa….Spending a day here will add years to your life, leaving you feeling younger and more vibrant than ever, like a real-life Benjamin Button… a character whose movie, ironically, took away what felt like years of my life…(Awwww…I kid David Fincher. It was pretty good…but 2 1/2 hours? Really? I finished college in less time than that!) 804 10th Street Bellingham, WA 98225 (360) 756-1005

The Chrysalis Inn & Spa

The Hotel Bellwether: Well, you can tell right off the bat that this place is pretty swanky…the name just sounds fancy. Anytime you say the word “hotel” before the actual name, you know it’s gonna be nice…and expensive. the Hotel Bellwether is both. Situated on Bellingham Bay (almost literally) the Bellwether is a classic luxury hotel in every way. With grand rooms, an outstanding restaurant, the popular Harborside Bistro (whose talented young chef happens to be a close friend) and a location that defines the word “exceptional”, the Hotel Bellwether is the kind of place you’ll want to include in your boring family slide-shows for years to come. Stay there for the weekend…remember it for a lifetime. One Bellwether Way, Bellingham WA 98225 (360) 392-3100

The Hotel Bellwether

Follow these links to read Part 1: Breakfast, Part 2: Lunch, Part 3: Dinner, Part 4: Dive Bars, Part 5: Live Bars, Part 6: Pubs

Thanks for reading! Please leave your comments below. If you have any questions about Bellingham, WA or real estate in general, please feel free to email me directly at rfleroy@gmail.com or call me at 206.883.6668

Best of Bellingham, Part 6: Pubs

Rob LeRoy (eXp Realty) — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 23:23:36 -0800

The Bellingham, WA bar scene has much to offer. There are great dive bars if you like to play pool, and great places to go see live music, but sometimes you just want a place to chill out and meet some people, or lay your weary head on a nice, wooden bar. That's when you need a good pub, or maybe a swanky cocktail lounge. When it's time to raise a glass with old friends, or get to know some new ones, nothing beats a good pub. Whether your personal poison of preference be beer, wine or spirits, it is a comfort to us all to know a warm, inviting place to find it. My palate tends to lean in the direction of beer, light or dark, domestic or imported, though I do have a special place in my liver heart for Canadian whiskey, the great gift of our neighbors to the North. Years of exuberant experience have left me with a pretty good handle on the particulars of Bellingham's many offerings. These are my favorites...in no particular order.

Uisce Irish Pub

Uisce: OK, this one is my favorite, so I guess there is some particular order... Uisce (pronounced "ISH-kuh,", the Irish word for "whiskey") is a glorious Irish pub in downtown Bellingham. Opened just a few years ago by native Bellinghamster Molly McGarry and her Irish-native husband, David, Uisce is a classic Irish pub, repleat with hardwood floors, a fire place, church pew benches, and a wide range of Irish and English beers on tap, not to mention a solid collection of The Pogues on the jukebox. Lots of whiskey, too, of course...and darts. 1319 Commercial St., Bellingham, WA 98225 (360) 738-7939

The Copper Hog

The Copper Hog: Another newbie to downtown Bellingham, The Copper Hog is a European-style gastro pub with a rotating array of 15+ beers from around the world, as well as a full bar. Their menu is varied and enticing, and the atmosphere is cool, dim and classy, without being pretentious. They offer darts and free wi-fi, as well as limited outdoor seating in the warmer months. The building The copper Hog occupies is about 100 years old, as evidenced by the beautiful woodwork and the rather creepy 19th Century asylum-esque bathrooms. I mean "creepy" in the nicest possible way... 1327 N State St. Bellingham, WA 98225 (360) 927-7888

Nimbus and Bellingham Tower

Nimbus: Though known more for its innovative gourmet food menu, Nimbus is unique in that it sits atop the tallest building in downtown Bellingham, the Bellingham Tower. From 14 stories above the city (ok...big small-town), the views from Nimbus are unparalleled. With windows on three sides, the views make Nimbus is a great place for before, during, or after dinner cocktails, especially if you're on a date... The custom blown-glass handles on the rotating beer taps add a cool, artsy touch to an altogether classy atmosphere. The garlic French fries pair quite nicely with the Smithwick's draught, I must say... 119 N Commercial St # 1500 Bellingham, WA 98225 (360) 676-1307

Archer Ale House

The Archer Ale house: Epitomizing Old Fairhaven's English atmosphere, Archer's feels the way Cheers would feel, if Cheers were in some quaint little English village. Nestled underground beneath some of Fairhaven's most popular boutiques, Archer's is warm and cozy, with a good range of European beers on tap, and a much larger variety of imported bottled beers. Though the food is known to be a little hit-or-miss, the place is like none other in Bellingham. The underground setting creates a genial, lively vibe that always feels inviting. They might not know your name, but everybody is in good spirits. 1212 10th St Bellingham, WA 98225 (360) 647-7002

Follow these links to read Part 1: Breakfast, Part 2: Lunch, Part 3: Dinner, Part 4: Dive Bars, Part 5: Live Bars, Part 6: Pubs

Best Hike in Bellingham

Rob LeRoy (eXp Realty) — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 21:32:41 -0800

I’m a big fan of hiking. I don’t do it nearly as often as I would like to, but such is life. My personal favorite hiking area is Blanchard Hill. It’s got it all: Views, lakes, forested sections and open areas. More variety than any other hike I’ve found. Located on Chuckanut Mountain, (south of Bellingham between I-5 and Chuckanut Drive) Blanchard Hill is one of the area’s most beautiful natural landscapes and offers some of the best hikes and views around. With several trails, Blanchard Hill offers hikes ranging from relaxing and quiet to slightly grueling. (Click here for full article with pictures)

There are multiple trails and access points, depending on the level of distance and difficulty you are looking for. It is possible to hike from the bottom, via Chuckanut Drive, or drive to a lookout about halfway up, then continue to the peak from there. There are a couple of small lakes (Lily and Lizard) along the way, depending on which trails you take.

From the parking area, the trail (part of the famous Pacific Northwest Trail) winds up toward a series of bat caves, and then up to the top, known as Oyster Dome. The views from Oyster Dome are unparalleled. Be warned, it’s a tough hike, but worth every sweaty step. The reviews I’d read before my first attempt sounded daunting, but it wasn’t too bad. My 11 year-old daughter made it up just fine… She also had no problem sitting right up near the edge at the top. I, however, clung to a nearby tree and occasionally peaked over the side. What can I say, I’m afraid of heights and I love to hike. I’m also afraid of water but love being on boats. To each their own, as they say…

For more information on Chackanut mountain and Blanchard hill, click here to see a map of the area. To get to the Samish overlook parking area ,take I-5 to the Alger Exit #240, head west on Lake Samish Road. Take the first Left onto Barrel Springs Road and follow it for 3/4 of a mile until you see a large gravel road and a sign that says “Blanchard Hill trail system” Follow that road up the hill. It takes about 20 minutes, or so. You’ll pass some parking lots that access trails. Keep heading up. For your first time, your best bet is to go with someone who’s been there before. It’s pretty confusing- one of those places I know how to get to, but have difficulty describing. It’s definitely worth it, though!

Best of Bellingham, part 5: Live Bars

Rob LeRoy (eXp Realty) — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 21:29:31 -0800

Bellingham has a long, rich history of producing and showcasing live music. More than a few regional bands have cut their teeth in Bellingham’s bars before going on to varying levels of fame and fortune. Though the scene has changed over the years, and venues have come and gone, a vibrant live music scene still remains among a handful of Bellingham bars and pubs. While there are a few all-ages halls with occasional shows, like Western’s Viking Union, I am not including them. That’s because I avoid all-ages shows whenever possible. All kids and no beer makes Rob a dull boy. So then this list, as usual, includes only those venues that I deem worthy of praise, adulation and literary attention. (Click here for the full article with pictures)

The Nightlight Lounge: First, and probably finest, the Nightlight is among the newest of Bellingham’s live music venues. The Nightlight was built just a few years ago, and incorporates modern equipment and acoustical engineering with beautiful woodwork and innovative local art. Laid out into several rooms, the Nightlight features pool tables, a VIP area, and two bars, with the stage at the center. Priding itself on hosting the biggest names in town, the Nightlight presents commercially successful talent, as well as the best of the local up-and-comers. It’s basement location gives it a hip, big-city feel that really sets it apart. 211 E Chestnut St Bellingham, WA 98225 (360) 778-3240

The Green Frog Acoustic Tavern: Eschewing brevity, both in its name and beer menu, the Green Frog is a tiny, glorious, hole-in-the-wall type of place on the edge of downtown Bellingham’s commercial corridor. Dog friendly and littered with peanut shells, the Green Frog has nightly live music and one of the longest lists of micro-brews in town. In fact, other than the actual brew pubs, the Green Frog, whose beer-loving owner scours the Earth in search of the finest brews, has THE most unique and varied menus around. Even as a self-proclaimed beer-snob, I commonly find myself staring blankly at the lengthy and ever-changing list of exotic brews having NO idea what to ask for, either because I’ve never heard of them, or because there are just too many choices. Either way, that’s a good kind of problem to have. Oh…the music! I forgot! They have live music most of the time. Usually of the not-quite-ready-for-prime-time variety…in a good way. Whether eclectic, exotic or just plain strange, the musicians at the Green Frog are right there in your face. With only about 800 total square feet, the “stage” takes up most of the open space not already used up by the tables and bar, so it gets pretty cozy. Again, in a good way. 902 N. State St. #104 Bellingham, WA 98225 (360)756-1213

The Wild Buffalo: Known primarily for showcasing regional blues, reggae and folk-rock artists, the Wild Buffalo has been a staple of the Bellingham music scene for several years. They’ve got great, high ceilings, old wood floors with plenty of room for dancing…or just flailing around in slow motion, which is probably more accurate. There is an excellent range of regional micro-brews on tap, as well as a full bar, pizza by the slice, and a few pool tables. The Wild Buffalo is the kind of place you can take a group and be pretty much certain that everyone will be happy. 208 W Holly St Bellingham, WA 98225 (360) 312-3684

Boundary Bay Brewery: Though famous mainly for its fantastic beer, Boundary is also a great place for live music, especially during the Summer, when the outdoor stage and beer garden are open. The beer garden is an absolute staple in the Summers. Settled into a recessed, vacant lot between two brick buildings, with a terraced wall on one side, it has the feel of a small amphitheater, accented with glowing lights, intricate landscaping and a view of downtown Bellingham to the West. The bands are always lively-usually folksy, bluegrass or reggae influenced. In the colder months they have smaller folk and jazz acts in the bar… 1107 Railroad Ave Bellingham, WA 98225 (360) 647-5593

If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below, or e-mail me at rob.leroy@exprealty.com, or call me at 206.883.6668

Follow these links to read Part 1: Breakfast, Part 2: Lunch, Part 3: Dinner, Part 4: Dive Bars, Part 5: Live Bars

Best of Bellingham, part 4: Dive Bars

Rob LeRoy (eXp Realty) — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 21:24:24 -0800

Now that I’ve offered up my picks for the best Bellingham restaurants for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, I think it’s time to move on to the nightlife. We all need a place to go after work to blow off some steam, regroup with friends, and suck down a few glasses of “medicine,” whether that comes in the form of a well-crafted micro-brew, a $10 martini, or a fine, overpriced Cabernet. As a connoisseur of Bellingham’s rich and varied nightlife, I have arranged my favorites into four categories: Dive Bars, Live Bars, Pubs and Breweries, and Classy Joints. (Click here for full article with pictures)

Part 4: Bellingham’s Best Dive Bars

The Beaver: My #1, all-time favorite dive bar. The Beaver Inn has everything you could you want in a dive bar. Low ceilings, brick walls, really cheap beer, darts and a pair of pool tables. Don the Bartender (who can generously be described as “ill-humored”) has been there, 86-ing troublemakers, since the dinosaurs roamed the Earth. The only bartender I’ve ever known who will ban someone “for life”…a fate suffered by more than a few dear friends of mine over the years. No live music…but they have a popcorn machine. And it’s FREE!!! 1315 N State St. Bellingham, WA 98225 (360) 733-3460

The Up&Up Tavern: My second favorite dive bar of all-time. Back in college (when they had $1 pitchers of Busch Light! Mmmmm…), I think I spent more time at “The Up” than I did in class… The vintage sign claims the place is “World Famous”… I can’t say for sure, but it seems reasonable enough. Unfortunately, the Up&Up has been remodeled and renovated in recent years, making it kind of nice inside…and half the size of its former self (long story). However, they still have two pool tables, a huge selection of beer, cheap and micro, and one of Bellingham’s largest outdoor seating areas, a nice perk in the Spring and Summer. 1234 N State St. Bellingham, WA 98225 (360) 733-9739

Cap Hansen’s: Small and crowded, like every good dive bar should be, Cap’s has, in my humble opinion, THE best jukebox in town. Lots of Tom Waits, Pixies, and Willie Nelson… They have a good selection of beer on tap, including the essential PBR. The tall cans of Oly are a nice bonus… They have occasional live music, but the place is so small that the bands take up most of the room. Cap’s is a great place to warm up before a show at the Nightelight, located next door. 209 E Chestnut St. Bellingham, WA 98225 (360) 733-0878

The Waterfront: Home to bikers and about 300 neon beer signs, The Waterfront is lit to the point of being obnoxious…but then again, so are the patrons. (see, I just made a pun on the word “lit”…I know…clever) No live music, but they’ve got pool, pull tabs, and Rainier on tap. If you like to drink during the day, you can get a nice view of Bellingham Bay, upon which the Waterfront sits, hence the name. Located next door to the Chuckanut Brewery. 521 W Holly St Bellingham, WA 98225 (360) 676-1755

The Cabin: The little brother of the Waterfront, The Cabin is old-school dive. They’ve got a couple of pool tables and lots of pull-tabs, and a surprisingly nice bathroom. Have a couple of beers here before a show at the Wild Buffalo, just a block away. 307 W. Holly St. Bellingham, WA (360) 733-9685

The Ranch Room: Dive bars don’t get darker or funkier than The Ranch Room, nestled in the back of the Horseshoe Cafe, in the center of downtown Bellingham. They’ve got the cheap beer, but it’s the potency of the cocktails that really defines the atmosphere…that, and the huge murals of cowboys and wagon-wheel chandeliers. The jukebox selection is excellent. No pool tables or live music, but that’s OK. The Ranch Room is better suited to being a hide-out during bad weather, obnoxious college kids, and just about anything else that ails the mind or body. 113 E Holly St, Bellingham, WA‎ (360) 734-0380

Follow these links to read Part 1: Breakfast, Part 2: Lunch, Part 3: Dinner, Part 4: Dive Bars, Part 5: Live Bars

Best of Bellingham, part 3: Dinner

Rob LeRoy (eXp Realty) — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 21:18:40 -0800

For part 3 of my “Guide to Bellingham” I will direct the reader to my favorite places to eat dinner. Keep in mind, some of these are also open for lunch…it is just a matter of personal preference that I usually choose them for dinner. These restaurants lean heavily toward Italian, “American” and pub fare… Though food quality is the main criteria, each of these restaurants has a unique character and style that add to the overall experience. As with entries in my other guides, you won’t find any corporate cookie-cutter fat farms in here. These are all locally owned businesses that help make Bellingham such a great place to live. (Click here for full version with pictures)

Part 3: Bellingham’s Best Restaurants for Dinner

Mambo Italiano: Located in one of the oldest, most unique buildings in downtown Fairhaven, Mambo offers incredible Italian cuisine. It’s a pretty laid-back place, like most of the places on this list. Try the tortellini carbonara. Cream sauce, peas, ham and cheese tortellini….and LOTS of garlic. Be careful with the Caesar salad- it’s great, but the default setting comes with anchovies. I find them disturbing and a little horrifying. What am I, a cat? 1303 12th St. Bellingam, WA 98225 (360) 734-7677

Le Chat Noir (The Black Cat): Upstairs from Mambo in Fairhaven’s Sycamore Square building, The Black Cat feels like a 19th century French bistro…or the inside of a pirate ship. Admittedly, they aren’t known for always having the best service or consistent food quality. However, the location and style are ultra-cool, and the gouda-stuffed chicken with pesto cream sauce is on my top 5 list of favorite foods in the whole World. It’s really incredible… 1200 Harris Ave Ste 310 Bellingham, WA 98225 (360) 733-6136

D’Annas: Located in the heart of downtown Bellingam, D’Anna’s has some of the best Italian food in the city. It has a cozy, welcoming feel, and is usually busy. They have fresh-made pastas, with rotating specials. Try the lasagna or the chicken masala…with a Peroni from the tap. 1317 N. State St., Bellingham, WA 98225 (360) 714-0188

La Fiamma: Known for its wood-fired pizza, La Fiamma is a perfect example of Bellingham’s progressive vision. The architecture and décor are modern and sort of industrial, but they recycle everything! The straws are made out of corn, and the utensils are all-in-one hybrids with characteristics of forks, knives and spoons. They’ve got outdoor seating with heat lamps… The pizza is their specialty, and it is fantastic. They also have some really good soups and desserts. Try the tomato bisque, the hummus plate and the BBQ chicken or Sofia pizzas. 200 E. Chestnut Bellingham, WA 98225 (360) 647-0060

Boundary Bay Brewery and Bistro: Known across the far-reaches of the known Universe for their ridiculously strong and tasty beer, Boundary Bay also has excellent food. Hardly classified as “pub fare”, the menu at Boundary has a wide variety of tasty choices, made up largely of local and organic ingredients. This isn’t hippie food- it tastes really good! Start with the hummus plate…and definitely try the Yam-alechilada, regardless of how hard it is to pronounce. (”yam-ale-chill-ada”) Don’t forget the Oatmeal Stout! Follow them on Twitter for updates on beer selections and events. 1107 Railroad Ave. Bellingham, WA 98225 · (360) 647-5593

Chuckanut Brewery: Recently hailed as America’s “Best Small Brewpub,” Chuckanut is becoming known for great beer. They also have some really good food. My favorite is the Yam Burrito. Similar to the Yam-Alechilada at Boundary, though different enough that I like to alternate between the two. The atmosphere at Chuckanut is a little quieter than Boundary. And then, of course, there’s the beer. My favorites are the Vienna Lager and the Brown Ale. Follow them on Twitter for beer and event updates. 601 W. Holly St., Bellingham, WA 98225 (360) 752-3377

Herb Niemann’s Steak House (Formerly The Black Forest): As a former employee ( waaaaay back), I know a lot about this place. As anyone who has worked in restaurants knows, it doesn’t take long to get sick of the food where you work, and it is rare to visit a place after you’ve worked there. Herb Niemann’s is SO good that I will take any opportunity to eat there, even after all these years. That’s especially significant, given that the place is out in Everson, about 30 minutes NE of Bellingham. However, the drive is actually one of the best reasons to go- taking you East toward the towering Mt. Baker, past rolling pastures and the Nooksack River. It’s the steak, though, that really does it. Wow! The combination of a special aging process and a unique blend of spices makes these steaks extraordinary. The homemade Caesar dressing on the salads makes a perfect partner. If you like spice, try the Cajun steak…you’ll taste it for hours…but in a good way. Note, this is not a place where you need to dress up. It’s surprisingly casual, given the food quality. It’s has a very…distinct character. 203 W. Main St. Everson, WA 98247 (360) 966-2855

Follow these links to read Part 1: Breakfast, Part 2: Lunch, Part 3: Dinner, Part 4: Dive Bars, Part 5: Live Bars

Best of Bellingham, part 2: Lunch

Rob LeRoy (eXp Realty) — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 21:15:18 -0800

For Part 2 of “Rob LeRoy’s Guide to Bellingham” I’ll be discussing my favorite lunch spots. Keep in mind that most of these restaurants are open for dinner, breakfast, etc. I’ve included them in the lunch list because they offer quick, and/or inexpensive options that seem to lend themselves nicely to my lunch schedule. These are, after all, based entirely on my personal preference, be cause I know what is good. (Click here for full version with pictures)

Part 2: Bellingham’s Best Restaurants for Lunch

Diego’s: Yes, 40% of the restaurants on this list specialize in burritos. Yes, I’m OK with that…I really like burritos, and all of these places make them differently. In fact, the only real similarity among them is that they’re all called burritos. Diego’s is first because it’s across the street from my office. I’ve been loving their quick, cheap and really tasty burritos for years. The ingredients always taste fresh and have a unique flavor, unlike any I’ve had elsewhere. They have awesome salsa. Only one kind, and it’s not that spicy, but it tastes amazing. Try the Express Burrito with chicken, beef or pork. 300 N. Samish Way Bellingham, WA 98225 (360) 714-9426

Super Mario’s Salvadorian taco truck: When I have the time, and a HUGE appetite, Super Mario’s taco truck is among my favorite places in the World. I am a big fan of legit Mexican food, and Super Mario’s is as legit as it gets, except that it’s Salvadorian, not Mexican. Always fresh, made on-the-spot, the food here is absolutely fantastic, which explains why lines of people will stand around waiting for it under the hottest sun and the most driving rain. It’s worth it. They have my favorite salsa. It’s hot, REAL hot, but the burn hurts SO good! Owned and operated by immigrants from (you guessed it) El Salvador, Super Mario’s fresh, unique flavors are truly amazing. Don’t forget to leave a little extra cash in the jar for the kids back home. They deserve it. 1422 N Forest Street Bellingham, WA 98225 (360) 920-4330

Cicchitti’s Pizza: If you like old-school, paper-thin NY pizza, Cicchitti’s is the place for you. After bouncing around among a few locations, Cicchitti’s has finally settled into a nice, open space in downtown Bellingham. It’s a great place to grab a quick slice, or two. I prefer the plain old cheese, myself. When you do it right, you really don’t need any toppings… 1427 Railroad AveBellingham, WA 98225 (360) 671-5404

Pel’Meni Russian dumplings*: Chances are, you’ve never had Russian dumplings before. I’ve seen them in only one other place, which is now closed. Pel’Meni’s dumplings are basically peirogis, stuffed with either potato or beef. Ordering lunch doesn’t get much simpler. Served in to-go boxes with a slice of bread and side of sour cream, these make a great on-the-go lunch, or an even better late night snack. If you like spice, be sure to add some of their signature hot sauce to your sour cream. Be warned, though, it’s very, very spicy. It usually ends up making my eyes sweat… 1211 N State St Bellingham, WA 98225 (360) 715-8324

Avenue Bread: Also featured on my breakfast guide, Avenue Bread gets a second mention because they make the best sandwiches in town. Whether hot or cold, Avenue’s sandwiches are served on fresh bread, with the best ingredients. I prefer the Fairhaven location because of it’s window and outdoor seating with views of the bay. My favorite is the club sandwich. Downtown – 1313 Railroad Ave., Fairhaven – 1135 11th Street, Sunnyland – 2301 James St

Coconut Kenny’s: Way less expensive than a trip to actual Hawaii, Coconut Kenny’s is the next best thing, and it’s right here in Bellingham. Specializing in Hawaiian-style pulled-pork, Coconut Kenny’s serves up huge helpings of it on fresh Hawaiian bread. They also have some kick-ass pizza, though I can never resist the sandwiches… Great all the time, but especially on rainy days. They’ve done an awesome job of transforming the inside into an island paradise, so you can pretend you’re on a mini-vacation. 2220 James St. Bellingham, WA (360) 647-9273

On Rice Thai Cuisine: I’m a huge fan of Thai food. I can eat Thai food 4-5 times a week. There are roughly 10,000 Thai restaurants between Portland and Bellingham, and I’ve been to most of them. On Rice is in my top 3, and #1 in Bellingham. Staples like Pad Thai and Pad See Ew are excellent, and they have the best peanut sauce I’v ever had. 209 N Samish Way, Bellingham, WA (360) 714-9995 (see website for other locations)

Anthony’s Hearthfire Grill: By far the classiest place on the lunch list, Anthony’s is one of the few corporate chains I ever recommend. Despite my aversion to chains, Anthony’s gets a pass because they are a small chain, because they have really good food, and because they are based here in the Northwest. Situated near the marina at Squalicum Harbor, next to the larger Anthony’s at Squalicum Harbor, the Hearthfire Grill is a solid choice for professional lunches or out-of-town guests. The decor and food are all good, but the view is the main attraction. The Hearthfire sits about 10 feet from the water, with beautiful views from most of its many windows. 7 Bellwether Way Bellingham, WA 98225 (360) 527-3473

Casa Que Pasa:* Last, but not least, the one place that’s been here, unchanged (mostly) since my first year of college, way back when Clinton was in his first term. Casa Que Pasa is a Bellingham original, one of the places that gives the city its real character. It’s not exactly gourmet food, but it is definitely tasty. Home of the World-Famous potato burrito, Casa is a great place for lunch…especially a weekend lunch when you don’t have any plans afterward. That makes the transition into the bar a little smoother. There are about 300 kinds of tequila back there. And Dos Equis Amber on tap… 1415 Railroad Ave Bellingham, WA 98225 (360) 738-7000

* Also great for late-night

Follow these links to read Part 1: Breakfast, Part 2: Lunch, Part 3: Dinner, Part 4: Dive Bars, Part 5: Live Bars

Best of Bellingham, part 1: Breakfast

Rob LeRoy (eXp Realty) — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 21:11:14 -0800

For part 1 of my series "Rob LeRoy's Guide to Bellingham", it seems fitting to start with breakfast. After, all, breakfast is the most important meal of the day, at least according to elder members of my family and certain medical professionals. Whether you're a current Bellingham resident or a visitor hoping to become a Bellingham resident, this guide will help you make educated, well-informed choices about where, when and what to eat in this great city. Like any city, there are hundreds of dining options, and there are some that are better than others, of course. With no emphasis on objectivity, I have put together a list of the places I think are the best. Why? Because I have exceptional taste… (Click here for full version with pictures)

Part 1: Bellingham's Best Restaurants for Breakfast

Diamond Jim’s: The quintessential “greasy spoon,” Diamond Jim’s is a Bellingham icon. Inside its small, triangular building, you will find a long bar and a half-dozen cozy tables. The menu is vast, and includes some excellent scrambles and some of the best biscuits and gravy you’ll ever find. Be warned: Diamond Jim’s is not a quick-fix. It is an experience. Go there with the expectation of relaxing and having a long conversation. 1906 N State StBellingham, WA 98225 (360) 734-8687

The Bagelry: A Bellingham staple for over 20 years, The Bagelry is reminiscent of Bellingham’s progressive, long-haired roots. With over a dozen varieties of bagels, made fresh daily, and as many flavors of custom cream cheese spreads, The Bagelry is a great place to start the day, or take a quick break. It’s also a great place to find out what’s happening in town. The tall brick wall at the north end is always covered with fliers and messages advertising local events. Try the “everything” bagel with Italian cream cheese… 1319 Railroad Ave Bellingham, WA 98225 (360) 676-5288

Avenue Bread: Avenue Bread takes bread VERY seriously. It isn’t pretentious to call them artists. They have a wide variety of sandwiches, hot and cold, as well as awesome breakfast sammies (Eggenues) on house-made English muffins. They have a rotating selection of cookies, bars, and cheesy bread twists, all of which will make you happy. Avenue has three locations, and many of their products can be found among the Wood’s Coffee locations. Try the Country Eggenue and lemon bars…Try everything, actually... Downtown - 1313 Railroad Avenue, Fairhaven - 1135 11th Street, Sunnyland - 2301 James St

Little Cheerful Cafe: Another of Bellingham’s classic icons, the Little Cheerful could easily be described as the “it place” for breakfast, especially among the college crowd. It is lively, loud, and fast-paced, and the food is really good. It’s not the kind of place you go to relax, but you’ll definitely feel like you’re sitting on the pulse of the town, especially on weekends. The menu is of the “greasy spoon” variety, comparable to Diamond Jim’s, and just as good. Try the whole-wheat pancakes…133 E. Holly St. Bellingham, WA 98225 (360) 738-8824

Old Town Café: Located in Bellingham’s Old Town (Duh…), The Old Town Café is in a really cool, 100ish-year-old building with wood floors, high ceilings and big windows. With an emphasis on organic, locally grown food, Old Town tries to leave the grease off the spoon. The walls are covered with local art, and the hirsute wait-staff will pour your coffee faster than you can drink it. 316 W Holly St Bellingham, WA 98225 (360) 671-4431

The Harborside Bistro at The Hotel Bellwether: The restaurant at the Hotel Bellwether is nice. Very nice. Arguably the classiest, best situated restaurant in Bellingham, the Harborside Bistro is perched above the waters of Bellingham Bay, with a breathtaking view to the South. The brunch, offered on Sundays (breakfast served the rest of the week), combines excellent food with a distinguished, comfortable atmosphere. Regardless of the weather, the views out of the dining room will capture your imagination and leave you dreaming of sailing away on one of the many yachts moored in the nearby marina. One Bellwether Way, Bellingham, WA 98225 (360) 392-3200

Harris Avenue Café: Last, but not least, the Harris Ave. Café is my default setting for a weekend breakfast. It is so good, I usually need a compelling argument NOT to go there. Though the others on the list have their unique perks, Harris Ave. is my favorite. The menu looks relatively standard, comprised of various scrambles, potatoes–and-eggs sort of stuff…but they do something to them….I don’t know what, but it is really, really good. The place, itself, is really cool, in an artsy, funky way. Situated in the heart of Fairhaven, the Harris Ave. Café shares a space with Tony’s Coffee (the best coffee in the known Universe), which is convenient when waiting for a table on the weekend. They have a nice patio outside, open during the Summer. Try the Bellingham or Marksville omelets…or the house-made granola. Or just about anything else. They also have a great lunch menu, covered in part 2 of my Guide To Bellingham. 1101 Harris Ave Bellingham, WA 98225 (360) 738-0802

Follow these links to read Part 1: Breakfast, Part 2: Lunch, Part 3: Dinner, Part 4: Dive Bars, Part 5: Live Bars

Bellingham's Newest Waterfront Condos Impress

Rob LeRoy (eXp Realty) — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 21:04:22 -0800

A couple of days ago I had a chance to stop by the Edgewater Place Condominium project, currently under construction near Fairhaven. Wow. These places are NICE!!! I’ve spent quite a bit of time touring condo projects, old and new, throughout the Northwest, from Portland to Seattle to Vancouver, BC, and I am not kidding when I say these compete with the best of them. That’s no accident. From what I’ve heard, the developers deliberately set out to emulate the best features of the most popular condo projects in each of those areas. Edgewater Place is a near-perfect hybrid of the best of the Northwest. Combine that with it’s superb location, perched on a bluff overlooking Boulevard Park and the beautiful Bellingham Bay. Perfect as a vacation home or a relaxing, luxurious place to retire, Edgewater has a lengthy list of perks that make it stand out in front of the competition. Prices range from $950-1.25M. Spendy, yes. But well worth it. A few reasons why: (Click here for the full article and the pictures I took...)

Seattle Bed Bugs Mounting Serious Offensive

Rob LeRoy (eXp Realty) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 21:45:40 -0700

It seems fitting to be writing this the day before Halloween, given the cringe-inducing nature of this topic. However, I feel compelled to write about this as a Public Service Announcement.

Bed bugs, like the ones your Mom used to warn you against are becoming a serious nuisance in metropolitan areas like Seattle. They first came to my attention a couple of months ago, and my initial reaction was something along the lines of a guffaw. "What's next?", I laughed, "an invasion of unicorns?" Sadly, and disturbingly, bed bugs are real, and they are nasty little bastards.

Essentially, bed bugs are like fleas that drink the blood of humans, as opposed to animals. They tend to live in your mattress and like to crawl onto their "host" in the hours just before dawn. Their bites leave pink or reddish welts, similar to mosquitoes or small spiders. Often, small bloodstains will be visible on the sheets or mattress which, along with their tiny egg sacks, are usually the only evidence to be found during the day without a thorough inspection.

(Ed. note.... I wish I could take my laptop in the shower...just writing about this gives me the heebie-jeebies...)

Bed bugs are highly contagious. They hop onto your clothes while you sleep. They can then be carried around the house, or dropped into a suitcase, if you happen to be traveling. It is widely believed that bed bugs are spread primarily by travelers who pick them up or leave them behind in hotels, which explains why most bed bug outbreaks occur in large cities. According to several pest control experts I've spoken with, the number of bed bug related service calls has increased 10 times in the past 2-3 years. Bed bugs calls are quickly becoming the majority of the business for many companies like Eden and Orkin.

(ed. note... after finally stuffing myself into my haz-mat suit, the heebies are subsiding... the jeebies, not so much...)

What can you do about it? CALL A PROFESSIONAL IMMEDIATELY! I recently worked with Eden to treat a bed bug infestation in an apartment building owned by one of my clients. They were fantastic. And green. They use a cedar-oil-based product that kills the bugs and smells like the hamster cage I had when I was a kid. For details on the treatment process and preventive measures, click here to read and download Eden's Bed Bug Response Plan.

It is important to get the word out before this becomes a full-scale epidemic. If you have any questions about bed bugs, or think you might have them in your home, I highly recommend Mike Cluett at Eden Advanced Pest Technologies. He'll answer your questions and, if necessary, do an inspection, free of charge. On the day of the scheduled treatment, he spent an hour or two explaining the procedures and details to me, off the clock. Additionally, he is qualified to handle just about any kind of pest issue, from rats to bugs to invasive plants. His contact info is:

Mike Cluett 206.510.6285 mike@edenpest.com

"Yum-yum-yummy in my tum-tum-tummy!"

Do Agents Have to Disclose Murders or Suicides?

Rob LeRoy (eXp Realty) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 12:18:02 -0700

It depends on the State. Generally, regular deaths are not required to be disclosed. An agent can't reasonably be expected to know about natural deaths that have occurred, especially in older homes. That information is not usually in the public domain. As for murders and suicides, that's a spicy one. Agents are required to disclose what are known as "Material Facts." According to Washington State law:

"Material fact" means information that substantially adversely affects the value of the property or a party's ability to perform its obligations in a real estate transaction. The fact or suspicion that the property, or any neighboring property, is or was the site of a murder, suicide or other death, rape or other sex crime, assault or other violent crime, robbery or burglary, illegal drug activity, gang-related activity, political or religious activity, or other act, occurrence, or use not adversely affecting the physical condition of or title to the property is not a material fact.

However, in my view, if an agent knows of such an incident he is ethically (if not necessarily legally) required to disclose it to potential buyers. It is, of course, rather awkward for us. Like knowing where the sex offenders are. It is an information minefield, so I prefer just to stay out of it, if possible. It is the Buyer's responsibility to do his or her own due diligence, and part of my job is to make sure they know that. As agents, we're better off staying out of it and pleading ignorance. That said, I would like to be clear. If I were to be aware of any such incident I would feel ethically obligated to tell my clients. Period. It's just the right thing to do, regardless of the specifics of the law.

5 Tips for Lead Generation with Craigslist

Rob LeRoy (eXp Realty) — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 18:20:18 -0700

Craigslist can be a great place to advertise listings and generate buyer leads. I have extensive experience posting listings on Craigslist. Here in the Seattle area I have seen some agents and brokerages have great success, but there are some important factors to consider.

1. If your focus is to generate leads (as opposed to trying to sell a particular listing) be aware that you will need a significant number of listings to achieve the critical mass required for consistent lead flow. Seattle has a few brokerages and marketing facilitators who mass-produce CL ads, posting several hundred each day, thousands per month. Offer to post the listings of other agents in your office. They get free advertising, and you get the leads. Try to get at least 25. The more, the merrier...

2. Craigslist caters predominantly to renters, first-time buyers and bargain hunters. If your listings and keywords cater to that crowd you will have better results.

3. Be prepared for spam. Lots and lots of spam.

4. Less is more. It has been my experience that the best results come from the simplest, basic format CL ads. I have tried creating e-fliers on postlets.com in the past, with mixed results. Postlets are great looking, no doubt. The problem is the Craigslist audience. Buyers who WANT an agent usually know wher to find one, and then get their listings from an MLS-fed website, or vice-versa. Those who DON'T will use sites and tactics that help them work around agents, ie. craigslist. So be careful... You might get some calls, but they may very well already have an agent or be trying to avoid one. Also, bargain hunters are looking for a needle in a haystack, not a neon-lit billboard that anyone can see. If your ad is too polished, you will risk turning people off. Keep it simple. Use the basic CL format, with a well written description and good looking pictures.

5. Keep up on your re-posting. This is probably the most important thing to remember. If you aren't re-posting your ads regularly, you might as well not be posting them at all. You should be able to re-post them every 24-48 hours, provided you change the heading enough to sneak past the Craigslist system rules. Make sure you search for your listing after posting to make sure it went through.

Of course, there are numerous other factors that will impact your success with Craigslist, especially in regard to your particular market area. Craigslist is popular for different uses in different places. Do people in your market look for houses on CL? Maybe, maybe not. These tips listed here are, in my experience, universal. It's certainly worth a shot...after all, it's free! (for now...)

5 Big Reasons Buyers Fail with Fixers

Rob LeRoy (eXp Realty) — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 15:44:10 -0700

These days, it is all too easy for inexperienced buyers to become obsessed with getting the "best deal". I'm talking about the "weekend warrior" buyer- the one who watches countless hours of HGTV shows that make it seem plausible that someone could seek out, purchase, remodel and flip a home for 25% profit in 30 minutes, or less. The "Hey, I bet I could do that, too!" type of buyer...

There are lots of ways to cut costs when house-hunting. Buying fixers, frontier homes or former meth-labs has always been popular for those hoping to save money, and these days, short-sales and foreclosed (REO) homes are whetting the appetites of aspiring "investors" all across the country. Certainly, there are good deals out there to be found, and there are smart ways a savvy buyer can save money. The seemingly-endless series of books, seminars, and TV shows based on that premise can attest to that. However, in my experience as a real estate professional I have witnessed, first-hand, more than a few common mistakes that I think are worth pointing out. This is for those buyers AND their agents, to whom they should be paying more attention!

#1 You don't actually know how to fix stuff:

Do you know how to re-wire a circuit breaker? Have you actually done it, or just seen it on TV? If water starts shooting across the floor after you smash the old toilet with a sledgehammer, do you know how to turn it off? Do you know how to pull up the carpet and lay down that fancy tile flooring your wife picked out at Home Depot last weekend? No? Then...

#2 You don't have the money to get things fixed:

You don't have to be a handy-man to buy a fixer. However, you definitely need deep pockets with plenty of cash in them. Fixing up a house can cost a lot of money. I mean a LOT of money. Do you know how much a toilet costs? How about a window...or a new heating system? Do you know how much it costs to pay the people who do know how to do that stuff? I've met electricians who charged by the second, roofers that actually preferred to be paid in kidneys, and plumbers whose invoices technically qualified as Crimes Against Humanity...

#3 You don't have the time to get things fixed:

So, let's say you have the knowledge, the money, or some combination thereof that you determine will make this a workable scenario. Do you have the time? I was talking with a friend of mine recently about this. He's a professional home inspector, so he definitely has the knowledge and the money required. However, he was complaining about how he'd been working on a bathroom remodel for an entire year. A YEAR! His intentions were pure and his plan was solid...but shit just kept coming up... (no pun intended) Think about that for a minute. A whole year of planning, anxiety, struggling to find the time...NOT being able to use the bathroom... Now think about trying to fix up a whole house. Make no mistake, any rehab project is a serious time-suck, but a whole house is a full-time job, and then some!

#4 Make sure the bank will actually give you the loan:

These days, banks are getting increasingly antsy about loans, especially for fixers. Remember, the house has to appraise for the amount you're paying for it, or at least the amount you're financing. If the house is falling apart, the appraisal will reflect that. If the bank determines that the house is a potential liability, you'd better be prepared to provide solid answers to the above questions. If you can't, the bank is likely to reject your application on the grounds that you'll be too likely to get in there and find yourself over your head. The last thing they want is to encourage somebody to default on a loan because they end up overwhelmed by the staggering realities of fixing up a crack-house.

#5 Make sure your work won't price you above the market:

If you think you can manage the cost, effort, and time required for repairs, be careful not to price your new Valhalla out of the local market! Some clients of mine bought a house in Seattle back in early 2005. It was a nice, older home, in a pretty good area. They spent the next 6 months transforming it into a modern masterpiece, replete with stainless appliances, additional bedrooms and bathrooms, heated floors and dormer windows in the master bedroom. They'd turned a $400k house into a $750k house. The problem was that the home was on a busy street, and the surrounding homes topped out in the mid-$600 range. This home, in any number of other locations, could easily have sold for the $750 they wanted...but the present location brought the value down. They ended up selling it after several months for much less than their original asking price, simply because they had spent too much money in the first place. A couple of years later, I later sold a similar fixer just a few blocks up the same street. Having seen this movie before, I went out of my way to warn my client about the dangers of pricing herself out of the market by over-doing the remodel. However, she knew a lot more than I did about flipping houses in Seattle. She was from the East Coast, after all. Yada-yada-yada...same beer, different bar. She lost money...

That's it... Thanks for reading. Please post your comments or feedback below. It's always appreciated.

The Truth about Appraisals

Rob LeRoy (eXp Realty) — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 11:57:07 -0700

Just about everybody has heard of an appraisal and knows what it is- an assessment of a home’s value based on empirical evidence like recent sales, replacement costs, and the subjective opinions of underpaid appraisers hurrying from one gig to the next. What many Buyers don’t know is that, even though they get to pay for it, the appraisal isn’t for them, it’s for their bank. While it’s true that the bank wants you to know you’re getting your money’s worth, they are really much more concerned about whether they are getting their money’s worth. See, most of the time, banks are the ones who are really buying the home, even though you get to have your name on the title.

The true purpose of the appraisal is to assess the dollar-figure at which the bank could reasonably expect to sell your house in the event of a foreclosure. They have to take the worst-case scenario into account to make sure they don’t get stuck losing any of their money if they have to take your house back. This makes the appraisal a tricky piece of the buying process, because banks won’t lend you more than the amount of the appraised value. That means that if your appraisal comes back lower than the agreed-upon purchase price, you’ll end up having to cover the difference or re-negotiate with the Seller, either of which could potentially cause the deal to fall apart. Appraisals are especially critical and unpredictable these days, with regulations on appraisers and loans tightening daily as a result of the loose standards of the past several years that contributed significantly to the recent market slump. It is no longer a foregone conclusion that the appraisal amount will be high enough to cover the spread.

I am not suggesting that appraisals aren’t accurate or useful. They most certainly have their value. I just think it’s important to let Buyers know up front what some of the potential hurdles and complications might be. That way, there won’t be quite so much flop sweat to clean up the week before closing when we all huddle together gnawing our collective fingernails, waiting to find out if the appraiser’s thumb will point up….or down.

Thanks for reading! You can read more of my articles here.

Contact me directly at 206.883.6668 or rfleroy@gmail.com

Top 10 Reasons Your House Isn’t Selling (Part 1)

Rob LeRoy (eXp Realty) — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 00:25:45 -0700

Unless you’ve been living in a cave, you know that the past 18 months have seen record numbers of homes hit the Seattle real estate market. And not just Seattle’s market, but all markets across the country. The combination of panic, desperation and fear has caused “For Sale” signs to spring up faster than Rush Limbaugh’s assistant when somebody yells “free cake”. The good news is that the tide seems to be turning toward a more balanced and stable market. However, that isn’t really all that reassuring if you’ve been watching your house sit on the market for 6 months and your agent keeps pestering you to drop the price. There are lots of reasons why your house could be getting the cold shoulder. Some of the usual suspects:

1. Your house is over priced. Duh! That’s always the first thing anybody will tell you, especially your agent! And while that may be true, it could also be-

2. Your house is ugly. Sorry… but houses aren’t people, and looks do matter. I don’t care how much personality or sense of humor it has- if your house is bright pink with wood paneling and tortoise-shell mirrors, I’m not calling again!

3. Your house is viewable by “appointment only” because you have sensitive pets…and 12 kids…and visiting relatives. Hey, do you want to sell the house or not?! Nobody’s gonna buy it if they can’t even get in to see it. Make it easier for people to get in there.

4. Your house smells like 1933. Again, sorry, but if your house smells like dust, mold or the recently deceased, and the walls are the color of Austin Powers’ teeth, it’s time to make some changes. Try some new paint and re-carpeting. You’d be surprised at what a difference that makes for a minimal expense. It doesn’t even need to be nice carpet- the buyer will probably just tear it out and refinish the hardwood floors somebody decided to cover up in the early 60’s for god-knows-what reason. The point is, it won’t smell like FDR’s inaugural bathrobe anymore.

5. Your house smells like cats. Litter-boxes are very much like screaming children: if you have them, it doesn’t take long before you figure out how to pretend they aren’t there. However, other people don’t have that luxury. Other people can still hear and smell… Imagine you’re out at a restaurant and I’m at the next table over from you. Although you are evidently oblivious to it, I CAN hear your kids screaming and whining, no matter HOW good you’ve gotten at hiding inside your parental isolation bubble. The same is true when it comes to the stench emanating from that cat-toilet you keep in your bedroom. Look, I’m not going to judge you for letting an animal repeatedly relieve itself five feet from where you sleep. To each their own, as they say…But come on, it stinks…and I don’t want a house that smells like that, and neither do my clients. End of story.

6. You have a collection of life-sized circus animals on display throughout your yard. I have actually seen this… Hey, I get it…the grandkids love the zoo and you thought it’d be super-cute to create a happy place for them to visit. Well that all changed when you decided to put your house on the market. It’s not about the grandkids, anymore. Now your house is reduced to a punchline for snarky blog writers, and the first reaction of visitors is snickering and laughter. Probably not the reaction you want at an open house. Lose ‘em!

Top 10 Reasons Your House Isn’t Selling (Part 2)

Rob LeRoy (eXp Realty) — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 00:21:26 -0700

7. You have WAY too many knick-knacks and personal items covering your shelves and walls. If your house looks like an indoor flea-market, potential buyers have a hard time imagining their own crappy junk littering the house. The same goes for pictures of your wedding, vacations or grandkids- if home shoppers feel like they’re in your house, it’s hard or them to begin to think of it as their house. Get yourself a professional staging expert. It is statistically proven that staged homes tend to sell faster and for more money, usually more than enough to cover the staging expense. At the very least, do what you can to de-personalize your home. I know you have to keep living there and you want it to feel like it’s still your home. But remember, once you’ve put it on the market, it’s really somebody else’s home. You’re just waiting for them to show up.

"Howdy, neighbor!"

8. Your neighbors live like extras from “Deliverance”. No matter how nice your house may be…no matter how clean the kitchen is or how fresh the paint is on the trim, if your neighbors have 3 broken down cars on their lawn, beer bottles lining the driveway, and four layers of paint in various colors peeling away from the walls, your house will not sell quickly. If it looks like your neighbors are selling more drugs than Rite Aid, buyers will be scared away. Maybe it’s time to have a friendly chat with them. For instance, you could tell them about CarAngel, a charity organization that will haul away their old beaters. Maybe you could offer to hire a couple of college kids on Craigslist to repaint their house or clean up the yard. Sure, it might be awkward, but it will probably go a long way toward getting your house sold without having to drop your price.

9. You picked the wrong listing agent. Believe it, or not, there are some not-so-good agents out there. Choosing a qualified listing agent is crucial and there is a lot more to being qualified than having the ability to stick a sign up in the yard. Being somebody’s friend-of-a-friend or mother-in-law, or having 30 years in the business are not sufficient qualifications. Agents with decades of experience are often less likely to be aware of the latest developments in technology, rules and regulations, or marketing strategies, all of which are essential. Veteran agents are often a little too comfortable with their own track record and fail to remember that this business requires constant education, adjustment, and re-invention. Agents who are socially awkward, ill-prepared or under-qualified are often successful in spite of themselves, simply because they have been doing this for so long or because they happen to be related to somebody. There are also plenty of part-time real estate agents out there who decided to get a license because they were “thinking of buying a house, anyway” or “have lots of friends and family considering the market” and thought “hey, why not?” However, real estate is NOT a part-time job. Good agents do this full-time, and then some. A great agent spends countless hours learning the market, networking, and mastering the art of negotiation, so that when they offer advice, they do so with the confidence and integrity that is only afforded through real effort and earned knowledge. Choosing an agent for any other reason leaves you exposed to the threat that they might inadvertently sabotage your listing or your offer, either through ignorance or social ineptitude. Either way, it’s costing you money.

Top 10 Reasons Your House Isn’t Selling (Part 3)

Rob LeRoy (eXp Realty) — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 00:13:35 -0700

And last, but certainly not least…

10. You’re cheap- Guess what- if you aren’t offering a competitive selling commission (aka buyer’s agent commission or SOC) on your listing, you are doing it wrong. It is time to get serious about selling your house, and short-changing the professionals whose job it is to get it sold is a great way to shoot yourself in the foot. This is one of the biggest (if not THE biggest) financial transactions of your life. Do you really want to trust it in the hands of someone who is willing to take a fee-cut without even negotiating? While that last statement applies more to the listing agent, it goes both ways. There are agents, like myself, who understand that the ethical (and common sense) approach is to show homes based upon the needs of their clients, not their personal bank accounts. Those agents will show your house regardless of the offensive and laughable 1.5% SOC you are “offering.” Those same agents are probably smart and confident enough to remind their clients that the SOC is negotiable and that their expertise and effort deserve respectable and commensurate compensation. And then there are the rest of the agents. Here’s an example of what is probably a very common scenario.

An agent has out-of-town buyers visiting for a weekend. They have two days to find a suitable house, in order to close in time to start a new job. There is only enough time over those two days to comfortably tour 15 homes. An MLS search reveals 30 homes that more-or-less match the buyer’s needs. Let’s say 4 of those homes have reduced SOC’s, the rest have 3%, with all other factors remaining equal. Which ones do you think will get crossed off the list first?

That’s not even the worst of it. There is an unfolding trend that has become a major pet-peeve of mine. It starts with the aforementioned reduced SOC. Then there’s the price drop. As I mentioned earlier, the price drop is almost always the first thing that happens when a house isn’t selling. And that’s fine…it is usually a smart move, especially if your house has been listed for more than a few weeks, or months, these days… However, you’re making a huge mistake, in my opinion, to reduce the price before raising the SOC. Here’s a real-world example I saw earlier this week:

A home was listed for 6 weeks for $350,000 with an SOC of 2.25%, which is low by any standard. This week they dropped the asking price to $325,000. In case you don’t have a calculator handy, that’s a $25,000 drop. Want to know the difference between a 2.25% SOC and 3%? At the original asking price of $350k, that is a difference of $2625, barely more than 10% of the price drop. How does that make sense? Keep in mind here that it costs you NOTHING out of pocket to raise the commission vs. dropping the price. I understand that staging, painting and re-carpeting is expensive and requires out-of-pocket investment with no real guarantee of a return, but this costs you nothing. Instead, the person in this example just gave away $25,000 before any possible offer negotiations could begin. Why not do it the other way? I’ve seen agents offering 4% commissions, or combinations of cash bonuses to buyers and their agents. In the above scenario the owner could have raised the SOC to 4% AND offered a $10,000 buyer bonus (for paint, repairs or closing costs, etc.) and still come out $1000 ahead vs. the price drop. It won’t necessarily get your house sold, but it will probably get you a lot more attention, and you can bet it won’t be the first one crossed off the list anymore!