Gabrielle's Blog

Will Short Sale Transactions FINALLY Become Reasonable?

Gabrielle Nemes, GRI, SRS, Auburn, WA (RE/MAX Select R.E.) — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 20:02:01 -0600

As a busy agent in the south King County area and down into the Tacoma/Puyallup Pierce County areas, I both list properties for Sellers and assist Buyers in finding their "dream home," whether it be a first time purchase or a repeat purchase. While definitely not unique to these geographic areas, price points and demographics of buyers and homeowners for these areas seem to especially target short sales and bank owned properties. Or maybe it's just the clients with whom I've worked over the last few months. Sellers need to sell--usually as quickly as possible--and Buyers just want to move in.

In any event, short sales have been a problem. It seems as though it's nearly impossible to get bank approval in anything less than 120 days ... and then IF we get approval, the banks want us to close the transaction in no more than 30 days, another feat that's becoming more and more difficult.

Back in May, 2009, President Obama indicated that he was pushing forward legislation that would drastically change the method and bank requirements by which short sales would be approved. This was aimed at shortening the time the banks would have to approve such transactions, along with helping a distressed seller by eliminating the "pay back the difference to the lender" clause that has been a real sticking point.

FINALLY, on Monday Reuters reported that the Treasury Department has now set guidelines to simplify short sales. I can't tell you how excited "I" will be when this finally happens. And when the Banks step up and get their own internal procedures in place to accommodate these new guidelines.

I'm maintaining an "I'll believe it when I see it" attitude. It'll be cause for rejoicing!!

Your Dedicated Realtor & Active Rain Blogger, working the Auburn, Kent, Renton, Maple Valley, Federal Way, Covington, Puyallup, Sumner, Bonney Lake, Lake Tapps, and north/northeast Tacoma areas.

50 Crazy Buildings & More!

Gabrielle Nemes, GRI, SRS, Auburn, WA (RE/MAX Select R.E.) — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 11:29:35 -0600

Some time ago I stumbled on a quirky little site, Random Web Site , that specializes in taking one to random sites, usually obscure. It's a fun timewaster, but, of course, one has to be careful not to get too sidetracked (you know ... that NEVER happens to me!) And, as you can imagine, browsing the Web at random sometimes leads one to the oddest things.

Now, before showing you these goofy buildings, you must know that I'm a pushover for houses and architecture. I mean, you know me! Always up to go see the newest subdivision, the biggest home show, the best in designer home tours!

Random Web site took me to see Village of Joy this morning! This fun and crazy Web site specializes is a very different look at buildings! What a step away from the usual mix of staid, ho-hum architecture!

So ... without further adieu, visit Village of Joy's 50 Strange Buildings of the World! Oh Yes! And while you're there, visit their other links -- I thought their 50 Weird and Crazy Cars post was a hoot too!

Your Dedicated Realtor & Active Rain Blogger, working the Auburn, Kent, Renton, Maple Valley, Federal Way, Covington, Puyallup, Sumner, Bonney Lake, Lake Tapps, and north/northeast Tacoma areas.

5-Acre Mini-Ranch near Lake Tapps in Auburn

Gabrielle Nemes, GRI, SRS, Auburn, WA (RE/MAX Select R.E.) — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 00:15:02 -0600

Got horses, goats, alpacas, mini-beef? Close to Auburn, Lake Tapps and city commuting, this five-acre mini-ranch is the best value in the neighborhood and perfect for your equestrian or other animal pastimes.

From the moment you enter the property through the remote-controlled gate, you'll both be charmed by the thoughtful touches surrounding the house itself, and completely impressed by the two huge shops!

There's way too much to describe here, but consider that the flower beds are surrounded by poured concrete edges, there are numerous little water features, the house is surrounded by a walk-around deck, and entered through a wonderful covered porch. Step inside to a sun-lit entry (complete with a sun-tube), and then on to the generous formal living room/dining room combination, and a family room with a free-standing woodburning stove.

This double-wide manufactured home, with two thougthfully placed additions, was well loved and it shows. Set up as a warm haven after working out on your own five-acre parcel, you'll appreciate all the little touches that make this it truly a home. As you come in from the back into the mudroom, you'll find plenty of places to stash the boots, even a built in window seat with storage. The kitchen is well appointed with new(er) black appliances and loads of cabinets.

The master bedroom has a huge walk-in closet complete with loads of wire shelves & storage units, and a five-piece bath with tiled double-sink vanity and soaking tub. The 2nd bedroom is just off the family room and also has private access to the 2nd full bathroom.

Outside are five fenced and cross-fenced, hot-wired acres plus two shops, RV-size carport, barn with hayloft, 2-horse (only one stall) loafing shed, well house, a fish pond, your own private well and septic system.

Barn measures 42' x 50'
Hayloft 11' x 50'
Five stalls (four with outside gates) with concrete pads
Three additional rooms on opposite side of stalls.
Corner room is plumbed with utility sink
Extended covered storage on back and sides

1st Shop as you enter the property
42' x 24', plus 12' x 24' attached carport, all with concrete floors
2 rollup doors with openers, plus one sliding door Shop/storage room at one end
Pull-down ladder to additional loft storage
Insulated, 220V

2nd Shop, behind the house
36' x 24', plus shop bay
Insulated, 220V
Concrete floors throughout, plus parking pad
2 rollup doors & sliding door & barn doors
Edged by large kennel in this photo

RV Carport large enough for the grandest rig!
Concrete Pad

Waay too much to list here. For photos, photos, photos! ... plus the virtual tour, visit www.gabriellenemes.com

Your Dedicated Realtor & Active Rain Blogger, working the Auburn, Kent, Renton, Maple Valley, Federal Way, Covington, Puyallup, Sumner, Bonney Lake, Lake Tapps, and north/northeast Tacoma areas.

Online Color Books for Kids!

Gabrielle Nemes, GRI, SRS, Auburn, WA (RE/MAX Select R.E.) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 13:26:07 -0600

While working with some delightful clients a while back, I had a chance to interact with their two young daughters, Katy & Sarah. We let their Mom & Dad plow through some paperwork while we colored pictures and talked about playing on the computer. Inspired, I decided to see what I could find that might be fun for them next time we had a chance to play! These sites look like SO much fun!

coloring.com Oh this site is FUN with simple designs for the younger crowd! Click on a page to go to electronic coloring!
thekidzpage.com This is a flashy site with busy ads for all sorts of things for kids. The printable coloring pages are worth it though!
learn about the weather color pages by NOAA Downloadable stories you can color about different types of weather ... think Tornados, Thunderstorms, Snow!
color book links WOW, this site contains links to tons of other sites that have .pdf downloadable coloring pages! PERFECT!
Dover Publications I get updates from Dover Publications periodically that show off their newest books. Most of them have sketch pages that can be downloaded and then colored. These are generally the high-end adult-type coloring pages for those of us that enjoy coloring with markers with lots of detail. Brings out the "kid" in all of us!
National Institute of Environmental Health Okay, another site where the youngest of us can learn a bit about environment responsibility ... these are fun pages that can also be colored online.
Crayola.com Of course there has to be a page with a nod to our favorite crayons, right?

Okay, just one more ... apparently there are hundreds of these sites. Who knew?

Coloring Pages for Kids So here's a resource references what looks like hundreds of other sites containing coloring pages. Have fun!

Your Dedicated Realtor & Active Rain Blogger, working the Auburn, Kent, Renton, Maple Valley, Federal Way, Covington, Puyallup, Sumner, Bonney Lake, Lake Tapps, and north/northeast Tacoma areas.

8 Requirements for the New Homebuyer Tax Credit, Effective NOW!

Gabrielle Nemes, GRI, SRS, Auburn, WA (RE/MAX Select R.E.) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:33:44 -0600

Okay all you first time homebuyers, you've been given a second chance! The Homebuyer Tax Credit passed and was signed into effect on Friday, November 6th! What GREAT news!

And it gets even better! Not only do first time homebuyers benefit from the tax credit ... to the tune of $8,000! ... any homebuyer could potentially benefit, up to $6,500!

Here are some of the highlights. Of course you'll want to verify this information with your own accountant; as with most bills of this sort it's many pages long and there are requirements that must be precisely met:

A first time homebuyer is one that has not owned a home for at least three years.
To qualify, a repeat homebuyer, must have owned their current home for at least five consecutive years out of the last eight years. So ... imagine that you owned a home for at least five years, but sold it and have now been renting for the last two years. You qualify.
If you're a single person, you cannot earn more than $125,000; if you're married, you can earn up to $250,000.
You must be in a contract to purchase your new home on or before April 30th ... but you have until June 30th to close the transaction.
There's no lag between the old deadline (November 30th) and the beginning of the new period ... it's as if the November 30th deadline never existed. The new deadline is April 30th (see #3).
The maximum purchase price for your new home is $800,000.
Your new house does not have to cost more than your last house. It's okay to downsize!
Oh yes! And as a measure to prevent fraud, you'll have to attach proof of purchase to your tax return in order to qualify. I haven't read the entire Bill, but I would anticipate that a copy of your final HUD (closing) statement will probably suffice. But do as your tax accountant. They'll know.

SO, Congratulations. Now, don't twiddle your thumbs and let this run out AGAIN! Call me and let's get shopping!!

Your Dedicated Realtor & Active Rain Blogger, working the Auburn, Kent, Renton, Maple Valley, Federal Way, Covington, Puyallup, Sumner, Bonney Lake, Lake Tapps, and north/northeast Tacoma areas.

Will You Benefit From the Home Buyer Tax Credit?

Gabrielle Nemes, GRI, SRS, Auburn, WA (RE/MAX Select R.E.) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 09:18:56 -0500

Since the beginning of 2009, first time homebuyers have benefited from an $8,000 gift directly from Uncle Sam. Qualifying for the gift was easy and thousands of people benefited.

As I write this, plans are in place to extend and modify the tax credit into next Spring (thank heavens), which will continue to help economic recovery for more folks than just those stepping up to purchase a home.

I've been amazed while hearing our various elected officials and economists speak shortsightedly, in my opinion, about why the tax credit should not be extended, nor should have been in place to begin with. I absolutely agree that the tax credit has a huge price tag. However, let's think very briefly about what that tax credit is actually buying.

Just help buying a house? Hardly!

Think back to your last move, whether it was a house, an apartment, back to mom's, wherever. What was the first thing you did? I can tell you what I did ... picked up my wallet and headed straight to the store. I needed STUFF -- boxes, moving supplies, shelf liner, paint, curtains, towels, furniture -- STUFF!

That's where the money goes. Not just in a pocket or frankly, not just back in a savings account. Is $8,000 too much? Did I buy $8,000 worth of stuff? Oh yes. And much more. Had I been given the $8,000 as a gift from my last move, my house credit card might not have been maxed out!

Your Dedicated Realtor & Active Rain Blogger, working the Auburn, Kent, Renton, Maple Valley, Federal Way, Covington, Puyallup, Sumner, Bonney Lake, Lake Tapps, and north/northeast Tacoma areas.

Homebuyer's Tax Credit Has NOT Yet Passed -- Not Quite!

Gabrielle Nemes, GRI, SRS, Auburn, WA (RE/MAX Select R.E.) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 18:51:30 -0500

As I write this at 4:45 PDT, our local news station is reporting that the Homebuyer's Tax Credit has passed and will be extended to April 2010.

While that's GREAT news, it's not quite right yet, from what I can see.

Looks like the Senate has agreed to pass a resolution that would extend the $8,000 tax credit to First Time Homebuyers, a $6,500 tax credit for repeat homebuyers, both with qualifying issues.

However, a vote hasn't actually taken place that passes the resolution as a stand-alone bill. At the moment, it's hung up on the premise that it'll be tagged onto legislation to extend unemployment benefits, although it appears that it'll pass the Senate even as a stand-alone bill.

We'll see.

I'm holding off the celebration until it's signed around!

Your Dedicated Realtor & Active Rain Blogger, working the Auburn, Kent, Renton, Maple Valley, Federal Way, Covington, Puyallup, Sumner, Bonney Lake, Lake Tapps, and north/northeast Tacoma areas.

Senate Activity on Extending the $8k Tax Credit

Gabrielle Nemes, GRI, SRS, Auburn, WA (RE/MAX Select R.E.) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 12:56:59 -0500

Like almost everyone I know that works in the housing industry, I've been chasing myself around for the last few weeks trying to get all of the First Time Homebuyers in my client list qualified and under contract so that they were eligible for the $8,000 tax credit ... due to expire on November 30th.

It's been a wild ride, full of both elation and disappointment! And, of course, absolutely full of the question "Will it be extended?"

I've been diligently trying to follow along with activities in the legislature while listening to other opinions about why it will and why it won't and who thinks it's a great idea and who thinks it'll continue to bankrupt us all.

Reuters is one of my favorite places to find quality news feeds--in this case current activity on extending the $8,000 tax credit for homebuyers. Yesterday, Reuters reported that Bill Nelson (Dem.) of the Senate Finance Committee indicated that the Senate would act this week on the tax credit and that it would likely be extended for a "limited" period. Then the stock market reacted negatively later in the day to a report that it would not be.

This morning, Reuters posted another story complete with Q&A about another proposal being floated through the Senate by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, a Nevada Democrat, and Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus, a Montana Democrat.

In their scenario, the credit would be extended to the end of 2010, but would be phased out in $2,000 decreases beginning in April, then again in July and in October.

Now, at the moment, I kinda like this proposal. And I like the idea that it carries into the Spring, where house purchases and sales tend to begin rallying all by themselves.

My only issue with their proposal is that it's being attached to the passage of another bill for unemployment insurance benefits. Sigh. Seems like it'd be so much easier to keep track of things if each expenditure had to stand on its own.

I'm sure tomorrow there'll be yet more ups and downs about whether the $8,000 tax credit will be extended, or buried. Passage will be cause for celebration, in my opinion. Of course, then the bill will need to go on to the House, where, no doubt, it'll be changed yet again. Back and forth.

Just my Tuesday morning 2¢ worth!

Your Dedicated Realtor & Active Rain Blogger, working the Auburn, Kent, Renton, Maple Valley, Federal Way, Covington, Puyallup, Sumner, Bonney Lake, Lake Tapps, and north/northeast Tacoma areas.

Don't Move Money Around

Gabrielle Nemes, GRI, SRS, Auburn, WA (RE/MAX Select R.E.) — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 22:35:20 -0500

I sometimes hear frustration from buyers who are being asked to produce the papertrail that supports the source of money used for downpayment and closing costs. The underwriter (the person that issues final approval for your loan) requires this information as one method of eliminating the possiblity of fraud, to meet the requirements of investors with whom they work, and for quality control. They're just doing their job, but sometimes meeting this requirement is difficult and tedious.

You may have been diligently consolidating money from various accounts so that it's easier to manage, but this can actually cause more loan approval challenges.

During the time you're working on purchasing a home, or at least for the prior three months or so, don't move money around unnecessarily. The underwriter will require documentation of any large deposits or withdrawals from your account. This could include money you received as gifts, from transferring funds between accounts, investment liquidations, cashing out mutual funds, retirement funds, or whatever. You may be asked for copies of cancelled checks, deposit receipts, or other supporting documents that may see inconsequential.

If you're relying on gift monies that will be used in your purchase in any fashion, you'll likely also be required to produce a letter from the person giving you the money that documents the fact that you are not required to repay the gift. In fact, the person from whom you're receiving the money may also need to produce copies of bank statements, etc., that documents where they received your gift money.

In fact, this is also not the best time to be changing banks, or even opening new accounts.

Don't move your money around ... or if you do, be absolutely certain you can document everything thoroughly.

Your Dedicated Realtor & Active Rain Blogger, working the Auburn, Kent, Renton, Maple Valley, Federal Way, Covington, Puyallup, Sumner, Bonney Lake, Lake Tapps, and north/northeast Tacoma areas.

Being a Realtor is the "Dang-dest" Business!

Gabrielle Nemes, GRI, SRS, Auburn, WA (RE/MAX Select R.E.) — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 00:03:19 -0500

It happened yet again ... and it's certainly happened before.

Met with a wonderful potential client about listing her house. And talked her out of it. Helped her understand why this just wasn't the best time to sell and perhaps she'd like to wait? And that her house was worth less than half what she thought.

This one broke my heart -- a widow that truly needs the money from the house. But the money just wasn't there. I hated telling her that. But it's part of the job and I couldn't live with myself if I'd told her anything different.

I'm not in the habit of talking people out of listing with me, but sometimes it's the right thing to do.

Now ... what other professional can you think of where you talk people OUT of using their services!

Being a Realtor(c) is definitely the "dangdest" business! And one of which I am very proud to be a member.

Your Dedicated Realtor & Active Rain Blogger, working the Auburn, Kent, Renton, Maple Valley, Federal Way, Covington, Puyallup, Sumner, Bonney Lake, Lake Tapps, and north/northeast Tacoma areas.

King County Recorder's Office Furlough to Affect Timely Tax Credit Closings?

Gabrielle Nemes, GRI, SRS, Auburn, WA (RE/MAX Select R.E.) — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 13:35:41 -0500

I received a message late last week from one of my helpful resource folks, Garrett Huffman of the Master Builder's Association, regarding real estate closings and King County furlough days.

Earlier this year I posted a blog entry listing the days various King County offices would be closed in an effort to help minimize budget overruns. One of the most troublesome dates on the list is scheduled furlough for November 25th ... just 5 days prior to the end of the First Time Homebuyer's Tax Credit, as it is currently defined. Add in the typical Thanksgiving holidays of November 26-27, the last week of November has generally been deemed a write-off as far as getting transactions closed.

According to Garrett, the folks at King County have taken into account the general "panic" that may WILL occur by folks trying to get transactions recorded so as to qualify Buyers for their tax credit.

I have a couple of transactions that are looking like last minute closings too. YIKES!

The Master Builder Association has been working hard to be sure that last minute transactions are recorded on time. Here's what they're reporting:

"King County has been very responsive to our association's concern regarding a furlough day planned at the county in late November. To make sure that the home sales to first time homebuyers close by Nov. 30 and are therefore able to qualify for the federal first-time homebuyer tax credit, the Recorder's office is taking the following action:

King County plans to have 15 employees in the Recorder's Office designated as furlough ineligible and therefore able to work overtime during Thanksgiving week.
These designated staff will work overtime on Monday, Nov. 23 until all documents are recorded.
On Tuesday, Nov. 24 the Recording Office will start at 7:15 a.m. and stay late until everything is recorded.
They will have a team of seven recorders on stand-by to work on Wednesday, Nov. 25 should there be any additional work not completed on Tuesday.
The office will not be open to the public on Wednesday, Nov. 25 and would not receive any additional documents.

In addition, we have requested that King County be prepared for Recording office staff to work overtime on Monday, Nov. 30, to help ensure that all sales are recorded and no first time homebuyer will miss the tax credit deadline."

Your Dedicated Realtor & Active Rain Blogger, working the Auburn, Kent, Renton, Maple Valley, Federal Way, Covington, Puyallup, Sumner, Bonney Lake, Lake Tapps, and north/northeast Tacoma areas.

Happy Thanksgiving to My Canadian Friends!!

Gabrielle Nemes, GRI, SRS, Auburn, WA (RE/MAX Select R.E.) — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 10:36:13 -0500

May you be surrounded by friends and family ...

and may you find a moment, or two, or three, to play a few games, sing a few songs, and share a few memories ...

and may you be full of good things ... like TURKEY and cranberries and potatoes and stuffing!

May you find a comfy chair afterwards to nap it all off!

But most importantly, may you take the opportunity to thank God above for the opportunity to do it all!

Happy Thanksgiving!!

Your Dedicated Realtor & Active Rain Blogger, working the Auburn, Kent, Renton, Maple Valley, Federal Way, Covington, Puyallup, Sumner, Bonney Lake, Lake Tapps, and north/northeast Tacoma areas.

Auburn, Washington Chamber of Commerce Trade Fair

Gabrielle Nemes, GRI, SRS, Auburn, WA (RE/MAX Select R.E.) — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 00:24:01 -0500

The Auburn area Chamber of Commerce is holding its annual trade fair at the Supermall of the Great Northwest this coming Saturday from 10am to 4pm.

Enter using the Aviation Court, then turn right -- We'll be located near the Black Minerals and Glow Golf stores.

I'll be there greeting everyone that walks in ... with a display of houses for sale and information, should you want to talk real estate! (of course!!!)

Every exhibitor will also have a raffle item, but you'll need to visit individual booths to sign up!

Hope to see you Saturday at the Auburn Chamber of Commerce Trade Fair! It'll be fun; come by!

Your Dedicated Realtor & Active Rain Blogger, working the Auburn, Kent, Renton, Maple Valley, Federal Way, Covington, Puyallup, Sumner, Bonney Lake, Lake Tapps, and north/northeast Tacoma areas.

Incoming Tide

Gabrielle Nemes, GRI, SRS, Auburn, WA (RE/MAX Select R.E.) — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 01:00:28 -0500

There are some vistas that take my breath away. Such was the gorgeous morning at Ocean Shores watching the tide coming in with the pelicans flying in formation. I loved this view with the remains of the old dock ... even the footprints in the sand added interest and texture.

The majesty of our planet is simply amazing ...

Your Dedicated Realtor & Active Rain Blogger, working the Auburn, Kent, Renton, Maple Valley, Federal Way, Covington, Puyallup, Sumner, Bonney Lake, Lake Tapps, and north/northeast Tacoma areas.

Trends & Market Updates Auburn, Washington

Gabrielle Nemes, GRI, SRS, Auburn, WA (RE/MAX Select R.E.) — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 19:20:36 -0500

The news media provides an overall look at what the real estate market is doing coast to coast. If you regularly read the local Sunday papers, you may even get a feel for what's selling in various counties or even in your local community.

Graphs bring that information down in a visual, manageable method, making it a bit easier to figure out what's really going on.

The graphs here are for the Auburn, Algona & Pacific areas of King County, known by the Northwest Multiple Listing Service as Area 310. At the time we look at your home's individual value, however, this information will be localized even further, helping everyone involved understand what the appropriate market price for your home really is. It's tough to make educated decisions without the hard facts backing them up.

This first graph illustrates the average price for homes on the market (active) vs the average price for those homes where the sale was completed (closed) in the same month. Here one can see that there was a spike in sold prices in July, with a drop in August.

This next chart shows the average sales price for homes in Area 310 (not just Auburn --gotta fix that chart title) .. by month since the start of 2005. So .... if you purchased your home in August 2005, it's easy to see that your home's value may be slightly less than that $$ amount in August 2009.

Next: The number of new listings coming on the market each month since 2005. Good for helping decide when the right time to list might be.

And look how the number of closed sales went month by month for the same period. (still gotta change these titles -- this is for Auburn, Pacific & Algona, not just Auburn Addresses!). Remember that sales typically receive a mutually accepted offer 30-45 days prior to closing. Look at August -- there's that July housing shopping in action!

I like this next chart! Look how far the inventory has fallen. Either houses are selling, or listings are being cancelled or expired. There are certainly fewer of them! It's really important to remember here, however, that this little chart only compares one month's of active listings to one month's of closed sales -- That's a bit limited in scope, but gives you an idea.

These are just a few of the statistics I use to help you work on your own home's value. Don't hesitate to give me a call or an e-mail if you want to examine your own situation!

Your Dedicated Realtor & Active Rain Blogger, working the Auburn, Kent, Renton, Maple Valley, Federal Way, Covington, Puyallup, Sumner, Bonney Lake, Lake Tapps, and north/northeast Tacoma areas.

When Was the Last Time YOU Moved?

Gabrielle Nemes, GRI, SRS, Auburn, WA (RE/MAX Select R.E.) — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 15:25:14 -0500

As agents, I think we sometimes forget the actual pain of buying a home ... and in selling one. It's easy to get caught up in the daily complexities we see from our clients, but until we face them firsthand, it's so easy to forget. I'm not talking about investment properties, I'm talking about the pain and emotional rollercoaster of finding a dream house, trying to get a mortgage that makes sense, going through inspections on both sides, packing up one's stuff, and then actually putting possessions on a moving truck and unpacking it on the other end. Trying to get everything organized again. Hoping nothing broke or got scratched or lost.

It's daggone hard! Agony. It's been a little over four years since I sold a home and bought a new one. I remember it well. Well, not like it was yesterday although it certainly seems that way sometimes. There are still things that I wonder about -- where'd that box with those favorite cups go to? I may never know. I can't find them.

An understanding of our client's emotions during the buy or sell/buy process is critical, in my opinion. There's so much more to our jobs than just guiding our clients through the process.

I remember the insult I felt when my perfectly maintained house ... it WAS perfect!, yes it WAS! ... was questioned by the Buyer. They wanted all this stuff fixed. But the house was perfect already! How DARE they!

I remember the frustration I felt when the Buyer showed up before they were entitled to move in ... when the house was a muddy chaotic mess during what had to be the rainstorm of the year. The day we moved out. And had the temerity to tell me that my perfect, albeit muddy, house was a mess. And that I was a terrible housekeeper! I remember telling her in no uncertain terms to leave. I hadn't said goodbye to my house yet and the housecleaner and carpet cleaners hadn't been in.

I remember the uncertainty we felt when the mortgage terms we wanted weren't available to us. And waiting on pins and needles while our loan officer tried to get us what we wanted. And waiting for the call. Waiting.

And finding a previous mortgage on title that had been paid and shouldn't have been there. Working with the title officers and trying to figure out what to do since the previous bank had been merged and then merged and then merged.

And the satisfaction ... and relief ... of finally getting there. Unpacking the boxes. Sleeping in the new bedroom. Ahhhhh!

Now ... as an experienced agent, I figured I had this whole sell/buy thing under control.

And yet! See ... it's been over four years and I still remember! I was an emotional wreck. It was HARD! And it was worth it!

Those memories are a critical component of the empathy and understanding I feel and attempt to express with each of my client's transactions. Our jobs are so much more than being experts. We need to remember! And sometimes help guide from those memories.

When was the last time YOU moved? If it's been a long while, maybe it's time to experience the moment again. I believe it makes us better agents.

Your Dedicated Realtor & Active Rain Blogger, working the Auburn, Kent, Renton, Maple Valley, Federal Way, Covington, Puyallup, Sumner, Bonney Lake, Lake Tapps, and north/northeast Tacoma areas.

There's a certain peacefulness about owning a home

Gabrielle Nemes, GRI, SRS, Auburn, WA (RE/MAX Select R.E.) — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 15:36:06 -0500

I just came back in the house and to my home office desk. The weather is gorgeous -- clear blue sky and the garden just called for a quick walk through. Picked a few dahlias and stuff to put in a vase on my desk.

Such peacefulness.

Yes, I know that owning a home is tremendous commitment. It's hard, daggone it! Like many of you, we're close to being upside down on our house. We bought right in the middle of the 2005 upswing of prices. Four plus years later, we're back to where we started.

At least once a week I walk through the house and the yard and mutter about all of the remodeling that's still undone. And bemoan the hundreds ... make that thousands... of dollars we've spent on it thus far. With thousands yet to be spent.

Sometimes we make mistakes in our home choices. Sometimes we've spent too much or picked the wrong neighbors or painted the walls the wrong colors. Sometimes we just flat out can't afford our choice due to circumstances beyond our own control. Sometimes we have to face up to those mistakes and start over.

Every seller I've helped sell that had to sell for one reason or another--not just because they wanted a bigger or better house but because financially the house just didn't work for them--told me they couldn't wait to buy another one.

Homeownership IS a tremendous responsibility. But the Buyers with whom I work constantly remind me just how important it is to have one's own space. How badly they want it . It's an American obsession this desire to own a home. To be able to walk about one's own rooms or yard and look about.

There's a certain peacefulness about owning a home. I'm hooked. The dahlias are calling.

Your Dedicated Realtor & Active Rain Blogger, working the Auburn, Kent, Renton, Maple Valley, Federal Way, Covington, Puyallup, Sumner, Bonney Lake, Lake Tapps, and north/northeast Tacoma areas.

Go Team!

Gabrielle Nemes, GRI, SRS, Auburn, WA (RE/MAX Select R.E.) — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 17:27:45 -0500

The start of the school year always signals the start of a new business year for me. It's supposed to mean that playtime is over for a while and it's time to get to it! I know most folks think of January as the first ... but for me, somehow it always seems to get fired up around the 1st of September. I can somehow stick my backside to my desk a bit better when the leaves start to turn and it's raining.

Our office has a brief hiatus from office meetings in August, so at least for me, today heralded the start of the Fall. Our fearless leader, the inimitable Colleen Fischesser, was in full form today -- running through all the recent updates on rule changes and law changes and office changes, etc. She's ready to go ... and of course wants us on board too ... time for business planning for 2010! Get started, get going, keep blogging, do more online, Go Team!

Pretty inspiring, if I do say so, Mz. Colleen!

One quote that came out of the meeting today that I really liked: you know the adage that we've all heard in the past that 10% of the agents are doing 90% of the business?

That quote was updated for us today: per Stefan Swanepoel, CEO RealtyU Group, Inc:

"7% of All Real Estate Agents Do 93% of the Business!"

Whew ... 7%! Where are you? One of the 7%? or one of the 93%. I always figured I was at about 11% ... now I wonder if I'm at 8!

So ... time to bring it up a notch -- 1% more. I can do it! GO TEAM!

Your Dedicated Realtor & Active Rain Blogger, working the Auburn, Kent, Renton, Maple Valley, Federal Way, Covington, Puyallup, Sumner, Bonney Lake, Lake Tapps, and north/northeast Tacoma areas.

The Ocean was Heavenly! -- How far can you walk?

Gabrielle Nemes, GRI, SRS, Auburn, WA (RE/MAX Select R.E.) — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 20:14:15 -0500

Hubby and I spent the week before last at Ocean Shores. It was Heavenly! Truly. A much needed stress break, although far too short, as vacations often are. I think we need to adopt the "holiday" attitude in Europe -- you know six weeks a year! (course I don't know what I'd do with myself with that much time off!)

The weather was perfect -- sunny with a bit of a breeze, which was perfect for kite flying. The pelicans and gulls amused us several times a day with their antics. And the deer! They walked right up the beach to our deck. I'm sure the local population gets tired of them, but I thought they were charming!

And the dogs and I walked and walked and walked ... miles and miles a day. I need to do this more often; just think of the legs I'd have!

As usual, we took a drive around Ocean Shores looking at properties. I just can't help myself. Oh, to live with the views of the water like this. However, I'm always totally taken aback by the price of homes in the area. Gads ... vacation houses in the $300k range and up. Whew. It's definitely a sign when I get online while I'm on vacation so that I can scout out the bank-owned properties in an area! That was enough real estate for the week though.

So ... I'm ready to go back! Ahhhhhhhhh, another margarita on the beach. That's life.

Your Dedicated Realtor & Active Rain Blogger, working the Auburn, Kent, Renton, Maple Valley, Federal Way, Covington, Puyallup, Sumner, Bonney Lake, Lake Tapps, and north/northeast Tacoma areas.

It's time for scones! -- and other fun things to do at the Puyallup Fair!

Gabrielle Nemes, GRI, SRS, Auburn, WA (RE/MAX Select R.E.) — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 15:42:07 -0500

Visiting the Western Washington State Fair in Puyallup is a yearly tradition in my household. What can I say? ... I love looking over the pen at the massive momma sow with her bazillion piglets! Must be a frustrated farmer in here somewhere.

The fair starts next Friday, the 11^thand runs through the 27th, so I wanted to get the schedule out to you right away. After all, maybe you really want to go to the Rodeo. I know my son loves it!

Have fun! Get in line for scones, but don't eat too many fair burgers & fried Twinkies this year; after all I KNOW you'll want to ride the Extreme Scream!

Here's a quick schedule and info about transportation. For more, visit The Fair!

Your Dedicated Realtor & Active Rain Blogger, working the Auburn, Kent, Renton, Maple Valley, Federal Way, Covington, Puyallup, Sumner, Bonney Lake, Lake Tapps, and north/northeast Tacoma areas.

What every good son does ...

Gabrielle Nemes, GRI, SRS, Auburn, WA (RE/MAX Select R.E.) — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 22:25:01 -0500

... when his mother's not looking.

At 19, my youngest son seems to think he's invinciable. Last Sunday, while out to dinner, I had moments of concern as I hadn't heard from my generally considerate son. I mean, usually he'll give me a call at least once during the day to tell me what he's up to.

Not Sunday. He had a date Saturday night, then went over to a buddy's house to watch a movie. Sunday morning some time I expected to hear from him. The day went on. Mom called. Nothing. Mom called again. Nothing.

About 8pm I got this call:

"Mom, just checking in. Me and the guys went bungee jumping."

"WHAT! You did WHAT? Did I hear you right?"

"Yeah, I jumped off this bridge above this river. "

OMG!!!

Tonight he says: "Hey, I'm on YouTube"

So ... just had to share. My inviciable son is trying to outdo his sister who climbs rocks and cliffs and anything that's straight up or inverted somehow. Or flies down mountains on bicycles.

WHERE do they get this!

(And they wonder why my hair is grey ......)

Your Dedicated Realtor & Active Rain Blogger, working the Auburn, Kent, Renton, Maple Valley, Federal Way, Covington, Puyallup, Sumner, Bonney Lake, Lake Tapps, and north/northeast Tacoma areas.

The Key to Success in Real Estate or Anything

Gabrielle Nemes, GRI, SRS, Auburn, WA (RE/MAX Select R.E.) — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 18:40:25 -0500

Denise Lones, founder of The Lones Group sends out a little newsletter every Friday called The Zebra Report. I've come to value these, as she's typically "spot on" in her assessments of the current real estate market, tasks and practices of effective and successful agents.

Almost immediately after whining a bit in my blog entry yesterday about needing to "reset" myself and get back in high gear, The Zebra Report arrived in my Inbox and, once again, Denise must've read my mind. Here came her advice and thoughts for the week, which were, as usual, exactly what I needed. I'm gonna start with #3!

I touched base with Denise to be sure I could post her thoughts here and with her usual good grace, she said sure! Just be sure they know who wrote it.

So, with that out of the way and much thanks to Denise, below is her great "coaching" tip for the week. I don't coach with Denise, but I love her approach and tips. You can find more of her information at www.thelonesgroup.com.

By Denise Lones CSP, M.I.R.M.

There is one skill that will make you all the money you want. It is an elusive skill that 95% of the world neglects every day-especially real estate agents.

I can't tell you how many times I've visited an agent's office and the first thing I noticed was a lack of this one skill. What is it?

Consistency.

Consistency is the one beast that when tamed, gives you everything you want out of life-not just in real estate. However, it seems that real estate agents have a notoriously hard time with it.

Most agents are very talented at what I call the "Stop-and-Start Syndrome". This is the disease of stopping projects and then starting new ones.

When the new project doesn't produce results fast enough, the agent stops and starts something else. It becomes a vicious cycle.

Consistency is the answer to putting structure on your business-and your income. I'm constantly being asked by agents, "Denise, is there a way to transform real estate from a feast-or-famine business to a steady income business?"

The answer is yes. But it starts with consistency.

Here are the four areas in which all agents need to take more consistent actions:

1. Follow-up.

If you ask the clients of any one hundred agents what kind of consistent follow-up they receive, I can safely predict that over 90% will say they receive nothing consistently. It may be a flyer here, a letter there, maybe an occasional phone call-but nothing regular.

My definition of a consistent follow-up plan is that you are in regular contact with your clients over an extended period of time. That might be a monthly mailer about real estate. It might be a weekly email. It might be a phone call every three weeks.

But it's something that's scheduled and checked off your to-do list. Without consistent follow-up in place (for potential, current, and past clients!), there is no way you will ever have a consistent income.

2. Lead generation.

Lead generation is the area in which real estate agents are the weakest in terms of consistency. Most agents start a lead generation campaign when they desperately need the money.

This is the worst time to decide to start one. The agent is stressed out, not at the top of his or her game, and not in the best frame of mind to begin looking for new clients.

This is why it's so critically important to start a lead generation campaign before you need one. By the time you need one, you'll already have one in place.

Something else I often see when an agent starts to do well is that they slack off on their lead generation. Big mistake! Lead generation needs to continue in good times or bad.

3. Taking time off.

I still haven't gotten this point across to many of you, so I'll keep repeating it until I do. The more regular time off you fit into your schedule, the more money you make as a real estate agent.

Yes, it sounds silly, but I guarantee you that the agents I know who make the most money also take the most vacations. They are more productive because they are well-rested, recharged, and always at the top of their game.

4. Paperwork and organization.

I visit many agents whose desks are covered in piles of papers. I tell them to get rid of the piles. Then, at our next meeting I notice that not only were the piles not taken away, they're higher.

This is bad. All agents need to schedule-and when I say schedule, I mean DEVOTE-30 minutes a day to organizing papers and files. If you're one of the agents with the piles, then maybe you need to spend more time than that on this task.

But you have to do it-because like it or not, paperwork is a necessary evil when you run a business. Very few agents I know sit down and organize their papers consistently. These agents tend to do the paperwork the very moment it's needed-instead of having it ready to go at a moment's notice.

When I was an agent, I had systems in place so that if I needed a form it was always clearly labeled and ready to grab. When you implement similar systems in your business, you'll be amazed at how much new time you have for other tasks.

Consistency in any field equals success. Finding out what it takes to be successful-and then DOING those things consistently is the key to success in real estate.

Or anything, for that matter.

________________________________________________________________________________

Your Dedicated Realtor & Active Rain Blogger, working the Auburn, Kent, Renton, Maple Valley, Federal Way, Covington, Puyallup, Sumner, Bonney Lake, Lake Tapps, and north/northeast Tacoma areas.

Dear Buyer ... Please Quit Spending!

Gabrielle Nemes, GRI, SRS, Auburn, WA (RE/MAX Select R.E.) — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 00:06:49 -0500

Sigh, it's happened yet again. Somehow no matter how much counseling, another Buyer's forgotten one of the golden rules of buying a house: If you spend money on credit cards, buy a new major appliance on credit, buy a new car, decided to furnish your new home before closing ... you run the risk of not qualifying for your loan. Even if you qualified before you ever started shopping.

There's nothing more disheartening to find the home of your dreams, go through all the steps ... qualify and be preapproved for your loan, inspection, title searches, negotiations, etc., ... and then find out just before closing that, yes, the underwriter reviewed that last credit report only to find an additional new monthly payments

OH NO! There's a new credit line that blows the debt to income ratios totally apart.

Yes, sometimes life gets in the way of judicious decisious during the period of time between making application for a home loan and closing. And some Buyers have sufficient income and are shopping far enough below their top qualifying number to sustain an extra monthly payment, but typically not.

Not only are your credit scores, credit history, and monthly debts examined at the time application is made, they're checked again right before closing to be sure no significant changes have occurred. Qualifying for a mortgage is difficult right now. Hang on just a few more weeks. Wait until after closing.

Your Dedicated Realtor & Active Rain Blogger, working the Auburn, Kent, Renton, Maple Valley, Federal Way, Covington, Puyallup, Sumner, Bonney Lake, Lake Tapps, and north/northeast Tacoma areas.

Nature and Marketing -- Outgrown Your Basket?

Gabrielle Nemes, GRI, SRS, Auburn, WA (RE/MAX Select R.E.) — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 23:21:13 -0500

"Tubby" is a well-loved member of our family that, obviously, lives up to his name. Shortly after this photo was taken, he did gain a bit more room, thanks to his move to the country with the rest of the family.

For help with your next move, call Tubby's "mom." I'm always delighted to be of help for your own growing pains.

Your Dedicated Realtor & Active Rain Blogger, working the Auburn, Kent, Renton, Maple Valley, Federal Way, Covington, Puyallup, Sumner, Bonney Lake, Lake Tapps, and north/northeast Tacoma areas.

Nature and Marketing Contest -- Need a Little Space of Your Own

Gabrielle Nemes, GRI, SRS, Auburn, WA (RE/MAX Select R.E.) — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 18:07:00 -0500

Your Dedicated Realtor & Active Rain Blogger, working the Auburn, Kent, Renton, Maple Valley, Federal Way, Covington, Puyallup, Sumner, Bonney Lake, Lake Tapps, and north/northeast Tacoma areas.