- Name
- Donna Duncan
- Company
- Coldwell Banker Bain
- E-mail
- Contact Donna Duncan (Coldwell Banker Bain)
- Website
- http://www.WelcomeHomeEdmonds.com
- Office Phone
- (425) 771-1000
- Cell Phone
- (206) 399-1517
- Fax
- (888) 258-0956
- Description
- I have been a licensed agent since 1985 & have a very diverse background in real estate. I started out in the midwest as a custom builder & developer in the early 80's & saw interest rates of 18%!
About Us:
I have been a licensed real estate agent since 1985 & have a very diverse background in real estate. I started out in the midwest as a custom builder & developer in the early 80's & saw interest rates of 18%! (And people think our current market is tough!)
In the mid-1990's I became involved in development of commercial property and management of upscale retail centers for a premier commercial developer in the midwest. After moving to the desert Southwest in the late 1990's, I got exclusively into residential resale of primarily luxury real estate (2nd & 3rd homes). I dealt with many absentee owners/clients, which necessitated an "above-and-beyond" service policy. I actually had other agents ask me "why are you doing that for your client?" when it was something as simple as meeting a subcontractor to allow them access to the client's property! My response was "I am here, and the client is not! It is a simple courtesy!" After a move with my husband to the Seattle area in early 2002, I have continued that same work ethic with my clients here, and as a result, I have built a very loyal following and had quite a few repeat customers. In this business, you must go above-and-beyond with clients, as any successful agent will tell you, because referrals are what drive our business and allow it to grow.
I love the business of real estate for many reasons, some of which are: meeting great new people, getting to know their wants, needs, and what makes them tick, then helping them move on to a new phase in their lives. The business of real estate is never dull, never the "same old, same old", never boring, and always a learning process. Even after nearly 30 years in some type of real estate related business, I still learn something new nearly every day! How many professions can honestly say that? Real estate is not a set-in-stone science, not a mathematical problem with only one "right" answer, but more of an art, that takes a head for dealing with tons of different styles of people & their quirks (good & bad!), outstanding active listening skills, and great problem solving skills plus a cool head for negotiation. No two transactions are ever the same, and no matter how many homes I list or how many buyers I assist in finding a new home, I am never bored, never tired of it, and always excited to see what the next day will bring!
Areas of Expertise
After so many years in this business, and with so many different types of real estate related business dealings, I have more than one strong suit. I believe the very length of time I have been working in this field in some capacity, gives me a huge edge over most real estate agents. After nearly 30 yrs, I still have a great enthusiasm for the business of real estate and the wonderful new people I meet in the process.
Many agents consider themselves only "listing" agents or "buyers" agents. I feel the experience of working both as a buyer's agent, as well as a listing agent, gives me knowledge of the current viewpoint of today's buyers when I am working with a seller as their listing agent. In order to best advise my client s and be able to negotiate strongly for the client I am working with, being current on what sellers are feeling in today's market, helps me negotiate on behalf of a buyer in a more knowledgable manner. Particularly as a listing agent, by working with buyers as well, I am definitely capable of giving current advice to sellers on what today's buyers are finding important, timely, and desirable in a property, as well as what turns those buyers off when they visit a property. This is particularly important in a market such as today's where we have a really strong "buyers market" going on - today's sellers may have only ONE shot at making an impression on a buyer and that impression better be a great one. I can help the sellers to make that impression for the very reason that I currently take buyers out and show property. By working with both buyers and sellers, it also gives my business a more balanced feel, and keeps me on my toes and current to the trends on both sides of a transaction.
I am mature enough to be able to work with senior citizens to help them make their move from a long-time home into a condo or an assisted living, and do so with empathy, having this much life experience. A younger agent might not be as empathetic, because perhaps their own parents have not yet reached this stage of life to need to downsize for financial or physical reasons.
I am also still young enough to relate to younger buyers, from the standpoint of being their "real estate mom" and giving them guidance on what to look for and important points to consider, that by their very inexperience they may overlook. One of my own daughters just bought her first home in another city, and I helped her find a great "real estate mom" (agent) there to assist her - so I know exactly how the younger, first time buyer or first time move-up buyer feels: intimidated, confused, somewhat helpless! I am there to help them with their questions & advise them. When you need to know something, as a young person, and you know the problem is beyond the scope of your peers, who better to ask than a parent? Even if it's your "real estate mom"! :)
Testimonials
Dear Gene and Donna,
My wife and I cannot thank you enough for the amazing job you did in selling our house. I originally thought our asking price was a little too high, but obviously I was wrong as an offer came in five days later, which we were very pleased with. We were even more impressed to learn that you represented the buyers and never once did we fell like there was a conflict of interest.
Being a corporate real estate broker, I feel fairly confident in my negotiating skills, however, I will never participate in another residential real estate transaction without the two of you representing us. You both made the process seem effortless and you answered our questions before we asked them. We look forward to recommending you both to our friends and colleagues, and please feel free to pass our contact information along to any of your prospective clients.
Sincerely-- Spencer & Lisa Marona
Dear Donna,
Thank you for the years of outstanding and professional representation through a series of transaction. Thank you for your friendship as well.
It has been nearly 5 years since you and Nancy first met. Since our first venture we have always known we had the right person guiding us along the way. Though the circumstances and the transactions were varied, there was one constant in each and every case. You looked out for our best interests and we got things done.
Conditions have most definitely changed. 2008 is a different world than 2003 and we are all challenged in ways we could not have imagined. Your experience, skills and willingness to get a deal made are the only reason we are not still waiting for a buyer today.
For us the relationship has transcended business to become a friendship. That means a great deal to us. Thank you for everything.--Jim and Nancy Letson
Thank you for your efforts in helping me out with my home purchase. I really feel you went the extra mile for me. I feel so great about getting this house. I had convinced myself that with so many other offers, I wouldn't get it. I cannot believe it! It really is great news! Yippie!! Thanks again for everything. I will definitely recommend you to my friends & family when they are looking for a home.-- Mike Hritzo
