How do Agents survive in this competitive market? Statistics show that 79-80% of Homebuyers begin their home search online.  This statistic is amazing.  I can remember our first computer "Franklin Ace 1000" this was a dinosaur of a machine, lots of plastic with very little technology in comparison to today's machines.It's amazing so much technology is at our fingertips.  If a homeowner has access to this technology, how does an agent compete in the World Wide Web?  Getting a customer to find you online and providing them with the tools and resources needed is key.  Doing so in a non-threatening and comfortable atmosphere is a major factor. Building a team relationship with lenders is also important to your success with clients.  After interviewing 16 Mortgage Professionals and not so pr... 04/05/2007

Friday's did you know?  BothellBy Greg Perry Bothell RealtorBothell WA real estate The City of Bothell's original inhabitants were the Native American Simump Tribe.  They called the region, not Bothell...but "Squak" which means a swampy lowland.  As a matter of fact the Sammamish River was originally named Squak Slough.gregperry@working-for-you.com 03/30/2007

It is with great sadness that one of my deals has fallen through because an appraisal came in too low.  How low you ask?  $39,000.00 too low.  The seller refused to come down and the appraiser refused to go back out or change the appraisal because the three (3) comps in the complex were too compelling.  My buyers obviously should not overpay and the sellers have it in their minds it is still worth $400K!!!!!  The seller will not go down and my buyer's will not overpay. There are too many agents out there "buying" listings.  We are the professionals and REALTORS should uphold the ethics we abide by as REALTORS.  Along with the news about scrutiny of the mortgage industry, we should encourage agents and realtors everywhere to protect our profession.What is a home's true worth? 03/15/2007

This is my first blog- so give me awhile to warm up to this. It amazes me how one can get stuck in a groove in life and stay in that groove just because you have to pay your bills and survive. In the early 90's that happened to me. After several odd jobs I started my career in the Collision Industry. Early on in my career, it felt like the right thing to do. Fourteen years later, I had enough. I had owned my own shop, worked in a few shops, and managed a shop, and last worked for a major insurance carrier as an auto claims adjuster for 6 1/2 years.I strived to be the best at customer service I could be. Knowing how a customer wanted to be treated, and giving them the service they deserved was always my focus, at the same time chasing that next raise or promotion.After awhile, that corpo... 03/15/2007

I moved into my first house located in Bothell, WA about 4 years ago and paid $225k for my house.  The cul-de-sac I live in contains 6 other houses.  The one marked $426k on the map seems that have changed hands several times since I moved in.  Several months ago it hit the market again with an asking price of $429k (I think) Then about 2 weeks ago two more houses ($351k and $355k) also went on the market.  Both of these houses sold pretty much immediately, I was told $351k had multiple offers the day it went on the market.  $426k across the street despite being the nicest house in the cul-de-sac never sold and recently was put up for rent instead.  I guess it is all about pricing.Market conditions where I live still seem extremely hot, with houses being snatched up almost immediately, ... 08/27/2006