Hi Friends, Family, and Clients — Some of you who read this blog fit into all three of those categories, some two, and some just one. Regardless, you've ALL crossed paths with me at one time or another!
I haven’t made a post or sent my newsletter in months. I simply haven’t had the itch to do so after my mom passed. My last post covered a series of events that shook (like the tree that had fallen on my home) my self-confidence, and I found I needed a hiatus, a break, a rest, and a reboot!
Over the past several months I've worked on being more present with myself, my work, my marriage, my family, clients, and friends. If your relationship with me falls into one of those categories, then you may have noticed the shift. Being present for people means focusing on the humanity that they bring, and reducing the effects of isolation and a reliance on devices to create better outcomes.
After all, we went through a rather rough patch with the pandemic. While it was a huge lesson in vulnerability, many of us came out of it like a caged lion, ready for a fight; we whimpered at time lost or repurposed our relationships with ourselves and others.
Neither of us is the same person we were in 2019. Everyone needs a break from themselves. Scrolling on the phone morning, noon and night looking for answers is a poor replacement for using our noggin. When we go to blame a circumstance, we often turn toward a person because we can’t get resolution for our anger by yelling at a device!
Okay Kim, what does this rant have to do with Real Estate? Here’s what I want to explain: Real Estate Brokers are people too; they are not an algorithm! I have a client who told me recently, “That’s what I pay you for,” in reference to meeting a painter to let them into a condo I’m preparing for a listing. Their misunderstanding of my role was born of frustration or stress. Let me clear it up then: What I do for clients to be their best Broker includes a lot of things you never see. I maintain my license in good standing with classes and continuing education so that I can protect you and your biggest asset. I build relationships with painters, contractors, cleaners, repair men & women, with stagers, photographers, lenders, landscapers and their crews, my fellow Brokers, Escrow Officers, Title Companies, window washers, tree trimmers, builders, insurance agents…
And this work has its expenses: I pay fees to my brokerage, to NAR (National Association of Realtors), marketing in magazines, newspapers, and social media to promote your listing. I hold Brokers Opens and Open Houses with treats! I turn lights on and off before and after showings, maintain your property while it’s on the market, produce CMAs for properly pricing your home, I assist you when downsizing or upsizing to give you solid advice. Most importantly, I do this (most of the time) with a smile. I also look out for you in ways that you can’t possibly know or attach a dollar figure to.
Your transition to make a move becomes my work to get you there. When my job is over, and you have sold or purchased a home, I make myself available to answer questions and refer my network to you for further assistance. I also spend time driving to show property (sometimes for years before a purchase) and I stay on top of the inventory with your best interests in mind.
With all this, I have made the most amazing friends and colleagues, and while the internet can spew an algorithm to portray information, there is nothing handcrafted about it. Alternatively, this blog has been written for many years by an actual person, not by AI: It’s handcrafted with feet-on-the-ground advice and care. I go through everything you do when selling or purchasing a home, and all the angst to ready a home, and I DO KNOW what you’re going through. I respect you and the trust you give me to do the right thing every day, not just when I feel like it. Unlike the internet, I don’t manipulate an algorithm to fit a box to get your business. My business is founded upon many, many years of experience as a Broker, Corporate Relocation Manager, a wife, mother, daughter, and sister — I guarantee you that as a client, friend, or family member I don’t change the stripes on my ethical behavior. If you ever have a question, please let me know, and if I don’t know the answer, I will find it out for you.
This post is dedicated to my mom Barbara June Wood, a mom, grandmother, mother-in-law, Real Estate Agent, phenomenal painter, animal lover, single mom of three, and a force! I love you Mom with all my heart!
With Gratitude,
Bainbridge Island real estate over the past 30 days
24 Active residential listings High $3,3000,000, Median $360,000 Low $285,000, Average days on market 23
4 Active vacant land listings High $1,350,000, Median $352,500 Low $175,000, Average days on market 7
1 Sold unlisted property $405,000
42 Sold residential listings High $3,250,000, Median $1,117,000 Low $369,000, Average days on market 42
1 Pending inspection listing $2,294000, Days on market 144
35 Pending listings High $4,688,000, Median $1,150,000 Low $369,000, Average days on market 43
11 Cancelled residential listings High $1,875,000, Median $1,050,000 Low $698,000 Average days on market 77
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