Carrie Pierce & Associates has some very exciting things happening. We've added Operations Manager Sarah Smith to our team and we're now able to provide more exceptional service than ever. When it comes to buying or selling real estate, lots of agents will promise you the world. Unfortunately, you do not know if they can deliver on those promises until the transaction is over. That's why Carrie Pierce & Associates stands by their promises with Satisfaction Guaranteed that says in writing, if, for any reason, you don't feel Carrie has earned her commission as your real estate professional, she will give it back to you. No hassels, no loopholes, simply Satisfaction Guaranteed.
Fun Fact! Even considering today's down market, Seattle and Bellevue real estate values rose 60.42% in the last 5 years.
What Makes a House Recession-Proof?
The real-estate bust has stripped all the smoke and mirrors from the housing market. In the starkest way possible, it is revealing which homes hold value in a recession, and why.
"Even in this market, there are certain things that will sell," says real estate agent Michelle Sandoval in Port Townsend, WA, where it's difficult to sell homes, although prices haven't dropped.
"Even in this market, I've had things sell for over full price. There are always bulletproof properties" that hold value, Sandoval adds.
Certain upgrades can help recession-proof your house, but your home's price resilience mostly depends on choices you made when you purchased. Since most homeowners buy and sell several times in their lives, you're likely to have a chance to use these bulletproof principles next time you buy.
Location, location, location You've heard it before because it's true: Location matters. It matters most, in fact, when it comes to holding value under pressure. Why? Because houses are replaceable, but land is not. If you've got a spot everyone wants, your place will sell faster and for a better price than a similar house elsewhere...
In what year did Sleepless in Seattle hit the big screen?
Email the answer to carrie@carriepierce.net and be entered to win a $35 Outback Steakhouse gift certificate! Drawings are held at the end of each month.
Congratulations to Scott Hussey, the winner of August's challenge! Scottwon a $35 gift certificate to Outback Steakhouse.
Carrie Pierce & Associates works BY REFERRAL ONLY. This means we spend 100% of our time providing world-class service for our clients.
Who is the next person you know who is considering purchasing or selling real estate?
Bicycle Sunday! On September 16th Lake Washington Boulevard, scenic road along the lake, will be open to bicycles and closed to motorized traffic from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. from Mount Baker Beach (2301 Lake Washington Blvd. S.) to Seward Park (5902 Lake Washington Blvd. S.).
How to Avoid the Internet Time Drain
The Internet is a great tool. But it can also be a huge time-waster. Here are some ways to make sure you're using your time well when you're online. E-mail: Avoid constantly checking email. Keeping one eye on your inbox and one on your work makes you much less effective - you'll get your work done more slowly because you won't be focusing on the task. Instead, check your email just a couple of times a day. If people need you urgently, they will call. Know what you're online for: It's easy to get carried away, going from website towebsite . You can waste hours just surfing without accomplishing anything. Instead, before you start your browser, know exactly what you are online for. Avoid forums and online discussions: These are one of the most addictive forms ofInternet use as there's always some new discussion going on that you want to get involved with. Avoid getting sucked into a discussion unless you really need to.
