2009 is coming to a close. What are your goals for 2010? Are you considering buying or selling real estate here on the Long Beach Peninsula? If you’re ready, how do you get started? Find an agent to help! And how do you find the best one? Ask for referrals from friends, family and business associates. Interview at least 3 agents from different companies and remember, the best agents don’t always work for the biggest firms.
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Did you know that all Realtors® are licensed to sell real estate, but not all real estate agents or brokers are Realtors®. Only Realtors® can display the Realtor® logo. Realtors® belong to the National Association of Realtors and pledge to follow the Code of Ethics, a comprehensive list containing 17 articles and underlying standards of practice, which establish levels of conduct that are higher than ordinary business practices or those required by law. |
And did you know it’s been proven that people who hire an agent, whether Realtor® or not, usually get more for their property than if they sold it themselves? In addition to that, you’ve got someone on your side who knows the market, keeps you informed of changes and takes the stress out of phone calls, showings, negotiations. And don’t discount the social networking aspect of hiring an agent. Their network of other agents, social media, blogs, etc and go a long way towards getting the word out about your unique property. Many areas employ a multiple listing service to spread the word. Your agent can take advantage of that and other advertising venues you may not think about.
Finally, think of the paperwork! While a few years ago homes or land were sold on one piece of paper, a typical purchase and sales agreement will run 15 pages or more! Your representative will not only prepare and/or present offers, they will make sure that each form you need is there, filled out correctly. Do you know about Seller Disclosure Forms? Lead Paint Disclosures? What’s the ordinance on septic inspections in your area?
And that brings me to the final point – if you needed medical attention for your foot, would you go to a doctor who works in a different area? Who is going to get the job done best, the podiatrist or an optometrist? If you’re a buyer, you need an agent who lives and works in the area you want to buy in! While your agent in Seattle or Vancouver or (insert your town here) may be a great person, good friend, relative, and superb agent, do they know all the little facts and nuances about the neighborhood you’re interested in? A local agent will have local knowledge, plenty of information on the area and possibly even the home you’re looking at! If you’re a seller, do you want an agent who can be at your home or on your property as soon as a prospective buyer calls? Buyers don’t want to wait for an agent to drive a couple of hours to show them a home. Or maybe they’ll “refer” the buyer to a local agent. So why not start local? An agent in the area where your property is for sale is better qualified to advise you on pricing, terms, and provide an insight into the market and the best way of marketing your specific property.
Start your journey into real estate with a knowledgeable guide, one you can count on to be there even after the transaction closes. Look for someone you want to be neighbors with because, especially here on the Long Beach Peninsula, we’re all neighbors! My philosophy has always been that I want to do the best job for you that I possibly can, because I’m going to see you at the post office, the grocery store, maybe walking down my own street!
Remember, Discovery Coast Real Estate is looking out for you, whether you’re buying or selling. We specialize in Pacific County property! Live here, work here, want the best for our community and our customers and clients!
Evening razor clam dig approved for New Year’s holiday
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) gave final approval for the evening digs after a series of marine toxin tests confirmed the clams on all five coastal beaches were safe to eat.
Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis, Mocrocks and Kalaloch beaches will be open for clam digging Thursday, Dec. 31 and Friday, Jan. 1.
All of those beaches, with the exception of Kalaloch, also will be open Saturday, Jan. 2. One beach – Twin Harbors – will open for a fourth evening of digging Sunday, Jan. 3.
All digs will be held on evening tides, with digging restricted to the hours between noon and midnight.
Ring in the New Year! Fireworks at midnight at the Bolstad Beach Approach, Long Beach, Washington
Sponsored by: The City of Long Beach
