How To Choose Your Real Estate Professional

Focus on the Client, Not the Commission

My business relies on referals from happy clients:
I'm the first to admit that I'm not a sales person. With that said: I do know how to get a home SOLD. What's the difference? Pressure. I believe in helping people toward their goals, not pushing them into a deal. Usually, the goal is a stress-free, higher profit sale. This doesn't mean you have to sell cheap in order to get a fast offer. If an agent says that, get a second opinion.

Do the math:
I've heard too many horror stories of realtors that show up to sign the listing paperwork, then 5 or 6 days later send their assistant to put flyers out. If you're listing a $250,000 home, and your agent is charging 6%, that means that agent is going to make $7500 when the sale closes. If your home is priced correctly, you'll likely have an offer within 2 weeks. With research and a few faxes, you're paying roughly $350.00 an hour (or more) to get your home sold.

The proper approach to selling your home:
I didn't learn sales from a real estate broker. I didn't study the scripts that will convince you to sign papers. I take an original approach. I went to school and got a degree in "visual communications". This line of study focused on what is most important; how to make a product (your home) appealing to a maximum number people and make a profit.

Why list with me instead of a top producer:
I'm not a millionaire. I don't sell 100 homes each year. If I did, that would be more than one home each week--how much time and research do you think I could devote to each client? I limit myself to 1 or 2 clients each month. I don't have to pressure my clients into paying for a fancy lifestyle. I have a vehicle that is comfortable, a modest 2 bedroom home, and retirement from the U.S. Air Force. I am personally available to handle the sale of your home from start to finish from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

I give more service for your money:
On the day your home gets listed, I verify the sign is installed, put out flyers (including giving you extra flyers), and double check the information in the NW Multiple Listing Service. That's where a lot of agents stop. I also load additional photos to maximize your internet marketing (remember that degree of mine? I learned photography, too), I have my own web site where your home will be advertised, and will email your home photos and information to everyone in my address book.

Don't sign papers on the spot unless you're starving:
The first impression may be your only chance to grab that buyer. Proper marketing of your home should start at least a week before the sign goes up. I work with clients to stage their home (including paint and packing) for maximizing the appearance. When I say I help, that means while you're at work, I'm at your home painting the livingroom, or taking away items you set aside for donations. I'll mow the lawn, trim trees, pressure wash the deck and do my best to ease your stress.

Do you get what you pay for:
Discount real estate brokers are available and you'll get listed into the same database as everyone else. That's it. There are those that will charge full price and convince you that they're great. Maybe they are. I charge you a fair price. For example: Another agent told Ms. S to list her home for $209,000. She called me for a second opinion. After 2 weeks of prep work, I listed her home for $250,000. I already earned my commission at that point, but imagine her surprise when we held onto multiple deals over a weekend and negotiated a final sale price of $262,000! Ms. S made $53,000 more by listing with me. Was that worth a $7860.00 commission? Absolutely!

Get your home sold:
Since 1987, 92% of my listings have had offers within 30 days. That includes vacant land, mobile homes, and condos! I've sold properties from Kapowsin (south) to Marysville (north) and many in between. Why such a large area? Because clients refer their friends to me for help with their real estate needs.

Buying your next home:
Personally, I have made a profit off of every property I have ever owned. My current home (not a "fixer") was purchased in April for $171,000 and the bank appraisal for December was $195,000. That's a profit of $3,000 each month--over twice the amount of my morgage payments! Do I know property values? You bet I do!

Lori A. Elfering

(206) 849-5507