Are you thinking of selling your home in today’s real estate market? It is more important than ever to pick the Realtor that is right for you in this depressed market. Here are some ideas about how to approach finding the right Realtor. It’s one of the biggest decisions in your life, and it deserves some thoughtful consideration.

First, know that most Buyers nowadays go to the internet to search out their properties, not the local classifieds. Start by typing in the name of your town, the state, and the words real estate or houses for sale. You … read full article

TV shows and movies have given us such funny images of Realtors. I recall the dysfunctional Realtor played by Annette Bening in American Beauty, frantically washing dishes and repeating to herself a positive mantra about how she was going to sell the house. You have probably seen TV shows of women Realtors who wear stiletto’s and gold jewelry, graciously pointing out features that are patently obvious as they swish open doors: “And this, is the bathroom.” (Drum roll.)
There are the fresh out of college guys who sit on their desks and discuss their moves with clients behind … read full article

Scaling Down, Downsizing, Cutting Back, Minimizing, Simplifying: there are many words we use for sorting through our things and releasing our control of them to others. Formerly thought of as, well, second-class, currently the handed down item is now a recycled, green, unique and admirable thing. Websites such as EBay and stores like Value Village have capitalized of the current search for used properties. What is the appeal?

A used thing takes on a sort of persona. To the second hand buyer, it has a sense of mystery. It often is something from far away or long ago. … read full article

I live on San Juan Island, but I have a second home in the wilderness without even a television or cell phone coverage. Lots of people have second homes in the San Juan Islands. What is it that makes a second home work? Here is what I think

1. A second home should be a different setting for you that will refresh your attitude and leaves you pleased to return to your first home. It also gives you a place to dream about and escape to when things at your first home or job get stressed. You can … read full article