Why I choose Real Estate as a career

Even before I graduated from Washington State University, I had pretty much decided to go directly into Real Estate Sales.  It wasn’t that I didn’t have a good degree.  It was simply the realization that journalism wasn’t going to be the best fit for me as a lifelong career.  My college professors would probably say I never really gave it a chance, it was nonetheless what I felt was best for me.  Regardless of what I did, I knew my degree in Communications would be a benefit.

Other factors which pushed me in that direction were, my family’s history involved real estate ownership.  We weren’t wealthy, but that didn’t matter.  Growing up, my folks always owned their home and when I was attending the university, they got into rental properties.  Additionally, my mother’s parents were cattle ranchers in Montana where they also owned a home and a rental near where they farmed.  In other words, real estate ownership wasn’t exactly foreign to me. 

But before I could officially get started I got my draft notice.  Before I had graduated from college, the draft had been reduced to a lottery where birthdays were assigned a lottery number.  Mine was 49 which meant I was certain to get my notification.  But when I went for the physical, which was surreal in every sense of the word, one of the examining doctor took one look at my eye glasses and told me I was legally blind and was classified 4F.  That meant I didn’t pass their physical and would not be drafted. 

Knowing there would have been so many things other than combat I could have done, I felt a bit cheated.  But that was their ruling and I became determined to get my adult life in gear.  But the next question was, I had to get licensed and associated with an existing broker.  While I don’t’ know why I choose Alvin J. Wolff in Spokane, I don’t exactly recall.  But I got an interview and was told I was too young.  Of course, in so many words,  I immediately replied baloney.  They took me on as a real estate salesperson and my life as a Realtor began.  I was 22 at the time. 

Million Dollar August 10, 2017 Update

Million Dollar August 10, 2017 Update

Hello!  I apologize for my delay in getting an Pierce County, Washington update prepared before now.  Being busy isn’t an excuse.  It’s a reality.  Actually, I’ve attempted several topics but felt uninspired to finish any of them.  The best one involved warships burning in Henderson Bay.  One day I will definitely get that finished.  More research seemed a necessity.    

As to my topic today, it’s a Million Dollar Home Update.  But before I get into the specifics, let me clarify one notion I had expressed in a previous post where I speculated that, due to the number of unsold active listings priced over One Million Dollars, it was a buyers’ market rather than the seller’s market. 

What I failed to mention is every luxury home is essentially unique.  As such, depending on the preferences of the folks seeking such a property, finding two home with similar features, styles and amenities is difficult if not impossible.  One could have an exceptional view while another might have acreage.  One could have sound waterfront while another could be a lakefront home.  One could even be in a country club community or a dilapidated home on an exceptional lot allowing the potential to build a brand new home.  The possibilities are endless. 

How deep in your pocketbook? might be a better determinant of exactly which Million Dollar Home would suite you. 

As to our update this evening, there are currently 147 Million Dollar homes available for sale in our community; just Pierce County, Washington.  Of those, the average size is 4,874 square feet of living area, an average cost per square foot of $391.91 and a total average price is $1,653,442. 

Homes recently sold and listed in a pending inspection status total four.  The average cost per square foot is $482.97, average size of 3,629 square feet and an average list price of $1,287,250.  The medium list price is $1,299,500.

As to the sales, 63 have closed in the past 180 days.  Size = 4,728 square feet; $287.94 per square foot and an average sale price of $1,301,464, 5.4% less than the average list price at the time the sales contract was first accepted by the seller and the buyer.           

With prices continuing to skyrocket to communities to the north, the possibility of finding a more affordable luxury home here in our Pierce County certainly exists.  And with commuting options ever increasing and improving, more and more families are finding their home here.   

With all of that being said, it’s time to get moving.  May each of you have a most Blessed Day where all of your hopes and dreams come true; each and every day.    

 

 

The Appraisal Process, What’s Involved?

The Appraisal Process, What’s Involved?

 

Lately, I’ve been asked about the appraisal process.  What’s actually involved?  In answer to this question, the appraiser looks at the condition of the overall house.  His inspection time to measure and walk through a home is probably less than 30 to 45 minutes.  Observed health issues obviously should be reported.  But consistently aren’t always.  As to the roof, they do take a look at it and can call for replacement if they see evidence of age, missing shingles or wet ceiling areas in a home.  The appraiser also has been instructed to take pictures of every room, bathroom and garage in a home and numerous exterior pictures including the street and the home from a variety of angels.

 

As to the process of determining value, the financial institutions have provided the appraiser with a form to complete.  It begins with details about the location of the property, the neighborhood and a thorough description of the improvement itself.  Afterwards, the appraiser selects comparable sales from similar neighborhoods which have recently sold.  It’s also become typical for the appraisal to include new active listings which are also similar. 

 

Once those have been selected, the appraiser, in a grid format, makes mathematical adjustments for differences between each of the comparable homes and your home.  Areas where your home has a superior quality received a positive adjustment.  Conversely, inferior characterizes receive a negative adjustment.  The areas where adjustments can be made include the age of the property, the location, the condition, number of bedrooms, number of bathrooms, type of heating system or whether a property is fenced.  When necessary or warranted, an adjustment can be made in each of those categories.

 

Once that is completed, the appraiser adds up all of the adjustments for each comparable and adds or subtracts that number from that properties sale or list price.  It’s certainly a detailed format.  Personally I believe an appraiser should attempt to bracket the comparable sales.  Meaning, one comp should be better, one not quite as nice and at least one that is similar.  From those conclusions, the appraiser makes a judgement as what value best describes your home and is supportable by the report itself. 

 

If you get the chance, perhaps you could let me know if this helps.  Thanks so much and Many Blessings to you this fine Monday Evening.

The Canterwood Community of Gig Harbor

The Canterwood Community of Gig Harbor

 

As I’ve indicated previously, Thursday is tour day for new listings in the Gig Harbor area.  Actually I intended to get this posted then but time expired before getting to it.  Consequently, it’s happening today. 

With this posting, my focus is on the gated community of the Canterwood area of Gig Harbor.  In viewing this area, there are a number of very interesting observations one can make.  Since they are my observations, it probably is more appropriate for me to say, “observations I can make,” which include:

·        When Canterwood was originally planned, the nearest services were either in the town of Purdy to the south or in Gig Harbor property to the south.  Today, a major shopping center including a Home Depot, Albertsons, a grocery store, Costco, McDonalds, a Target store, and several banks are located nearby.  A Hospital serving the entire harbor area was also built close by. 

·        Several years ago I imagined this gated private community would truly blossom.  It has.  But not necessarily for reasons I would have thought. 

Amenities of the area as noted on their website, http://www.clubcorp.com/Clubs/Canterwood-Golf-Country-Club, include, “Canterwood Golf & Country Club is the centerpiece of Gig Harbor and features a Robert Muir Graves–designed 18-hole 7,175-yard championship golf course. Four tennis courts, outdoor swimming pools, fitness center, outstanding dining and Member events complete the many opportunities to enjoy the private club lifestyle at Canterwood.”

As to the homes in the area, overall there are nearly 700 and expansion seems to be ongoing.  Thus making the opportunity to have a new home a real possibility.  As to the price of the homes, I’m going to briefly talk about homes for sale, homes that have prospective buyers and those where an ownership interest has transferred through the closing of a sale.  In that sense, the following observations can be made from a review of the ensuing statistics:     

As of today, there are 36 homes with an average sale price of $853,515 are available for sale.  Of those, nine of them, 25% of the total, are priced above One Million Dollars and the least expensive home available is listed at $544,900 and the most expensive is at $1,595,000. Accordingly, there is certainly enough diversity to appeal to a broad range of prospects. 

Furthermore, the statistics show that there are 12 pending sales with five of them still pending a home inspection.  Of those, the least expensive home with 1,814 square feet of living area is listed at $569,900 and the most expensive home has 4,845 square feet of living area and is priced at $1.275 Million.  It’s important to note that the ratio of current inventory compared to pending sales indicates there are more homes available then buyers which possibly benefits those prospects considering the area. 

Looking at the closed sales occurring in the last 180 days, there are a total of 18.  Four, 22.2%, exceeded $1 Million and the sales price of one of them was what the home was listed.  The others were purchase 6.8% below the original list price.  Of the sold homes under $1 Million, the average sale price was $668,529 and the average living area was 3,430 square feet.  Again showing that there is a variety of price points available.

Hopefully you have enjoyed reading about the Canterwood community as much as I have n writing about it.  More importantly, I hope your day is filled with opportunity and promise where Blessings are abundant.  

Million Dollar Five Day Update

Million Dollar Five Day Update

Good morning.  It’s already Tuesday.  Tuesday’s always come early.  It’s one of the few days when we rely on an alarm clock.  But today, the alarm wasn’t necessary.  Kathleen, my wife of just short of 44 years, couldn’t sleep and got up at 3 am.  She has meetings in her office every Tuesday starting at 6:30 am. 

Most of the time I’m up too.  Tuesday is also my office meeting at Windermere Professional Partners held at Cheney Stadium, home of the Tacoma Rainiers Baseball Team.  Getting going early is important so I’m up and out of the house and ready to roll. 

Checking statistics for Million Dollar home sales last evening for the previous five days in Pierce County, Washington State, it showed there were 146 unsold properties which, accumulatively, had been on the market an average of 167 days per home.  I believe I’ve mentioned before but, with that number of available homes, it’s as much of a buyer’s market as we’ve seen in a while.  At least for Million Dollar properties or estates.

More specifically, in the prior five days there were two new listings.  One in the North end of Tacoma with a view and the other a waterfront home in Gig Harbor.  There were also two listings which reported recent sales and were listed as having a sale pending on inspection.  Of those, one was in the Tacoma County Club on American Lake in Lakewood and the other was in Gig Harbor. 

As to the closed sales, there were three reported.  One was a view property in a gated privacy site with incredible soaring ceilings.  Much like what you would find in a lodge in Glacier Park.  It was originally listed May 1, 2017 at $1.195 Million and had a sale close July 13, 2017 at $1.095 Million.  Interestingly, it had also been on the market for nearly five months in 2016 where it had been listed at $1.2 Million.

The second sale involved a waterfront home on Bonney Lake in northeastern Pierce County.  It also had been on the market in 2016 at $1.35 Million but was later reduced to $1,249,950.  Remaining unsold, the listing expired in August of 2016 and was relisted in June of 2017.  A sale closed at $1.28 Million July 13, 2017.  It would almost seem a prospect had been waiting for the property to come back on the market. 

And finally, the third sale involved a newer waterfront home in Gig Harbor.  As with the first two, it had been listed in 2016, first coming on the market at $1.75 Million but later in 2016 it was reduced to $1.675 Million.  Remaining unsold, it came back on the market in March of this year at $1.595 Million and a sale at $1.33 Million was reported July 14, 2017.   

Being so close to King County where prices have skyrocketed, the opportunity to own a luxury home at a more affordable price certainly exists in Pierce County.  And with the homes noted above, one can see, the possibility to negotiate is possible.

With that said, I must get moving so I will be ready for my morning meeting.  May each of you have a most Blessed Day where all of your dreams come true. 

Are Million Dollar Homes really that interesting?

Are Million Dollar Homes really that interesting?

 

Yes, it would seem they are.  From the TV shows we watch to the magazines we glimpse while waiting for groceries to be scanned at the super market, there’s a certain awe.  Perhaps expected but then again, maybe just a curiosity.   But, what happens when you’re a prospective buyer or seller. 

When one’s home is on the market, you would think they would like to sell.  Sometimes though I sense such interest exists only if someone is willing to pay the price the homeowner has set. 

Looking at the activity occurring in Pierce County, Washington the past five days, the following information can be gleaned.

There were six new listing, with only three of them actually new.  The other three had been listed but one expired and two had listings cancelled.  As of now, each has been relisted by a new agent at a lower price.  Several times that’s happened to me.  But still I wonder, why didn’t the seller allow the original listing salesperson the opportunity to showcase their property at the lower price?  Perhaps those sellers said “I won’t sell for anything less.”  Perhaps they chose to disregard whatever professional advice they had been given.  Maybe they just didn’t like their salesperson.  Whatever the reason, it’s a curiosity to me.

Most interesting are the two homes indicated as “pending inspection.”  Pending inspection indicates a sales contract at some unknown price has been accepted by the seller.  Except the contract is “subject to” an inspection.  Typically the inspection, based on the condition of the home, allows the buyer to renegotiate terms of the contract or ask that certain repairs be made.  Of the two homes in this category, one is priced at $1.1 and the other is at $2.1 Million.  One is in North Tacoma and the other is in the heart of Gig Harbor.  Both are relatively new and offer both modernistic and sensational fixtures, doors and hardware.  Neither is a waterfront home but both have exceptional views, exceed 4,000 square feet of living area, have gas range tops and were on the market just less than a month.

The home in north Tacoma is understandable.  The area is close to the hospitals and, as such, residents to many physicians.  The home in the harbor is a bit of a mystery.  It’s priced well above homes similarly located with comparable views.  Perhaps the prospective buyer does a lot of entertaining.  But, one thing is certain, every buyer is unique. 

Wishing you countless Blessings today and always, I remain your host of choice.  Ken Thiemann with Windermere Professional Partners.

 

 

Personal Reflections

 

Personal Reflections

Although I’ve been in some area of real estate all of my life, I want to reflect a bit today.  In 1989 when I decided to become a fee appraiser, the biggest problem adjustment I had make was to the prices that had skyrocketed beyond comprehension since 1972 when I first began my real estate sales career in Spokane, Washington.  In the 70’s, the average price of a home was still under $30,000.  But I was appraising properties far beyond that.  Some even exceeding a million dollars.  But for me, it was a huge adjustment.  An adjustment I believe still find myself contemplating.    

Similarly, in 2001 when I reactivated my real estate broker’s license, I had other adjustments to overcome.  Yes, they were mental and I did overcome them.  Please understand though, I had been a fee appraiser for over 10 years.  The first adjustment was the paperwork.  In the 70’s a purchase agreement was a single 8½” by 14” page.  In 2001, the average contract sometimes exceeded 20 pages.  Another adjustment was the sense I got from those who knew I had been a fee appraiser, it seemed they really didn’t want to know what my opinion of value was.  As such I began using a range of values.  One more was giving directions.  When I appraised a property, it was always based on the grid of a map.  But when I was asked to give directions, I froze.  I realized I was totally in the dark. 

Although the business of real estate is changing nearly every month, I’ve worked to overcome those problems and now feel comfortable.  Nonetheless, it’s still interesting for me to imagine selling million dollar properties.  Back in the 70’s such sales were so far beyond my comprehension, I just couldn’t imagine them.  Today, well they are almost commonplace. 

Hopefully my reflections give you a better idea as to who I am and how I might be able to assist you and your family or friends.  Until then, I do hope you have a very Blessed day.