Vancouver Wa Real Estate - Elite Realty NW

A Special Invitation to My KW Friends

This is a special invitation to all of our Keller Williams friends throughout the world. Family Reunion is coming to New Orleans. The best party town in the nation is hosting KW Family Reunion? What coulde be better than that? 

Still need convincing? Please see this special video invitation that I put together with some of the top producers in our Keller Williams office. We hope to see you there!

Video credit - Mark Hall all rights reserved - When you choose us to handle your Vancouver WA real estate needs, you choose a team of realtors® who care about you and your family. Buying or selling a home is always more enjoyable when you work with professionals who will listen to your needs and who will work together with you to achieve your objective. We are very familiar with all types a real estate in Clark County and we specialize in Vancouver, Ridgefield and Battle Ground. We are also very experienced with new home and custom home construction having assisted several local builders in selling new neighborhoods in the Vancouver Washington area.  Additionally, we have helped numerous families build their own Vancouver WA dream homes. We are dedicated to helping you make intelligent, informed decisions and to providing you with exceptional service. Go to www.ernw.org for more information. See our video here.  This post written by Mark Hall all rights reserved

  This post written by Mark Hall all rights reserved.

The Trouble With Satellite TV! Vancouver Washington Real Estate 

O.K. everyone. This is all in fun but the boys at Direct TV really need to find some sort of solution.

Video credit - Mark Hall all rights reserved - When you choose us to handle your Vancouver WA real estate needs, you choose a team of realtors® who care about you and your family. Buying or selling a home is always more enjoyable when you work with professionals who will listen to your needs and who will work together with you to achieve your objective. We are very familiar with all types a real estate in Clark County and we specialize in Vancouver, Ridgefield and Battle Ground. We are also very experienced with new home and custom home construction having assisted several local builders in selling new neighborhoods in the Vancouver Washington area.  Additionally, we have helped numerous families build their own Vancouver WA dream homes. We are dedicated to helping you make intelligent, informed decisions and to providing you with exceptional service. Go to www.ernw.org for more information. See our video here.  This post written by Mark Hall all rights reserved. The Trouble With Satellite TV! Vancouver Washington Real Estate

My 5 Most Viewed Blog Posts (and WHY)

Like many other Active Rainers, I have been reviewing my business for the past year and making decisions on how I plan to make it better for 2010. (BTW, I have decided that I will call it Twenty Ten. Not Two Thousand and Ten.) Part of my review has been to comb through my Active Rain posts, determine which ones have had the most action and why. I realize that "Action" isn't necessarily an indicator of a post that will further my business, but I think that there is value in the exercise.

5. SELLERS: How To Show Your Home For A Successful Sale Views 1756 - As I look through the posts with higher activity, I can see that the HOW TO posts with the appropriate key words and search phrases make up the bulk of the high scores. HOW TO's are easy to write in a fashion that allows search engines to find them without looking like they have been stuffed with keywords. Note to self, Write more How To posts in 2010.

4. I Have Looked Into My Crystal Ball And The Future Looks Green!  Views 1777 - I have received several clients from the one post. I am told that it places high on the search engines for people searching for green, but I haven't been able to repeat the results for myself. Note to self, Sometimes accidents happen and provide positive results. The more you write, the more likely you are to have a Happy Accident!

3. Are Vegetable Gardens The New Granite Counter Tops?! A "Must Have?" Views 1822 - This one is interesting. It isn't even remotely optimized for any keywords or longtail phrases. I doubt that the Search Engines even know it was ever written! I believe that this one received most of its attention via word of mouth. I belong to a few local green groups who have passed it around. Note to self, Google isn't the only way to get people to your site.

2. Life at Ashley Manor - Why I Love Open Houses Views 2003 - I am so surprised that this ranked so high on the list. I wrote it while sitting in a model home. I didn't know anything about keywords. I just lamely piled them in and accented them with bold. BUT, I lucked out in the fact that I seem to be the only one who wrote about this neighborhood! Note to self, There is an advantage to writing about things that other people may overlook.

1. 2009 Clark County Parade Of Homes - What Goes Into A LEED Platinum Home? (More BOOTLEG photos!) Views  2337 - A huge part of this post's success is based on the keywords and longtail search phrases. There was a large amount of TV and radio coverage when the Clark County Parade of Homes was open. Viewers googled it and this post was on the front page of every one. Note to self, Be sure to take advantage of local events with media coverage!
 

When you choose us to handle your Vancouver WA real estate needs, you choose a team of realtors® who care about you and your family. Buying or selling a home is always more enjoyable when you work with professionals who will listen to your needs and who will work together with you to achieve your objective. We are very familiar with all types a real estate in Clark County and we specialize in Vancouver, Ridgefield and Battle Ground. We are also very experienced with new home and custom home construction having assisted several local builders in selling new neighborhoods in the Vancouver Washington area.  Additionally, we have helped numerous families build their own Vancouver WA dream homes. We are dedicated to helping you make intelligent, informed decisions and to providing you with exceptional service. Go to www.ernw.org for more information. See our video here.  This post written by Mark Hall all rights reserved. My 5 Most Viewed Blog Posts (and WHY)

The Girl Who Didn't Return Her Calls - Vancouver Washington Real Estate

This story is a tragedy.  It is the story of a girl who, although she was completely connected with all of the latest technology, never returned her calls. It is a story of a girl who didn't get to buy the home of her dreams.

This story goes something like this:

I have a client who was really in a bind. She contacted me and let me know that she needed to buy a home and be fully moved into it within 6 weeks. I let her know that we could do it but we would have to develop a plan, act quickly and be ready to write an offer when we found the right home. She agreed and we went to work.

We struck pay dirt on the first day of our search. I took her to see a home that an investor had completely remodeled and listed right within her price range. She absolutely loved it! I explained to her that she needed to act quickly if she wanted to buy it. She agreed. We agreed to meet the next morning (Saturday) to sign the offer and that I would present the offer that afternoon. It was a plan.

An hour before we were scheduled to meet, I received a text message from her asking to postpone our meeting. That was the last I heard from her for the entire weekend. I called her several times and sent several text messages throughout the weekend. No reply. On Monday morning she finally called me back to schedule an appointment for that afternoon. We set up the appointment for that day after work and I went to work on the offer.

Me: Hi this is Mark Hall with Keller Williams, I am getting ready to write an offer on your listing at 123 1st Street.

Listing agent: Wow. That listing has been sitting for three months without any action but all of a sudden everyone wants it!

Me: Uh... What do you mean?

Listing agent: Well, We got an offer yesterday, which we countered. And then we go two more offers today! Isn't that crazy?

You don't have to be a brain surgeon to realize that my client didn't get the home that she wanted. Had she written the offer when we planned, she would have easily got the home that she loved. Had she answered her phone at any point during the weekend, I may have been able to convince her that she needed to get it together and write an offer.

Guess what? We have seen a few dozen homes since then and she can't find anything she likes. But now she returns her calls. So I guess we have that going for us.
 

When you choose us to handle your Vancouver Washington real estate needs, you choose a team of realtors® who care about you and your family. Buying or selling a home is always more enjoyable when you work with professionals who will listen to your needs and who will work together with you to achieve your objective. We are very familiar with all types a real estate in Clark Countyand we specialize in Vancouver, Ridgefield and Battle Ground. We are also very experienced with new home and custom home construction having assisted several local builders in selling new neighborhoods in the Vancouver Washington area.  Additionally, we have helped numerous families build their own dream homes. We are dedicated to helping you make intelligent, informed decisions and to providing you with exceptional service. The Girl Who Didn't Return Her Calls - Vancouver Washington Real Estate

Why FSBO's Don't Sell. Vancouver Washington Real Estate

There is a home for sale on my way to work every morning. The reason that it sticks out in my memory is that it has been for sale for the last 2 or 3 years. As a matter of fact, as I sit and think about it, it has been for sale for so long that I don't ever remember it NOT being for sale!

It is a gorgeous house. It appears to be very well kept and maintained It is a ranch style home and about 2500 square feet. It sits on a lot that is about 1/2 acre in size and is located in the middle of town. That is a rare combination around here.

So why has it been for sale for well over 2 years?

In a nutshell, it is a FSBO. Here are 3 reasons why FSBO's aren't selling in the Vancouver Washington real estate market:

1. Lack of exposure. Here is the kicker with my example, this home is sitting right on the main thoroughfare in Vancouver WA. The For Sale By Owner sign is prominently displayed for thousands of folks passing by each day. BUT, that isn't enough! There is so much more that goes into marketing a home that is being placed for sale on the real estate market. The MLS, internet advertising internet marketing, and inter office advertising (we have over 250 licensed agents in our office.) play a huge part in exposing the home to potential buyers.

2. Not priced right. Most homes that are for sale by owner are simply overpriced. Owners who do not use an agent to list their homes tend to over price them. They are not using an agent because they don't want to pay them. That indicates that money is an issue. Buyers know this and stay away because they are not comfortable with these types of deals. Right or wrong, FSBO's have a reputation for being over priced.

3. Buyers are afraid of FSBO's. A large number of buyers out looking for homes are afraid that the homes that are For Sale By Owner are somehow "Damaged Goods."  When talking to buyers about FSBO's I have found that they avoid them for the following reasons:

a. They are afraid the owner/seller will try to take advantage of them.

b. They are afraid that there is something wrong with the house.

c. They are afraid because they don't have anyone (an agent) to guide them through the process or to protect them during the deal.

d. They think that it is just "plain weird" that they call the owner and he agrees to let them into their home and show them around. It is very uncomfortable.

e. The aren't comfortable negotiating their own deal.

f. They have read other blogs about FSBO deals that have gone seriously bad!

If you are a For Sale By Owner in Vancouver Washington and are wondering why people aren't calling on your home, then these issues could be part of the problem. When you are looking for professional representation, please think of us and give us a call.

Photo credits - Mark Hall all rights reserved - When you choose us to handle your Vancouver WA real estate needs, you choose a team of realtors® who care about you and your family. Buying or selling a home is always more enjoyable when you work with professionals who will listen to your needs and who will work together with you to achieve your objective. We are very familiar with all types a real estate in Clark County and we specialize in Vancouver, Ridgefield and Battle Ground. We are also very experienced with new home and custom home construction having assisted several local builders in selling new neighborhoods in the Vancouver Washington area.  Additionally, we have helped numerous families build their own Vancouver WA dream homes. We are dedicated to helping you make intelligent, informed decisions and to providing you with exceptional service. Go to www.ernw.org for more information. See our video here.  This post written by Mark Hall all rights reserved. Why FSBO's Don't Sell. Vancouver Washington Real Estate

Eco Tourism - Part 4 - Charity as you travel

The goal of the eco traveler should be much more than just traveling responsibly. Some travelers feel that the best way to do that is to have the least amount of impact on the environment as possible. I disagree. I feel that everyone should have a positive impact on the on the places and communities that they visit.

3 Easy Ways to Make a Difference:

1. Tip the locals generously. Please keep in mind that many countries don't have the liberal minimum wage laws that we enjoy here in the United States. The waiter who has just spent the last two hours catering to you, may only earn a few dollars a day. A few extra dollars in the tip could make a huge difference in their life. This is a great way to support the entire community and not just the business owners.

The top photo is of the farmer who helped pull our van out of a mud pit and changed a spare tire for us. There were 8 of us in the van. He received an $80 tip for his efforts!

2. Visit local museums and attraction and give donations.  Many of these types of attractions survive only on donations and the generosity of others. Often, they don't charge entrance fees and depend solely on a donation box near the exit. USE IT! Otherwise, that charming little cultural museum  that you enjoyed so much, may not be there next time you come into town.

3. Small gifts can go along way in the life of the less fortunate. Years ago I held a corporate job that required me to travel 2 to 3 weeks of each month. I usually carried my own soaps and shampoos with me but I would take the small single use shampoo, conditioner and hand lotion. Those small items make the best little gifts when traveling through some of the poorer parts of the world. They are easy to keep in a backpack or travel bag and they are easy to give out. The hand lotions are especially fun to give out to children who you sometimes find begging on the streets. Open the bottle and put a little squirt on their hand. After the rub it in, give them the bottle. They will love you for it! American Fashion magazines are great gifts for hotel maids and staff.

If you liked this post and would like to read the others in the series, they can be found at:

Green Living - Eco Tourism - Part 1

Green Living - Eco Tourism - Part 2 - Choosing Accommodations

Eco Tourism - Part 3 - Tours and Excursions

Photo credits - Mark Hall all rights reserved - When you choose us to handle your Vancouver WA real estate needs, you choose a team of realtors® who care about you and your family. Buying or selling a home is always more enjoyable when you work with professionals who will listen to your needs and who will work together with you to achieve your objective. We are very familiar with all types a real estate in Clark County and we specialize in Vancouver, Ridgefield and Battle Ground. We are also very experienced with new home and custom home construction having assisted several local builders in selling new neighborhoods in the Vancouver Washington area.  Additionally, we have helped numerous families build their own Vancouver WA dream homes. We are dedicated to helping you make intelligent, informed decisions and to providing you with exceptional service. Go to www.ernw.org for more information. See our video here.  This post written by Mark Hall all rights reserved. Eco Tourism - Part 4 - Charity as you travel

Mark and Janice recently sold three of my homes in one of the most difficult real estate environments in history.  They were very on spot with there complete understanding and knowledge of the market and every aspect of the transaction.  They went way above and beyond every step and never lost sight making it to the finish and beyond in every sale.  Even after one property sold they came early one Saturday morning and helped clean the last items out of the house which was a tremendous help!  I look forward to using them again and referring them to anyone buying or selling a home.

 Doug Jacobson
Vancouver Washington Real Estate Investor

Thank you, Doug, for the kind words!

Photo credits - Mark Hall all rights reserved - When you choose us to handle your Vancouver WA real estate needs, you choose a team of realtors® who care about you and your family. Buying or selling a home is always more enjoyable when you work with professionals who will listen to your needs and who will work together with you to achieve your objective. We are very familiar with all types a real estate in Clark County and we specialize in Vancouver, Ridgefield and Battle Ground. We are also very experienced with new home and custom home construction having assisted several local builders in selling new neighborhoods in the Vancouver Washington area.  Additionally, we have helped numerous families build their own Vancouver WA dream homes. We are dedicated to helping you make intelligent, informed decisions and to providing you with exceptional service. Go to www.ernw.org for more information. See our video here.  This post written by Mark Hall all rights reserved.

 PhoTabulous Friday Fotos - "Out Of The Box" Marketing!

Photo credits - Mark Hall all rights reserved - When you choose us to handle your Vancouver WA real estate needs, you choose a team of realtors® who care about you and your family. Buying or selling a home is always more enjoyable when you work with professionals who will listen to your needs and who will work together with you to achieve your objective. We are very familiar with all types a real estate in Clark County and we specialize in Vancouver, Ridgefield and Battle Ground. We are also very experienced with new home and custom home construction having assisted several local builders in selling new neighborhoods in the Vancouver Washington area.  Additionally, we have helped numerous families build their own Vancouver WA dream homes. We are dedicated to helping you make intelligent, informed decisions and to providing you with exceptional service. Go to www.ernw.org for more information. See our video here.  This post written by Mark Hall all rights reserved. PhoTabulous Friday Fotos - "Out Of The Box" Marketing!

Clark County Washington Market Report - November 2009

Sales activity in Clark County continued to grow when comparing November with the same month in 2008. Compared to November 2008, closed sales rose 70.5% and pending sales increased 42.8%. New listings also increased 3.9%. (YES, you read that right, 70.5%!)

The 70.5% increase in closed sales is the largest percentage increase on record for the area;

the previous high was 64.5% in December 2002. On the other hand, when comparing November 2009 with October 2009, closed sales dropped 12.3% (469 v. 535) and pending sales decreased 29.3% (407 v. 576). New listings fell 3.4% (739 v. 765).

At the month's rate of sales the 3,433 active residential listings would last approximately

7.3 months, down from 16.9 last November. (6 months of inventory is considered to be a normal neutral market. No advantage to buyers or sellers.)

Year-to-Date

Comparing January-November 2009 with the same period in 2008, closed sales were up 11% and pending sales grew 19.2%. New listings dropped 23.4%.

Sale Prices

The average sale price for November 2009 was down 12.6% compared to November 2008, while the median sale price dropped 11.8%. See residential highlights table below. Month-to-month, the average sale price and median sale price were mixed when compared with October levels; the average sale price rose a slight 0.6% (221,100 v. $219,700) and the median sale price was down 0.8% ($198,500 v. $200,000).

When you choose us to handle your Vancouver WA real estate needs, you choose a team of realtors® who care about you and your family. Buying or selling a home is always more enjoyable when you work with professionals who will listen to your needs and who will work together with you to achieve your objective. We are very familiar with all types a real estate in Clark County and we specialize in Vancouver, Ridgefield and Battle Ground. We are also very experienced with new home and custom home construction having assisted several local builders in selling new neighborhoods in the Vancouver Washington area.  Additionally, we have helped numerous families build their own Vancouver WA dream homes. We are dedicated to helping you make intelligent, informed decisions and to providing you with exceptional service. Go to www.ernw.org for more information. See our video here.  This post written by Mark Hall all rights reserved.  Clark County Washington Market Report - November 2009

This is an awesome new project that is getting ready to launch in Vancouver Washington. Stay tuned! There is more to come. Bookmark this page because you will see it here first!