DeLisa Boatman - Broker
360.319.6576
DeLisa@NWHomes.net
I moved to Bellingham, Washington in 1988 and have been helping Whatcom County families with their real estate needs ever since. I love Bellingham and Whatcom County and all it has to offer, and am privileged to assist people with finding the perfect home for their family. I bring experience and passion to every real estate transaction I have. What's more important than finding the perfect home for your family or spot for your dream business?
My Designations : Certified Distressed Property Expert, Certified Negotiation Expert, Certified Residential Specialist, Five Star Professional, Senior Real Estate Specialist
Awards : RE/MAX International Hall of Fame, RE/MAX Platinum Award, RE/MAX Whatcom County Top 3 Realtor, RE/MAX Gateway Top 5 Realtor
Real Estate Education : 1031 Advanced (OREXCO), Comparative Market Analysis (NWMLS), Commercial Real Estate (CCIM), Cooperation & Compensation Agency Law (NWMLS), Current Issues in WA Commercial Real Estate (CBA), Current Issues in WA Residential Real Estate (WCAR), Code of Ethics (WAR), Federal & State Taxation (WAR), Advanced Exchange Strategies (WAR), Commercial Purchase & Sale
Keith Cook - Managing Broker
360.739.5600
Keith@BuyerMax.com
I have 30+ years of full time Real Estate experience in the greater Puget Sound area.
Expertise includes : Single Family, Multi-Family, Condominiums, Commercial/ Industrial, Lots, Acreage, Seller, Lender and Creative Financing, Real Estate Options, Deeds of Trust, Title Insurance, Escrow and Property Management.
Designations : Accredited Buyer Representative, Certified Distressed Property Expert, Certified Negotiation Expert, Certified Residential Specialist, Five Star Professional, Senior Real Estate Specialist, & FAA Licensed Remote Drone Pilot.
Awards : RE/MAX International Lifetime Achievement, RE/MAX International Hall of Fame, RE/MAX WA State - Commercial Team of the Year, RE/MAX USA - Top 10 Small Team Commercial, & RE/MAX Whatcom County Realtor of the Year
Real Estate Education : 1031 Advanced (OREXCO), Comparative Market Analysis (NWMLS), Commercial Real Estate (CCIM), Cooperation & Compensation Agency Law (NWMLS), Current Issues in WA Commercial Real Estate (CBA), Current Issues in WA Residential Real Estate (WCAR), Code of Ethics (WAR), Federal & State Taxation (WAR), Advanced Exchange Strategies (WAR), Commercial Purchase & Sale Agreements (CBA), Financing, & More
What We Do
We want to work with you to provide the best selling experience possible. We want to relieve the stress of selling a property by providing you with exactly how we work to successfully market your property. To do this, we use a combination of:
1 Online Marketing
Our website, listing websites, social media, video, and 360 virtual tours.
2
Print Marketing Photos, flyers, postcards, periodicals, and magazines
3
Face-to-Face Marketing & Networking
How your property will be represented to local agents and brokers
4 Client Participation & Communication
How we can work together to get your property sold
WHERE ARE THE BUYERS?
As you can see, the majority of buyers start their search, and find the property they want to buy, on the Internet. We market your property on many different websites so that we reach the widest demographic possible.
As the third most-popular real estate search engine, REMAX.com is where thousands of people begin their real estate search.
Property Search allows buyers to input their desired specifications and refine their search results. This search is not limited by only homes sold on RE/MAX, but includes all property for sale in an area.
Property Estimates allow you to get a glimpse of what your home may be worth. Though there are many factors that go into the pricing of a property, this can help you get an estimated determination of your home’s worth.
Locating Offices and Agents allows buyers and sellers to decide who they would like
RE/MAX is a real estate world leader with over 111,000 agents in over 100 countries and territories. As the leader in the United States real estate sales, the average RE/MAX agent outsells the competition by an incredible 3 to 1.
REMAX.com
Cooperating Brokers
We assure that your property listing is placed on as many websites as possible, including marketing your property for sale on our cooperating broker’s websites. Your listing will be on local independent broker’s sites as well as national major websites including:
John L. Scott
• Muljat Group
• Coldwell Banker
• Keller Williams
• Bellwether Real Estate
Sotheby’s Realty
WindermereOther Websites
Zillow
As one of the biggest home search websites, Zillow is essential to getting your property marketed online. Zillow syncs directly with NWMLS to make sure listing information is accurate and thorough.
Redfin
This site has risen in popularity over the years as a technology-powered real estate company. Redfin syncs with NWMLS to pull all information from our listings.
Pacific Northwest Homes
This is a search engine that features listings. We publish ads and our listings on the website. Pnwhomes.com syndicates out to the Real Estate section of the Wall Street Journal.
Realtor.com
Realtor.com places your property in front of thousands of potential buyers. This includes a property profile that has images, a virtual tour, and detailed information that allows a buyer to determine whether it is a good fit for them.
ADDITIONAL ADVERTISING
• Estately.com
• HomeSnap.com
• Trulia
• Homes.com
• Xome.com
• Rockethomes.com
• Cascadiadaily.com
• Movoto.com
Video Drone Footage
As licensed drone operators, we take aerial photos and videos of land properties so that buyers can see the full view. Additionally, we can take photos of the outside of a home or building depending on the surrounding foot traffic or laws that prevent photos from being taken without a waiver.
Walk-Thru Videos
Our video and photo team can do a video walk-thru of your home to show buyers the layout and details more clearly. We post this video to our social media and share it with potential buyers.
3D House Tours
We can also provide a 3D tour of your property. This allows buyers the convenience to tour your listing at anytime from anywhere at their own pace. According to Zillow, homes with 3D tours received 43% more views than listings without.
Online Exposure
We are consistently developing and improving our online presence.
Over half of home buyers search online to find a home. We use our website, blog, social media, and real estate search engines to increase your property’s online exposure. A great way for you to help increase your property’s views is to help promote our team online!
Ways You Can Help:
Zillow, Realtor.com, & Yelp
These three search engines are among the most trusted by people looking for recommendations. Writing a review helps future clients better understand the process and also allows us to be better realtors.
Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube & TikTok
Sharing
Reviews Word of Mouth
We use these social media platforms to advertise listings and important information. By sharing our posts, you are helping spread the word!
Shout it from the mountain tops!
Word of mouth is underestimated. People trust what other people have to say much more than anything else. Let your circle know about your property is for sale and point them to us for more information!
E-Newsletters
Our e-newsletter reaches readers nationwide from Washington, Oregon, and British Columbia to the East Coast. Our audience includes past clients, real estate agents, online leads, and more! Along with our featured listings, the newsletter includes market statistics, community events, videos, DIY/home improvement tips, and more.
Listing Advertisements
Your property will be featured in the newsletter under the Featured Listings heading.
Real Estate Statistics
We include local real estate market statistics so our subscribers can stay informed about how the market is changing and why it may be the right time for them to buy a property like yours.
Community Events
Each newsletter features seasonal events and activities happening in and around Whatcom County.
Featured Topics
The newsletters often have a specific theme, usually centered around a holiday or special announcement. The featured articles are related to that theme.
Email Packet
When we receive inquiries about your property, we send the potential buyer or agent a listing magazine that is specific to your property. This packet includes:
• A custom flyer
• The NWMLS listing report
• A property profile
• Preliminary title report
• Maps/blueprints/floor plans
• Links to videos
• And more!
Flyers
We design a professional, custom flyer for each of our listings. These flyers are posted at the property, emailed to interested buyers, distributed at open houses, and posted online. All flyers feature professional pictures arranged to highlight all of the features of your property along with other important information.
Periodicals
In addition to our digital marketing strategy, we include your property in prints that have a wide user base to further market your property.
Including:
• The Northern Light
• Waterside Magazine
• Cascadia Daily
Postcards
A personally-designed postcard is mailed out to at least 60 of the property’s closest neighbors. Postcards are sent out for new listings and recently sold properties. Not only does this spread the word that your property is for sale, but it also gives potential buyers our information in case they would like to receive additional information or make an offer on your listing.
Multi-Family
Depending on the property, we can implement a variety of marketing strategies. Aerial photos, walk-thru videos, listing it on the NWMLS and Commercial MLS, sending mailers to other multi-family owners in the area, and more.
Commercial Property
We use the Commercial MLS, Loopnet.com, Co-Star.com and Crexi.com, in addition to our other marketing websites, to market your commercial property. These sites are specifically for commercial listings, meaning they provide more detailed information to an audience who is searching for commercial properties.
Vacant Land
Aerial shots of vacant land properties are taken and labeled with street names and any nearby stores or businesses to give buyers a clear idea of where the property is. We also use plat maps to show dimensions of the lot.
Additionally, a feasibility study can be done on the land to assess potential uses/purposes as well as any issues found on the property.
This gives buyers a better idea of how purchasing the property would benefit them.
List of Items Needed for Investment Properties
• Copies of All Leases
• Copy of the Property Management Agreement
• Tenant Directory with Contact Information
• List of Unit Features: Beds, Baths, Appliances, and Square Footage of Each
• Status of Each Unit: Vacancy, Tentative Move-outs, Tenancy Start Dates, and Lease Expirations
• Copies of all Move in/Move out Checklists
• Copies of the Municipal Rental Inspection Reports
• Copies of all Work Orders/Tenant Requests for Repairs/Updates or other Service Contracts
• Year to Date Profit & Loss Statement
• Last 2 Years: Profit & Loss Statement
• Copy of Current Insurance Certificate for Property
• Any Reports, Surveys, Studies, Appraisals, Inspections, Plans, Permits, Diagrams, or Correspondence about the Property
It’s just as important to share the news about your property with agents as it is to share with potential buyers. You never know who might have the perfect client to buy your property. Depending on the listing, we implement strategies like open houses and tours to get our fellow agents interested.
Office Networking
We showcase our new listings to the entire RE/MAX Whatcom County office using the North West Multiple Listing Service (NWMLS). Agents then provide constructive feedback on price, exterior and interior appeal, and anything else they have comments on, which we then forward to you.
Public Open House
Although optional, we recommend holding at least one open house hosted by us. We work with you to get your home prepared and determine the best date and time. In addition to advertising on our marketing platforms, we can send postcards to the surrounding neighbors inviting them to the open house.
Broker Open Houses
There are a couple of types of broker open houses that can be held. These allow brokers to get an idea of what your property has to offer and whether it may be a good fit for a buyer they have.
Traditional Broker Open Houses are similar to a public open house. The listing broker is present for a couple of hours while other brokers come view the property. Broker Caravans are when a network of brokers who have similar properties in a specific area meet and tour each other’s properties.
Scheduled Marketing Reports
We prioritize transparency in our business practices which means that you have access to a history of all of our marketing efforts. We create custom marketing reports for you and update them regularly to show you how much traction your property is getting on the various marketing and social media sites we use. Depending on the type of property, we send out marketing reports weekly or bi-weekly.
Our Marketing Reports include:
• Open House Report (if applicable)
• Showing History
• Zillow Views
• Redfin Activity
• Realtor.com Report
• YouTube Statistics
• Ad Data
Property Updates
Every month, we re-evaluate your property’s price and the marketing being done for the property. Then, we consider any changes that may need to be made.
Sometimes, we suggest changing the price or extending the listing’s expiration date. We always consult with you and come to a decision together to determine what the best move is to get your property sold.
Authentisign
Authentisign is a secure online document signing service that allows us to exchange and sign documents without needing you to come in to the office. It’s easy to use and provides simple instructions for every step of the signing process.
Signing electronically allows us to make changes to your property’s status quickly and efficiently. If you would like a step-by-step video on how to use it, check out our tutorial at: https://youtu.be/w0SE0ipBT68 or scan the QR code to the right.
A Home Inspection observes and reports on the Condition of a Real Estate Property. A Qualified Home Inspector assesses the property’s condition, including its Heating and Cooling systems, Plumbing, Electrical, Water, Sewage, and Fire and Safety issues.
When to Inspect A Home?
Owner can have an Inspection done Prior to Listing.
List Date Without a Current Inspection, some Buyers will have their own Inspection done.
Offer Accepted Buyer typically negotiates 5-10 days from Mutual Action.
How to Prepare
• Make sure there is Easy Access to the Property and Clear out any Clutter
• Make sure all Taps and Toilets work
• Check that all Light Bulbs are Working, Exterior and Interior
• Fuse boxes should be Easily Identifiable
• Take care of Leaks and Water Damage
• If you have a Pest or Bug Infestation, have a Professional Take Care of it Before
Recommended Inspectors
Brian Fish | WIN Home Inspection 360-320-8133
Dennis Flaherty | Inside N Out Inspection 360-393-0274
Tim Hance | All Islands Home Inspections 360-298-1163
What an Inspection Covers
Exterior
• Exterior Walls Damaged/ Missing Siding, Cracks
• Foundation Cracks, Settling
• Grading — Check if Grading Slopes Away from Home (As it Should)
• Garage/Carport Proper Opening & Closing, Framing, Proper Ventilation, Water Heater (If in Garage)
• Roof Damage, Poor Installation, Vents, Gutters
Interior
• Plumbing Faucets, Showers, Visible Leaks, Water Pressure, Pipe Visibility, Pipe Type, Main Water Shutoff Valve Location
• Electrical Wiring Type, Outlet Testing and Safety, Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters, Electrical Panel Safety
• Heating, Ventilation, & Air Conditioning (HVAC) Furnace and AC Age and Functionality, Ducting, Insulation, and Asbestos
• Water Heater Heater Age and Condition
• Kitchen Appliances (This is not always included) Functionality
• Laundry Room Ventilation
• Fire Safety Smoke Detectors, Garage Wall Fire Rating
• Bathrooms Visible Leaks, Properly Secured Toilets, Ventilation, Etc
You may use the Above List to conduct your own Pre-Inspection and Prepare for the Real Deal, however it is Important to note that your Pre-inspection cannot be considered an Official Home Inspection.
The presentation of your house is just as important to buyers as the price tag. Showing your home at its best helps buyers better vision what it would be like to live there. These tips can help you create the best image of your home maximizing the appeal and the likelihood of buyers being interested.
Exterior
Maximize the Home’s Curb Appeal
• Keep the sidewalks clean
• Make sure house number is visible
• Touch up faded paint
• Clean doors/windows
Yard/Lawn/Garden
Keep Up with Landscaping
• Mow the lawn regularly
• Cut back any weeds/overgrown plants
• During summer months, water the lawn to keep it green
• Maintain garden or planters
• Clean up yard toys, tools, and any other belongings
• Pick up “evidence” of dogs
Interior
De-Personalize the House
Pack away photos or other family possessions to help potential buyers envision themselves in the home.
Make Minor Repairs
Take care of small repairs so that buyers can focus more on the home, not on the things to fix.
Keep the House Presentable
• Vacuum carpets and rugs
• Sweep and mop hard floors
• Touch up paint on walls/cabinets
• Dust shelves and cabinets
• Make the beds in each room
• Remove any pet odor/hair/waste
• Make sure the house smells fresh and clean with a candle or air freshener
• Open all window coverings and blinds
• Leave the lights on to create a warm, welcoming environment
• Keep the kitchen and bathrooms clean
Showing Access
When it comes to brokers privately showing your home, we want to establish an arrangement that works best and is most comfortable for you. Here are the options for private showings:
• Pre-Arranged Showtimes
You can set up times during the week for a broker to show your home that you know would not be a conflict.
• By Appointment
This allows you to be notified by a broker before they enter your home, so you know when it will be shown.
• Call and Show
A broker can call you first and get permission to show your home.
Suggestions for a Successful Showing Tenants
If there is a tenant, make sure the showing works with their schedule and the broker knows the house is occupied.
Let the Broker Show the House
Cooperation with the selling agent will make the buyer feel more comfortable with the buying process. We suggest that you and/or tenants leave the house and let the broker show the home without the buyers feeling pressured by having the owners present.
Other
• Check lockbox accessibility
• Save the showing brokers’ cards
• Notify us of showings in case broker does not scan the lockbox.
Entryway
Overall appearance should be welcoming and warm
Clean and uncluttered
Shoes/jackets are put away
Kitchen
Ceilings, walls, and floors are clean
Sink is clean and working without leaks/drips
Pantry, cupboards, and drawers clean
Appliances are clean
Counters are uncluttered
Food and dishes are put away
Dining Room
Wood floors/carpets are clean
Curtains, drapes, and windowsills are clean
Room and dining table are free of clutter and excess belongings
Bedrooms
Clean and uncluttered
Kids’ toys put away
Carpet vacuumed, hardwood floors swept
Beds are made
Dirty laundry is hidden, clean laundry is put away
Closet is organized
Living Room
Room is free of clutter
Couches/chairs are clean and nicely presented
Blankets/pillows are in good condition and clean
Bathrooms
Floors swept/mopped
Sinks and tubs scrubbed, no leaks/ drips
Toilet is clean
Fresh towels hanging
Smell is fresh from a candle or air freshener
Basement
Clean and uncluttered
Light fixtures work
Storage is organized
Smells fresh/aired out
No water penetration/dampness
Water pipes covered
Pets
Pets are put away in kennels or taken out of the home
No pet odor
Litterbox/yard are clean
Pet toys are put away
Pet hair is vacuumed/swept
No matter how your home is shown, we are immediately notified that a broker has unlocked the key box and is showing it. We then contact the broker requesting feedback from them or their clients. When we hear back from them, we forward their feedback to you so you can see what other brokers think about your property’s price, appeal, location, and other aspects. Some feedback is more descriptive than others, but all feedback helps us determine the best way to market and sell your property.
requesting feedback from brokers
Email
Actual feedback from brokers
Adjustable-Rate Mortgage: interest rates are periodically adjusted up or down depending on a specified financial index
Appraisal: an estimate of the quality/ appropriate price of a property
Comparative Market Analysis (CMA): properties used in an appraisal report that are substantially equivalent to the subject property
Contingent Sale/Contingency: a condition in a contract that must be met for the contract to be biding
Contract: a binding legal agreement between two or more parties that outlines the conditions for the exchange of value.
Closing: when the deed to a property is legally transferred from seller to buyer, and documents are recorded
Closing Statement: detailed cash accounting of the transaction showing all cash received, all charges & credits made, and all cash paid out.
Deed: a legal document that formally conveys ownership of a property from seller to buyer.
Earnest Money: money deposited by a buyer under the terms of a contract, to be forfeited if the buyer defaults but applied on the purchase price if the sale is closed.
Easement: a right to use the land of another for a specific purpose, such as for rights-of-way or utilities.
Escrow: a fund or account held by a third-party custodian until conditions of the contract are met.
Equity: the value of the property actually owned by the homeowner: purchase price, plus appreciation and improvements, less mortgages and liens
Fixed-Rate Mortgage: interest rates remain the same over the life of the loan (compare to “adjustable-rate mortgage”)
Legal Description: description of a specific parcel of real estate complete enough for an independent surveyor to locate and identify it
Listing Contract: an agreement whereby an owner engages a real estate company for a specified period of time to sell a property, for which, upon the sale, the agent receives a commission
Market Price: the actual price at which a property is sold
Market Value: the price that is established by present economic conditions, location, and general trends
Mortgage: security claim by a lender against a property until debt is paid
Multiple Listing Service (MLS): a system that provides detailed information about properties for sale to its members
Pending: the seller has received and accepted an offer (contract), but hasn’t closed yet
Pre-Qualification Letter: received from a lender stating that you appear to be qualified for a certain loan amount based on income, assets, and expenses
Principal Residence: primary location a person inhabits
Purchase and Sale Agreement: a contract between buyer and seller that outlines the details of the property transfer
Recording: act of entering or recording documents affecting or conveying interests in real estate in the recorder’s office
Signing at Escrow: occurs once an escrow officer has received all of the lender’s loan documents and has prepared the settlement statement, deed, and related paperwork
Title: a document that indicates ownership of a specific property
