CONTENTS.
4-11 OUR TEAM 12-13 ABOUT PNW 14-15 REDMOND, BELLEVUE, MICROSOFT 18-19 SELLER’S INFO, BUYING TIPS 20-21 HOME PREP, THE RIGHT PRICE 22 OUR MARKETING 24-25 ONLINE INFO, 360° MODERN AGENT 26-27 ABOUT WINDERMERE 28-29 TESTIMONIALS
one word to describe travis...
SMART.
TRAVIS LUBBERS FOUNDER
PROMOTING POSITIVE COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC GROWTH IN OUR NEIGHBORHOODS. Travis Lubbers moved to Seattle from New Orleans, Louisiana. He studied Business at Virginia Commonwealth University. After graduating, he went on to work for multiple Fortune 500 companies, became a small business owner, and a very successful Realtor in the state of Louisiana where Travis met his wife Kirsten. With encouragement from his family and friends, Travis decided to start a real estate team in Seattle. In his freetime Travis loves to enjoy the local culture and flavors that the city has to offers along with spending time with his beautiful wife and their dog Pepper. Travis is grateful for the family and friends he gets to share his life with. He will always make sure that all residents feel welcome in a way that has become customary in Seattle.
one word to describe brad...
AMBITIOUS. BRAD VAN DE WALLE FOUNDER
Brad Van De Walle found his calling 6 years ago when he became a Realtor. Since then, Brad had created a powerful, successful, reliable team of agents in Calgary and Ottawa. However, his ability to connect with all types of people, his understanding of the real estate industry and a unique sales approach has made Brad one of the most innovative agents in the country. “I started at the bottom, I knew nothing. I took it upon myself to master this industry and my hard work has paid off”. Brad has now brought his talents to a thriving real estate industry in Seattle. The Greater Seatttle Group was formed with one goal in mind; create exceptional agents, with exceptional marketing and service to create exceptional results. Pride of ownership of the team radiates through Brads actions and personality. His career, his business partners and most importantly, his clients mean everything to him. “The Greater Seattle Group is not in this for the transaction. We care about our clients who become our friends, and we want what is best for them”.
our agents one word to describe raman...
CHARMING. RAMAN CHAWLA
PARTNER
Raman Chawla is an experienced real estate investor who has successfully flipped homes and owns many incoming producing rental properties. As an alumni of the University of Washington, he has developed many professional relationships and networks offering services across the region. Raman is highly regarded among his peers and clients for his in-depth market knowledge and strong negotiating skills. He specializes in helping buyers locate properties that best fits their needs and writing winning offers. He also brings with him the latest tools to help clients sell their homes for top dollar in the shortest amount of time. When Raman is not at work, he is out doing community service and spending time with his family.
our agents one word to describe tim...
SAVVY. TIM SAVY PARTNER
Born in Moscow, Russia, Tim Savy has been a resident of the greater Seattle area for over 20 years, having spent most of his time living in Bellevue. With over 10 years of sales experience, Tim has consistently been ranked among some of the top producers in the Fashion industry before transitioning into his growing real estate career at the young age of 23. At 26, he is now a partner of the Greater Seattle Group, powered by Windermere. “Real Estate is your vehicle to financial freedom, let me drive you to success�
our agents one word to describe maria...
CHARISMATIC. MARIA ASHRAM PARTNER
“The real opportunity for success lies within the person, and not in the job.” ~ Zig Zilar. Maria is a believer in this, and a proven example. She has reached her own rewarding level of success by always striving to be an expert in her field, and to help her clients and community. Buying a home is a big commitment, and her clients can rely on this dedicated professional to make it easy as possible for them. “I’ll work hard to ensure that your needs are met, and bring you all the information necessary for you to make an educated decision that will positively impact your life. ”Maria came to real estate with extensive experience dealing with clients and recommending solutions for them during her years in the banking industry. She is extremely empathetic, detail oriented, and likes to stay on task. Maria also worked for an accounting firm directing processes and procedures in a timely, efficient manner. Her understanding of financial matters and of people’s unique goals continues driving her to excel. A natural go-getter and people pleaser, Maria feels that the real keys to success are the intangibles – sincerity, integrity, top-notch service and expertise. “Ownership in real estate is always the smartest and safest aspect of any type of investment, so why not make it easy on yourself and let me help you! I will go the extra mile to be much more than just a salesperson; but rather, your consultant and confidant.”
our agents one word to describe jerrell...
HONEST.
JERRELL ALLEN PARTNER
Since early 2016, Jerrell has been a key contributor of the Greater Seattle Group. His ability to provide solutions drives his performance above the standard in this industry. Due to his extensive knowledge in sales and marketing, Jerrell is able to provide a coherent experience for both his clients and team members.
our agents one word to describe brandon...
CREATIVE. BRANDON KIM SOCIAL MEDIA
Brandon began his foray into real estate in early 2015 but his love of homes and architecture stem from his childhood. Through his coursework at Seattle University, where he graduated in 2014 with a Business degree focusing on multi-channel marketing, he has helped numerous local businesses in the Seattle area with their marketing strategies. What he lacks in real estate experience he delivers in internet marketing know-how and an enthusiasm to learn. He is passionate about social media marketing, real estate blogging, and helping clients achieve their home ownership dreams.
ABOUT P.N.W. Seattle is known as the West Coast seaport city and the seat of King County. With an estimated 662,400 residents as of 2015, Seattle is the largest city in both the state of Washington and the Pacific Northwest region of North America. In July 2013 it was the fastest-growing major city in the United States, and remained in the top five in May 2015 with an annual growth rate of 2.1%. The Seattle metropolitan area of around 3.7 million inhabitants is the 15th largest metropolitan area in the United States. The city is situated on an isthmus between Puget Sound (an inlet of the Pacific Ocean) and Lake Washington, about 100 miles (160 km) south of the Canada–United States border. A major gateway for trade with Asia, Seattle is the third largest port in North America in terms of container handling as of 2015. Seattle has developed as a technology center beginning in the 1980s, with companies like Microsoft becoming established in the region. In 1994, the Internet retail giant Amazon was founded in Seattle. The stream of new software, biotechnology, and Internet companies led to an economic revival, which increased the city’s population by almost 50,000 between 1990 and 2000. Seattle has a noteworthy musical history. From 1918 to 1951, nearly two dozen jazz nightclubs existed along Jackson Street, from the current Chinatown/International District, to the Central District. The jazz scene developed the early careers of Ray Charles, Quincy Jones, Ernestine Anderson and others. Seattle is also the birthplace of rock musician Jimi Hendrix and the alternative rock style grunge. Discover the riches of the region and beyond at Seattle Art Museum, home to a unique blend of mediums and genres, as well as Jonathan Borofsky’s 48-foot-tall Hammering Man. Take a free tour of The Paramount Theatre the first Saturday of every month, or snap up tickets for one of the dazzling musicals or concerts scheduled in the grand venue. The historic theater’s lineup includes Broadway hits such as Wicked (July 8–Aug 2), as well as indie music acts like Sufjan Stevens (June 10–11).
A SPORTS CITY To get in on the game-day action, head to CenturyLink Field, the oh-so-loud open-air stadium that’s home to the Super Bowl XLVIII champion Seattle Seahawks. From September through January, find thousands yelling themselves into a thunderous din. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster, or if you can’t snag a seat, try any of the city’s sports bars. Celebrate the Seattle Sounders FC, winners of the 2014 U.S. Open Cup and Supporters’ Shield, by joining supporters at CenturyLink Field to sing and chant for the likes of U.S. World Cup captain Clint Dempsey. The season runs from March through October, with tickets available through Ticketmaster. Spring also means bats start swinging again at Safeco Field, where the Seattle Mariners hit the diamond from April through October. Seattle Reign FC, the Sounders’ female counterparts, show why ladies rule with their domination of the National Women’s Soccer League season, starting in April. Cheer on Megan Rapinoe and other national team stars as they play at Memorial Stadium. Tickets are available on the team website. The Rat City Rollergirls are another all-female Seattle powerhouse. Watch them battle in fierce bouts from January through August at KeyArena. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster and at the arena box office.
REDMOND BELLEVUE THINGS TO DO IN REDMOND Redmond Derby Days is an annual community festival held the second full weekend of July and celebrated its 75th anniversary in 2015. It began as a race around Lake Sammamish called the Redmond Bicycle Derby in 1939, and since then has become a multi-day event including a bicycle criterium, parade, entertainment stages, beer garden, local food offerings and activities. Performing arts in Redmond include the Eastside Symphony and the Second Story Repertory theater company, as well as artists who play at the Redmond Performing Arts Center. Redmond Lights is an annual community festival held the first Saturday of December that features a special guest each year, a tree-lighting conducted by the mayor on city hall campus, and more. The Concerts at Marymoor is an annual summer series of concerts held at the amphitheater in Marymoor Park.
THINGS TO DO IN BELLEVUE The Bellevue Arts Museum first opened in 1975, then moved to Bellevue Square in 1983. In 2001, the museum moved into its own building, designed by Steven Holl. The museum subsequently ran into financial difficulties and was forced to close to the public in 2003. After a lengthy fundraising campaign, a remodel, and a new mission to become a national center for the fine art of craft and design, the museum reopened on June 18, 2005 with an exhibition of teapots. The KidsQuest Children’s Museum is located in Marketplace @ Factoria. The museum’s primary visitors are mothers and care givers with children from pre-crawlers to 12 years of age. Near Interstate 405 is Meydenbauer Center, a convention center that brings corporate meetings and charity events to the downtown area.
MICROSOFT Microsoft is an American multinational technology company headquartered in Redmond, Washington. Its best known software products are the Microsoft Windows line of operating systems, Microsoft Office office suite, and Internet Explorer and Edge web browsers. Well known to everyone for its advancement in personal computing, Microsoft also has its flagship hardware products, the Xbox game consoles and the Microsoft Surface tablet lineup. It is the world’s largest software maker by revenue, and one of the world’s most valuable companies, and its home is right in the heart of the Pacific Northwest West. Microsoft was founded by Paul Allen and Bill Gates in 1975,and has grown to be one of the most recognizable brands in the world. The company’s 1986 initial public offering, and subsequent rise in its share price, created three billionaires and an estimated 12,000 millionaires among Microsoft employees. As of 2015, Microsoft is market dominant in both the IBM PC-compatible operating system with it’s flagship OS product, Windows. The company also produces a wide range of other software such as Microsoft Office Suite, as well as for desktops, servers, and is active in areas including Internet search (with Bing), the video game industry (with the Xbox, Xbox 360 and Xbox One consoles), the digital services market (through MSN), and mobile phones (via the operating systems of Nokia’s former phones[and Windows Phone OS). Paul Allen and Bill Gates have called Seattle home since birth and still reside there today.
For the past 27 years, the Windermere Foundation has donated a portion of the proceeds from every home purchased or sold towards supporting low-income and homeless families in our communities. since 1989 winderemere has raised more than $30 million in the state of Washington.
OUR FOUNDATION
THE BUYING PROCESS You’ve found the home you can see yourself living in, now what? There are several steps to the buying process you will go through before you can officially call it your own. PURCHASE AND SALE AGREEMENT Once an offer on a property has been made by a buyer and accepted by the seller, they enter into a legal contract known as a Purchase and Sale Agreement. This document outlines the specific terms and conditions of the transaction and is acknowledged by both parties by the signing of the document. INSPECTION Once a buyer and seller reach mutual acceptance on a property, a home inspector is hired to investigate every nook and cranny to determine if the home is in need of any repairs. An inspector will check items, such as the roof, basement, heating system, water heater, air-conditioning system, structure, plumbing, and electrical. Afterwards, buyers will have a chance to negotiate with the sellers to cover the costs of certain repairs or to ask for concessions. NEGOTIATION Whether you’re a buyer or a seller, negotiation is the key to getting the best deal. Negotiations can involve everything from settling on a sales price to concessions and financing. Windermere Real Estate agents are expert negotiators whose job it is to represent your interests during the give and take of a real estate transaction. FINANCING You may already be pre-approved, but now that you’re closer to the actual purchase price, you’ll be working more in-depth with your lender on your final loan approval. To learn more about this process, pay a visit to our Mortgage Center . TITLE INSURANCE You will receive a full report detailing the property history for you and your lender to ensure there are no legal encumbrances between a new owner and the property being purchased. CLOSING At closing, all the paperwork is signed by the buyer and seller, both parties pay any settlement fees and the documents are officially recorded. Prior to closing, you’ll receive a settlement statement outlining any fees which may apply to you. After closing is finalized and recorded, the home is yours!
GETTING READY TO BUY? You’re ready to buy - or maybe you’re just ready to start seriously thinking about buying. There’s a lot you can do to prepare. With so much information available at your fingertips, you may already be doing a lot of your own research. Here are a few things to keep in mind while you get started. DETERMINE YOUR PRICE RANGE The best place to start when buying a home is to find out how much house you can afford. Your Windermere agent can refer you to a loan officer who can assist you with determining how much of a down payment you can afford, along with a monthly payment you are comfortable with, and the type of loan that fits your needs best. Serious buyers who are highly motivated should go through the effort of getting pre-approved; not only will this allow you to focus your home search, but it will also position you as a serious buyer in the eyes of sellers when the time comes to make an offer. MAKE A LIST AND PRIORITIZE Imagine your ideal home and community. Now make a list of everything you envisioned. Then take that list and break it down from high to low priority. High-priority items are the things you cannot live without in your new home. Lower-priority items are those that are an added bonus, but not necessary. Your list can include things such as: number of bedrooms, need for a yard, style of home, and access to schools and shopping.
SEATTLE ATTRACTIONS
TOUR HOMES IN PERSON AND ONLINE Some people look at several homes before finding just the right one. And others find “the one” immediately. Thanks to the internet, you can streamline your search process significantly by checking out homes for sale online. You can visit open houses and preview everything that’s for sale in your market on Windermere.com.
PIKE PLACE MARKET Open year-round, this is Seattle’s most iconic attraction — and it’s filled with tasty treats. There’s so much to love about Pike Place Market. Aisles of gleaming fruits and vegetables, tables overflowing with fresh floral bouquets, and booth after booth selling all manner of locally made jewelry, cloth-
12 STEP BUYING PROCESS 1. We will help you determine the price range of the home based on the mortgage payment amount you can comfortably afford. It is strongly recommended that you obtain a pre-approval for a mortgage. Furthermore, we will arrange this for you and work with our mortgage specialists to get you the best rates available; for your situation. 2. We will review all the amenities and features you want in a home and help you find the perfect house. 3. We will help you identify the most desirable properties based on your price range and features, and will set up an automatic search to send you properties that fit your criteria. We also search For Sale By Owner properties and our list of foreclosures to help you find the right house. 4. We will help you estimate your closing costs. 5. We will discuss the process of negotiating, educate you on the contracts and explain the different condition options. 6. We are then ready to go out and look at homes. It is very important to give us feedback and your thoughts on the homes we look at. Remember its ok to say you dislike a home. Tell us why, so we can eliminate these features from your search the next time we go out. “Knowing what you don’t want is just as important as knowing what you do want.”
12 STEP BUYING PROCESS 7. When you select a home that you want to purchase we will first do all the proper research and find comparables in the market. Once we know an initial purchase price we will write up the Real Estate Purchase Contract and proceed to send the offer to the other REALTORŽ 8. In most cases we will be negotiating to get you the best price. This process can take many hours and it requires patience. We are working our hardest to get it done as soon as possible for you and for the best price. 9. When the purchase contract is accepted by both parties the property is now “conditionally sold�. Conditionally Sold means that there has been an offer on the property and it has been accepted depending on certain conditions. Some of the conditions could be: financing, home inspection and condo document review. At this time we will be waiting for the conditions to be approved and/or waived before becoming a firm sale. 10. We will then help guide you in choosing a lawyer. He is also part of Greater Seattle Group family. 11. Copies of the purchase contract go to all selling parties and buying parties. 12. When the contract becomes a binding agreement the lawyer searches the title to determine: A) Encumbrances, liens, easements and restrictions. B) Make sure you contact your lawyer to set up an appointment to sign mortgage documents and title transfer a minimum of 10 days before possession.
INTRO TO MORTGAGES GETTING STARTED You’ve decided you want a piece of the American Dream. Now what? The first – and most important – step to the home buying process is financing because you can’t do anything until you know how much you can afford. To get started, you need to understand what lenders are looking for from a borrower. There are three main factors that help determine if you qualify for home financing: income, assets, and credit history. DIFFERENT TYPES OF MORTGAGES: Conventional Mortgages: Mortgages that don’t exceed 80% of the value of the home being purchased. High Ratio Mortgages: Mortgages that can exceed 80% of the value of the home being purchased. This mortgage must be insured through a bank or trust company. INCOME Most loan programs require the lender to verify all of your income sources. Typically you will need to provide paystubs, your W-2, and copies of your tax returns. ASSETS A critical step in the mortgage loan application process is to verify the sources for your down payment, closing costs, and assets, as well as documenting income and debts. CREDIT HISTORY All lenders review a borrower’s credit history to determine the type of credit used, the amount owed, and the borrower’s history of repaying debt.
HOME LOAN PROCESS APPLYING FOR A LOAN This is when your lender takes your application and reviews your credit history. He or she will also discuss your short- and long-term goals and reasons for wanting to become a homeowner. This information is very helpful when evaluating which loan fits your needs best. CHOOSING THE BEST LOAN With so many loan programs to choose from, it can be difficult deciding which loan is best for your individual situation. During the application process, your lender will walk you through all the options in order to match your needs with the best loan program. LOCKING YOUR LOAN RATE If you have a Purchase and Sale Agreement, you can lock-in your interest rate. In most instances, you have the choice to either lock your loan at a set rate and fee for up to 30, 45, or 60 days, depending on the lock-in period you’ve selected, or you can let the loan float. Your lender can help you with this decision, but the ultimate choice is left up to the individual borrower. UNDERWRITING For certain loan programs, your loan file is sent to an underwriter for review. Your underwriter may request more specific details about the property or your financial information before approving a loan.
SEATTLE ATTRACTIONS SEATTLE SEAHWAKS
PREPARATION FOR CLOSING After your loan package is complete, the file is prepared for closing and sent to your closing agent. SIGNING Your closing agent will call you to set up an appointment to sign the final papers. At that time, you will be asked to bring a certified check for the closing costs and down payment. After you sign, the closer will prepare the final loan papers so that they can be legally recorded.
Welcome to the homes of our biggest professional sports teams. Football fans from both this nation and abroad will admire the open-air CenturyLink Field, where you’ll find the Super Bowl Champion Seattle Seahawks (NFL) playing in the fall and winter.ing and gifts.
PREMIER PROPERTIES AN EXCEPTIONAL PROGRAM FOR EXCEPTIONAL PROPERTIES. Windermere’s Premier Properties™ program was created to address the unique needs of our luxury market clientele. Our extensive network of luxury home experts have earned a reputation for providing exceptional service to discerning clients interested in buying or selling homes in some of the Western United States’ finest neighborhoods. UNIQUE PROPERTIES REQUIRE DISTINCTIVE MARKETING. The success of our Premier Properties™ program centers on customized marketing strategies, including distinctive signage, specialized advertising opportunities and publications, and high-end direct marketing materials. Every one of our luxury listings also receives unparalleled marketing exposure through Windermere.com.
360°
MODERN AGENT
Authorized 360°modern agents specialize in all things Modern. These agents know the Modern real estate market and focus their business around it. The 360°modern website provides a unique search capability that is hyper-focused on Modern listings that are hand-selected daily from the Multiple Listing Service. This saves time and effort for buyers using our services and provides unparalleled exposure for sellers with Modern homes. Members of the 360°modern program are closely connected to the Modern community, which includes architects, non-profits, state historical organizations, county historical groups, Modern furniture and art experts, and contractors. For more information and to search for Modern homes in the Puget Sound region, please visit www.360°modern.com
WINDERMERE ABOUT US HUMBLE ROOTS, BIG IDEAS
When John Jacobi founded Windermere Real Estate in 1972, he had a vision for the way real estate should work: anticipate and respond to the needs of buyers and sellers, and support the communities you serve. While other real estate companies were focused on size and sales, his goal was to earn the respect of the communities where he and his agents worked and lived. Four decades later, John Jacobi’s humble beginnings have gone from a single office with eight agents to a network of 300 offices and more than 7,000 agents throughout the Western United States. See our historical timeline to learn more about Windermere through the years. Windermere has always focused on three basic principles: hire the best people; give them the best tools; create thriving communities. It’s not rocket science, but it has worked pretty well for us for over 40 years.
THE BEST PEOPLE
Windermere’s community of real estate professionals is our greatest asset. We have experts in all areas of real estate, from your typical starter home to condos, luxury properties, and new construction. While residential real estate is the mainstay of our business, Windermere also has offices and associates who specialize in property management, commercial real estate, and relocation services. To further facilitate the home buying process, Windermere has affiliated partners in certain regions to provide mortgage, title, and escrow services.
OB JACOBI, JILL JACOBI WOOD, GEOFF WOOD
WINDERMERE ABOUT US THE BEST TOOLS
Our agents have access to a wide range of innovative tools and programs, allowing them to serve home buyers and sellers in a way that is truly unique to Windermere. Some of our most successful tools were born from our agents’ own ingenuity, and we continually look to them for ways to improve upon everything we do. Ultimately, the most powerful tool that Windermere has is our agents; their professionalism and commitment to community enables them to tailor their service individually to each of their clients’ needs.
CREATE THRIVING COMMUNITIES
Windermere is committed to the communities in which we live and work. Through the Windermere Foundation, our annual Community Service Day, and a variety of community events, Windermere agents, owners, and staff work together to help build and sustain thriving neighborhoods.
CONTACT INFORMATION Looking for a local expert to help with your real estate needs? We have over 7,000 associates in 300 offices across the Western U.S. who are ready to help. Find an agent or office near you. w w w.w i n d e r m e r e . c o m / company/contact_us
TESTIMONIALS Life happens fast. New job, new baby, a new adventure. Whatever that next step is, our job is to help you find a home that fits. A place to create new memories, tell old stories – start the next chapter. How we achieve this goal is pretty straightforward: good-old-fashioned customer service. Because earning your trust and respect is our highest priority. It’s been that way for more than 40 years, passed down from one generation of Windermere agents to the next. And while we’re proud of our 99 percent client satisfaction rating, we’ll never stop striving for more. Here is what some satisfied clients have to say about their experience with their Windermere Real Estate agent: “Our agent offered a complete package from beginning to end. By placing our trust in her knowledge and experience, we were able to get results that exceeded our expectations in the most difficult of markets.” - TOM AND JENNIFER “Our Windermere agent helped my husband and I purchase our first home in May of 2012. He works extremely well with military families because of his former military background and knowledge of the VA process. This made home buying a pleasant experience rather than painful. Our agent has a very dedicated and trusting personality and will definitely go out of his way to make sure you are satisfied with your purchase. My husband and I are now happily settled in our first home and couldn’t have asked for a better agent.” - KAYLA AND MINH “Our Windermere agent’s outstanding sales record speaks for itself, but beyond the numbers is a solid real estate expert who both understands the intricacies of the market and is highly sensitive to the needs and best interests of her clients. We would recommend her without qualification.” - MICHAEL
TESTIMONIALS “In the fall of 2010, we hired our agent to market our elderly parents’ house in Laurelhurst. Despite a very weak real estate market, we were able to sell the house in a relatively short time and at a fairly aggressive price. Our agent was on her game throughout the process – beginning with the listing and marketing, then negotiating the sale and, finally, closing the deal. She was extremely helpful with her advice about the logistics of downsizing all the furnishings and general “stuff” accumulated during the 40+ years that my parents lived in the home. She also had invaluable advice about the emotional journey of moving my aging parents from their family-sized home to their new retirement-sized home. We wouldn’t hesitate to hire her again.” - P. MILLER AND J. JOHNSON “Our agent went above and beyond for me and my family. She was really a great support, teacher, and coach through the whole process of clearing the house and preparing it for sale. She got to know what my needs were and how I think, and helped prepare me. I really learned a lot from her – she took the time to explain things so that I could make good decisions. This was very important to me. She provided the clear thinking and understanding of project management that meant so much at the time. She also pitched right in and rolled up her sleeves! I can only say that she made all the difference in the world. I am very grateful that she was my helper – I certainly would recommend her to any friends or relations that need a good agent.” - R. HERSHEY
CONTACT HEADQUARTERS Windermere Services Company 5424 Sand Point Way NE Seattle, WA 98105 206.527.3801 wsc@windermere.com