Q&As with Local Real Estate Agents

In this ever-changing world of real estate, it can be confusing and downright frustrating trying to figure out the best timing, value, and home for your family. On the following pages, local real estate agents share what makes them unique and offer valuable insight to help guide you on your path to first-time ownership, moving into, or moving around the area.

Marcus Metz

Q. What do you offer that other [brokers] may not?

A. There’s much more to picking a home than just the house: What kind of events do you enjoy? What kinds of food do you like? It’s important to get to know my clients so I can place them where they’ll have the best quality of life! I also have a background in city planning, and work on an investment-focused team.

Jeff Strand

Q. Is there a specific local market you specialize in?

A. No, not really, and I believe knowledge of a broader market is better for my clients. I’m a fifth generation resident of Whatcom County. I’ve helped first time and repeat buyers purchase and sell homes ranging in price, size and location, living here or moving here from larger cities. The move to working from home over the last few years has changed the idea of what a “local market” is. Buyers are more open to multiple neighborhoods rather than one specific location if the home fits their needs. I want to be knowledgeable of many areas and provide my clients with the best possible service I can.

Dani Colito

Q.What can clients expect when working with you?

A. Clients can expect the “Nordstrom experience” when working with me. I have a plan and system for every step in the process. I also have the support of a team behind me, and my clients know there will always be someone to help them if I’m unavailable. I set expectations, I’m extremely organized, knowledgeable in the market and have my client’s best interest at heart when it comes to negotiations. My clients can be at ease and rest assured I will get the job done for them.

Q.What area of our real estate market would you call your “sweet spot”?

A. My sweet spot is working with growing families, and all the challenges that come with it. Moving up, downsizing, investing and possibly dealing with difficult life changes. Being a mom with two kids, I understand the challenges that go along with that, and am extremely empathetic to my client’s journey as we navigate the constant changes in their lives.

Dani Colito eXp Realty | Bellingham, Washington danicolitohomes.com

360.510.9399

Dani@danicolitohomes.com

TAMMY WALKER & NIKKI WESEL

“Guardians of the Tri-Counties for over 50 years”

Q. What are your clients saying about you?

A. We love client feedback, so we’ll let our recent reviews speak for themselves:

• “Smooth and painless. They kept me abreast at every turn.”

• “Everyone was terrific… Our closing could not have gone smoother. I recommend them without hesitation!”

• “Love this team! So knowledgeable, helpful, and always there to answer questions when you need them!”

Q. How do you make use of new technology

A. To ensure transaction security and accessibility we utilize Qualia, our secure one-stop-shop portal for closing, where clients can track closing milestones, review/e-sign documents, and directly message their team. Closers can enlist services from Remote Online Notary (RON) platforms so, where possible, clients can notarize from home. Our website’s Quote tool is also available for instant fee estimates anytime, anywhere.

Guardian Northwest Title & Escrow: Whatcom 3800 Byron Avenue #140, Bellingham 360.594.3111, gnwtitle.com whatcom@gnwtitle.com

Jennifer Eddleman

“Every residential transaction involves people going through life changes. A compassionate, client-focused agent eases the challenges of the transition.”

Q.What should your clients know about working with you?

A. Clients can count on me to guide them through the process and provide candid, honest advice delivered with patience, compassion and a sense of humor. As a Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES) I especially enjoy helping seniors, and the families who love them, through all of the steps of the sometimes emotional and overwhelming process of a real estate transaction.

Q. What are your interests outside of work?

A. Gardening is a passion of mine. Community involvement is very important to me as well. I’m a certified Master Gardener volunteer with the WSU Skagit County Master Gardener program, and I also serve on the Burlington Parks and Recreation Advisory Board and do some volunteer work with the Burlington Chamber of Commerce.

Jennifer Eddleman, Realtor® /SRES Windermere Real

Estate,

Skagit Valley 1030 E. College Way, Mount Vernon 360.333.4048 jenneddleman@windermere.com

Summer Cookouts 84

Admiralty Lounge 91

Chef’s Corner: New Leaf Cafe 92