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(33 posts)

West Seattle realtor needed: reputable, experienced, knowledgeable

Started 1 year ago by zephyr
Latest reply from josie2006

zephyr
Member Profile

I am looking for a knowledgeable West Seattle realtor who is diligent, resourceful and easy to work with. I am looking for a particular homebuilding site and this could be vacant land or a teardown situation. The areas I am interested in are pretty built up so this could be quite a challenge. So I need someone up to that kind of search. I am open to other communities but reluctantly since this is my first choice. I love West Seattle. ~z

Posted 1 year ago #
dhg
Member Profile

Gini w/ The Johnson Team at Prudential. You get 3 realtors that can come on like storm troopers.

Posted 1 year ago #
WSB
Member Profile

Zeph, any hints at what neighborhood(s) you're looking at? Even before you find the right Realtor, you just might get some site suggestions here...

Posted 1 year ago #
hooper1961
Member Profile

zephyr - try conducting a search yourself online at redfin. by finding something on you own you can save at least 3% in fee; that adds up quickly. by conducting some research on your own it will help.

if this doesn't do it, john thompson at keller williams in west seattle sold a couple of homes for me (one mine and the other my mom's) in a very down market.

Posted 1 year ago #
zephyr
Member Profile

Thanks all for the responses so far. WSB, I am particularly fond of Gatewood, though would consider Fauntleroy area, Genessee Hill, Seaview and maybe Arbor Heights (not familiar with it much).

Hooper, I have been searching on my own for the past several months off and on. I really want someone to work with who's been doing this for a good while, has extensive local knowledge and can offer more insight than just a website. I am hoping to maybe connect with a seller who might not even be listed yet or could be persuaded to sell. What I want is rather elusive.
~z

Posted 1 year ago #
Pibal
Member Profile

Stop the search: Dave Paxton's your guy. He grew up here in West Seattle and no one knows the place better. Plus you'll never find a better guy to work with. It's all about the customer, and he will serve you very well. He helped get us into our place a year ago.

Contact him via
Cell: 206-595-7733
Email: alkibeach at comcast dot net

Good luck!

Posted 1 year ago #
acemotel
Member Profile

I would highly recommend Dennis Brown, who lives in West Seattle, and has specialized in the neighborhood for more than 20 years. A cliche, but he is the nicest person you could ever hope to meet, and the hardest-working, too. http://www.windermere.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=agentOffice.AgentDetail&agentMetauser_ID=3539
I met him many years ago when his partner Dan Murphy sold me my house in the Admiral district. AT that time Dennis was working in the mortgage side, so he has extensive experience. Dan went on to be the on president of the seattle/king co. board of realtors.

Posted 1 year ago #
Ken
Member Profile

http://www.tilarealestate.com/alan-krell.php

I know Alan and he is tireless and resourceful. He also has had contact with an agency I know of with a few prime building sites that were overpriced a few years ago but should be more reasonable now.

Posted 1 year ago #
funkietoo
Member Profile

Don Pennell @ donpennell@pnwrealty.com
Have known Don for 15+ years. He is an excellent listener. Tell him what you are looking for, such as 'neighborhood, style of house, price range, etc., and that is what he will find for you to look at. He does not waste your time taking you around to look at houses that don't fit your requirements.

Did I mention he is straight forward, honest and a pleasure to work with?

Posted 1 year ago #
hammy
Member Profile

I recommend Mary Ann Vandergriff who is located at the Windermere office at Fauntleroy. We worked with her on two occasions (one buy and one sell) and she is a consummate professional. She knows the market and she has endless energy. She is always available and responsive, knows her market and cares about finding the right place for you.

Posted 1 year ago #
MrJT
Member Profile

Avoid Redfin. The 3% that you save is not nearly enough to compensate for the crap you put up dealing with them.

Posted 1 year ago #
hooper1961
Member Profile

have you looked at CL (craigslist) yet?

Posted 1 year ago #
zephyr
Member Profile

I really appreciate all the suggestions.

I am looking to build so I would rather not spend too much on a house that would have to be moved or dismantled. It's all about the location, so I am going to go with someone who has excellent local knowledge and the patience to work with me and not just try to get me to buy something quick. For all I know the property I am looking for may not be available in the area I want to be in. But I won't know until a concentrated search is done.

As for Redfin or Craigslist, I have looked at those sites, but prefer to work with an actual human being--boots on the ground. ~z

Posted 1 year ago #
VentanaConstruction
Member Profile

Zephyr,
One other thing to consider is that it may make sense to bring an architect on board during the lot-searching process as they will bring valuable input on elevations, placement of the house on the site, angles (sun, wind, rain) and also have the expertise to tell you what the city is and isn't likely to let you build. We can make some architect recommendations if you want to contact us.

On Realtors, we had an excellent experience with Sandra Merkin, who lives in West Seattle. She was an impressive negotiator and a pleasure to work with. sandra@merkinrealty.com

Anne/Ventana Construction

Posted 1 year ago #
zephyr
Member Profile

Hi, Anne,

Thanks for your suggestion. Yes, you are right. Last year about this time I went to the Seattle Home Show and attended a talk or two, then spoke with both Design/Build firms and some architects. I then took the Saturday seminar with AIA on how to select an architect. Since then I have been reviewing just about every architect's portfolio online in Seattle, Tacoma and a few in Portland. I have narrowed my quest down to maybe three or four architects--but as of yet have not contacted any. I have been collecting a number of images of ideas online, buying a several books and home magazines and checking out a stack of books from the library. So I am fairly clear on the particular style I am going for by now.

I guess I was hesitant to contact the architect without having done a little land searching first. But your suggestion is a good one and pushes me a little off the fence. Thanks!

I contact you via email and check out your recommendations if you don't mind. ~Z

Posted 1 year ago #
WSB
Member Profile

Want a small lot yards south of the Gatewood border, with big view potential and a house that is definitely teardown fodder? Let me know.

Only half-joking.

Posted 1 year ago #
jwws
Member Profile

There's a house on the west side of 55th between Charleston and Andover that has been in a state of suspended remodel for more than 5 years - maybe you could purchase it and rid the neighborhood of this unsightly mess - windows broken, plywood sheathing weathered, yard a mess...it's a tear down in my opinion!

Posted 1 year ago #
dgirl
Member Profile

Call my neighbor Larry Nitkey. A West Seattle native born and bred and a great guy with a wonderful family to boot!

Larry Nitkey, AB Associate Broker
Windermere Real Estate/Wall Street, Inc.
4526 California Ave SW
Seattle, WA 98116

Seattle-West Seattle
Office Phone: 206-935-7200
Cell/Direct: 206-679-3256
Email: LP@Nitkey.com
Web Site: http://www.nitkey.com
Agent Fax: 206-937-6574
Office Fax: 206-937-6574

Posted 1 year ago #
anotherwsmom
Member Profile

Adrian Lee at John L. Scott-Westwood Is fantastic. Very personable and diligent.

Posted 1 year ago #
zephyr
Member Profile

Thanks for all the suggestions everyone.

I have made an appointment to meet with a realtor tomorrow morning.
~z

Posted 1 year ago #
MrJT
Member Profile

Not sure if you have a bundle of cash laying around, if not you may want to do more research into financing than the realtor. Construction money is nearly impossible to secure these days. Most banks wont even touch them. Good Luck !

Posted 1 year ago #
Duskyviolet
Member Profile

zephyr,

Domenica Lovaglia at Windermere knows West Seattle and the south end inside out. She is patient, personable and very knowledgeable. She has both helped me buy and sell a house. Honestly, she rocks.

http://www.domenica.mywindermere.com/

Good Luck in whomever you use.

Posted 1 year ago #
zephyr
Member Profile

Thanks, everyone for all the suggestions. I have two appointments lined up already. If I need more, I will refer back to this list or ask for assistance. WSB is terrific!

All the best,
~z

Posted 1 year ago #
jissy
Member Profile

zephyr -- sorry, feeling lazy tonight, but if after your 2 appts. you are still looking for help, type in Scott Monroe in the WSB search arena.. 'nuff said!!!!!

Posted 1 year ago #
Pibal
Member Profile

We're Gatewood residents ourselves and love the area. I'm sure you'll like it too...

Howsomever, if you decide you'd rather build MUCH further south - on Fox Island - let us know. We have beautiful view property there we would be willing to part with...

Good luck!

Posted 1 year ago #
gooseface
Member Profile

Hi - I'm not sure what specifics you're looking for, but I have an old (tear-down) house on a great view property. Big views, completely protected. I'm thinking about selling within a year or so but let me know if you want more details on the location. It's south of the Fauntleroy ferry, below Marine View Drive.

Posted 1 year ago #
zephyr
Member Profile

I appreciate the tips. Pibal, sounds nice, but it's a little too out of the way for my needs. Thanks, though.

Gooseface, interesting for sure. In a few days as soon as I get the realtor thing squared away, we'll touch base with you. ~z

Posted 1 year ago #
Zenguy
Member Profile

Jame'e Rakus only works the greater West Seattle area, has lived here her entire life and friends and I have used her many times. She is knowledgeable and tells it like it is.

Tell her Patrick Allen sent you.

Jamee Rakus
Coldwell Banker Danforth & Associates

Direct: 206-949-8487

Email: j.rakus@comcast.net
Office: 206-248-2900

Posted 1 year ago #
mrhineh
Member Profile

Curious what the Redfin experiences have been? We have done the research, know what we want, don't need our hands held to find the home we want to bid on. Most buy side realtors won't work for less than the 3%, so their 1.5% is attractive. Thoughts?

Posted 1 year ago #
zephyr
Member Profile

Could we maybe take the Redfin question to a new thread? Just put that in the title and you'll get results. I have found the realtor and really don't need any more leads at this time--unless it's a good parcel prospect.

Let's retire this thread for now. Thanks so much to everyone. ~z

Posted 1 year ago #
hopey
Member Profile

I don't see why this thread should be retired or closed. This forum is a resource for the community, not one individual. People search for recommendations all the time. If folks keep posting on this thread, then the next person who uses the forum search box and types in "realtor" will get a real treasure trove of information.

I'm going to be in the market myself in another year or so, and I guarantee I'll be coming back to this thread to start looking for a West Seattle realtor. If there are more recommendations, I say keep 'em coming!

Posted 1 year ago #
corrie
Member Profile

I live in Gatewood and there is a vacant lot on Southern Street, near 39th. It has been on and off the market for three or four years now.

Posted 1 year ago #
josie2006
Member Profile

I live near 41st and morgan and we're putting our house on the market in the near future - is that an area you're looking at? Technically morgan junction I believe but very close to gatewood. If so let me know.

Posted 1 year ago #