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<span class="basic_member_name">Rebecca Hartsook</span>
Rebecca Hartsook
Realtor
Seattle, Washington
Biztalk » Introduce your bad indie self »
Posted by Rebecca Hartsook, Seattle, Washington | Oct 13, 2008

Subscribe to Introduce your bad indie self Another relaive newbie on the 'nik!

Hello, I'm Rebecca and I'm a Realtor for Windermere in Seattle. I'm just getting set up on Biznik and it's so exciting to see all of the opportunities to meet such an array of unique people doing unique things! It appears to be quite a community of movers and shakers, and I LIKE it! :)

If you would like more info on me, check my profile or my website at: www.rebeccarealestate.com.

My areas of expertise are in:

  • Residential Real Estate (that includes multi-family units up to 4)
  • Greater Seattle neighborhoods
  • Working by Referral
  • Exceeding my clients expectations
See you at the events!


12 Bizniks have posted replies

  • Debbie Rosemont
    Posted by Debbie Rosemont, Sammamish, Washington | Oct 13, 2008

    Welcome to Biznik Rebecca. You're right, there are a lot of ways to meet and interact with others in this community, both online and in person (one of the unique qualities of Biznik vs. other social networking sites).

    I found the class "How to Network the Biznik Way" really helpful in making more obvious to me the ways to use Biznik effectively. I learned what a rich tool we have and can now take advantage of more it has to offer. Keep your eyes out for that class in the Events section if you're so inclined.

    Again, welcome! I hope to meet you at an upcoming event,

    Debbie

    Professional Organizer and Productivity Consultant
  • Rebecca Hartsook
    Posted by Rebecca Hartsook, Seattle, Washington | Oct 14, 2008

    Hey Debbie,

    Thanks for the post and the welcome! I will definitely check into that class.

    Looking forward to it!

  • kerry graham
    Posted by kerry graham, Bellingham, Washington | Oct 14, 2008

    hi Debbie, I am new to biznik also. I am an agent in Whatcom county, Bellingham with Connect Realty. Suzie Orman said today that if you have the money and can get a mortgage, you should buy a house and get the deal of your life. What do you think of that? I know I would be buying like crazy if i could. People are still buying up here. Its not to terrible. kerry

  • Rebecca Hartsook
    Posted by Rebecca Hartsook, Seattle, Washington | Oct 14, 2008

    Actually Kerry, we may want to say why it's a good time to buy:

    1. Rates are still very reasonable hovering around 6%. The fed has been saying that rates will likely stay here through the beginning of the year.
    2. You can still buy a house with a minimal amount down (3%).
    3. Lot's of inventory to choose from so you actually may find a house you like, not just "kind of like".
    4. Not competing against 5 different people for the same house like in 2005 & 2006.
    5. Prices are excellent even here in Seattle.
    6. The local Multiple Listing Service has recently reported an increase in Pending sales, up 4% than last year, so people are buying.

    Anyway, just my $.02. Also, I think it's important for people to know that loans are still getting closed, and people are still getting to move into the houses they love.

  • kerry graham
    Posted by kerry graham, Bellingham, Washington | Oct 23, 2008

    Thank you Rebecca!! Love it!!

  • Vanessa Michelangeli
    Posted by Vanessa Michelangeli, Sammamish, Washington | Oct 24, 2008

    Hi Rebecca, I would like to talk to you, I would like to buy a house next year!!!

  • Rebecca Hartsook
    Posted by Rebecca Hartsook, Seattle, Washington | Oct 27, 2008

    Hey Vanessa,

    That would be great. I'll send you an email with my contact info. You can also give me a call at 206-406-9787

  • James Heintz
    Posted by James Heintz, Bellingham, Washington | Oct 27, 2008

    I heard some great stats Saturday. Did you know that 98% of the FDIC insured banks are FINE!

    And that 93% of Americans are paying their mortgages on-time!

  • Paul McFadden
    Posted by Paul McFadden, Bellevue, Washington | Oct 27, 2008

    Rebecca: Welcome to Biznik and good luck! It's a great forum.

  • Rebecca Hartsook
    Posted by Rebecca Hartsook, Seattle, Washington | Oct 27, 2008

    THANKS!

  • Martin Greenberg
    Posted by Martin Greenberg, Seattle, Washington | Oct 31, 2008

    Dear Rebecca:

    Welcome to the biznik community.

    You are in a tough business right now. More people want to sell their homes than can afford to buy and they want last year's prices. There is a chinese curse: may you live in interesting times. Rebecca, you are affected by this curse.

    Here is my $.01 worth of thoughts (that is what they are worth). It is a good thing that real estae prices are going down. That will help shake out the marginal players in your field. Hang tough. Real estate and the economy) will turn around. I hope you will still be in the biz.

    As you point out, people are still buying houses. Forgive me for what I am about to say (that is never a good preface). My experience with RE agents is that they are rigit digits. They know how to get listings (the lucky ones) and fill out the paperwork to make offers. If their broker is not creative, they will not be able to think outside the box. I have taken RE investment classes and took the WA salesman class. The tools that investors are taught is poo-pooed by agents. Lease/options, subject to, and owner financing are looked down upon by agents. I may not be the thing everyone is ddoing but being aware and using these techniques just may get that property sold or get that buyer into the house.

    You are providing an importat service. I hope that being in the biznik community will show you different ways to thrieve in these trying financiaql times.

    Marty

  • Rebecca Hartsook
    Posted by Rebecca Hartsook, Seattle, Washington | Oct 31, 2008

    Hey Marty,

    Thanks for your point of view and thank you for your "condolences". I'm at least glad to be here in the Northwest, where we are keeping our heads above water (it's almost nostril level though!). :)

    Well, I would just say that in my opinion as to why Lease/options & owner financing are "looked down" upon by agents is that it's usually the Seller who does not want to offer these options. Plus many sellers are not in a position TO offer these options due to their own financial position and much of the time the seller needs to sell the property and use any proceeds from the sale to buy their next property. Of course I am a residential agent, so the majority of my clients live in the houses they are selling.

    But I'm also surprised at how many people don't want to be landlords and that also deters them from the lease/options or even renting their current property in order to move to another home.

    I'm personally not opposed to either options, I agree with you that we should look at everything available to both the seller and the buyer. I do have a few friends who are renting and we have tried to submit a lease/option to the owners but the owners didn't want to accept it.

    There's a lot more to it than that, but this is the (very) short version.

    Thanks again for your post I appreciate your support!!

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