Duke Hayes's Vancouver & Clark County WA Real Estate Discussion & Information BLOG

2825 NE 84th Street in Hazel Dell is Sold!

Duke Hayes — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 00:33:00 GMT

Hazel Dell, Vancouver - The ranch at 2825 NE 84th Street has been sold.

Price Reduced on 11408 NE Conifer Drive in Orchard

Duke Hayes — Fri, 02 Nov 2007 15:31:00 GMT

Orchard, Vancouver - Announcing a price reduction on 11408 NE Conifer Drive, a 2,384 sq. ft., 3 bath, 5 bdrm 2 story "DayRanch". Now MLS® #7084478 $249,900 - A Lot of Home....

Property information

Ranch For Sale in Hazel Dell

Duke Hayes — Wed, 31 Oct 2007 23:07:00 GMT

Your Little Corner of the World

• 2,246 sq. ft., 2 bath, 3 bdrm ranch - MLS® #7108091 $244,900 - A Lot for a Little...

Hazel Dell, Vancouver - This is a great 3BR home of over 2200sf on a corner lot. This home was the model home for the area. Besides 3BR's, a large open kitchen, bonus room and shop add to it's character. The back yard is fenced with dog runs. This home is priced with sweat equity in mind & needs some TLC but with your touch it will shine in this quiet neighborhood. There is also room for RV parking and has 2 1/2 garage spaces. Yup, I said 2 & 1/2...

Property information

Home Prices are Dropping...

Duke Hayes — Wed, 31 Oct 2007 22:27:00 GMT

Hello again. First let me thank those of you who have visited and endured my first posting. I hope this one will be of some use as well.

I'll bet you've been hearing this on the news channels. If you're eager to buy a home and are waiting for the prices to drop remember that REAL ESTATE IS LOCAL. Those news reports in the national magazines, papers and TV stations are looking at the nation as whole and are not necessarily accurate when talking about specific areas. The Washington state real estate market has been identified as one of the strongest. If you're sitting on the sidelines waiting, it may not be your best move. Prices and interest rates are still at good levels and the selection is outstanding. The only constant is change and I'm guessing that, for buyers, this will not remain long.

What do you think? I look forward to hearing your perspective...

Do you need a Realtor?

Duke Hayes — Thu, 04 Oct 2007 21:07:00 GMT

OK, I'm stepping out on a limb to start my new BLOG. Be gentle...

The profession of Realtor is an old one. Some say we're worth it, others, not so much... Here are my views on the subject and I will do my best to suppress any bias.

In a nutshell, the profession of Realtor is a service industry. We provide a service to people that feel that they need it. No more, no less. Some of you will build that deck or install that new lighting fixture without even thinking about it twice. Some of you would try, but aren't too sure you know how to start. Some will succeed, some not. Still others will call a carpenter or electrician.

If you think about it, all of you earning a living are providers of a service. Even if you sit behind a desk and sort thumbtacks. Your employer is hiring you to provide a service that they cannot or will not do themselves because it makes sense to them to do so.

Now all of you, I'm sure, know that in any profession (including yours), there are the good, the bad, and all shades of gray in between. This is no difference in the real estate industry. What this means is that when hiring one, you should take as much time evaluating that provider as you would when hiring a carpenter or electrician.

Bottom line, whether you NEED a Realtor or not depends on you and your circumstances. Can you buy or sell a home without one? Certainly, I'll even answer your questions on how to do it and loan you the yard signs and flyer's. However, like the deck & lighting fixture, it sometimes pays to let the professional do it.

My recommendation is to talk to a couple before making up your mind. It costs you nothing but time and may help you make your decisions easier and more knowledgeable. If they ask for your business, you can always say no thank you. Their ability to take NO for an answer may also be a clue as to whether you would hire them or not. Do they appear knowledgeable? Have they been recommended by family or friends? Do they automatically agree with everything you say or do they tactfully give their opinion. One of the biggest errors sellers make is to overprice their property. One of the biggest errors Realtors make is to accept the listing. (I've been known to do this, not bragging by any means...) It does neither any good. (I'll talk more about this in another BLOG entry).

Remember that ALL the decisions, to buy, sell, listing price, purchase price, use a Realtor or not, are yours. The Realtor can only guide and point out alternatives, opportunities & warnings. It's up to you to decide your direction.

OK, your turn. What do you think?

5BR Dayranch...

Duke Hayes — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 06:00:00 GMT

Your Home on the Park

• 2,384 sq. ft., 3 bath, 5 bdrm 2 story "DayRanch" - MLS® #7084478 $254,900 - A Lot of Home...

Orchards West, Vancouver - Space-the final frontier -- You'll find it here in this big, beautiful home ready for you and your vision. The large family room is roomy enough for your imagination. Pool table, ping pong, large screen TV, Ladies Retreat, Man Cave, new master suite? How many ideas do you have? Backing up onto a county park gives you the privacy and feeling of being in the woods but you're right here in town.

Property information