Several of the area’s top Realtors give their best advice to buyers and sellers in today’s local market.

Dave Patmon of John L. Scott in Poulsbo says, “The market is really fast-paced now. Some buyers, however, are still acting as if they can wait a week after seeing a home they’d like and making a commitment.” His advice? Don’t wait! “Study the market and go in informed,” particularly on what is a fair price. Sellers, “Price your property right and prepare it properly.” When you think it is ready to show, have someone be your “objective eyes,” and honestly advise you what else you might do to prepare it for showing.

Penny McLaughlin, Penny’s Team RE/MAX, Bainbridge Island, “When buying a home, use a buyer specialist who only works with buyers. When selling, deal with a listing agent/marketing specialist who only works with selling homes.”

Brenda Prowse of Brenda Prowse Properties, Poulsbo, agrees that having a knowledgeable buyer’s agent is essential. To sellers, she says to avoid agents who will discount the commission, because “you get what you pay for.” If a selling agent is willing to reduce the commission, that impacts the buyer’s agent’s commission, too, and may mean your home will not be shown as frequently as you would like.

Carol Sue Rogers, Windermere, Bremerton, says the best advice for both buyers and sellers is to conduct an interview with three agents before hiring someone who is really a professional. This will avoid “bad experiences” that can result from hiring based on a hasty phone call to an unknown agent.

Georg Syvertsen, Deschamps Realty, Bainbridge Island, states, “Interest rates aren’t going to get any better.” As they rise in the next few years, people who are paying these low rates may be reluctant to sell, unless they must (due to a job elsewhere, declining income or health, shrinking family, etc.). For now, “It’s a hot market; it’s a balanced market,” favoring neither buyer nor seller, but actually both.

Fred Depee, John L. Scott, Port Orchard, indicates that a buyer should check the tax-assessed value for today, five years ago, and 10 years ago, to see if the price is appropriate. “Affordability may be adjusted by financing, with 30 year loans, and hybrid loans in which payments are adjusted at five years.” Seller: “If you don’t need to sell, don’t! I see upward movement in prices. There’s not any more land – they don’t make it anymore! If you can afford to hold, hold. I make my living at this, so I must believe awfully strongly in it.”

Tim Wing, Reid Real Estate, Belfair, “For the buyer, inventory is low now.” Therefore, he encourages those looking to buy, even those looking at a first home, to consider new construction, as the low interest rates translate into the ability to buy a higher priced home than one may otherwise afford. “If you can’t find what you’re looking for in the metropolitan area, consider North Mason, where houses are $10-15,000 less than in Kitsap County.” Wing also advises sellers to work with an experienced agent. “Prices are changing, moving up for the past 18 months or so, and it is possible to under-price your house if you are not careful.”

Terry Taylor of Prudential in Port Orchard says “This is the best time in the world to buy a house. Money is so cheap, it’s almost Monopoly money!” He advocates buying as much real estate as you can now, as “It’ll look cheap later.” To sellers, he says that there is just not enough product on the market throughout Kitsap County. “It’s a real active market now.” So, if priced right, you could sell in 30 days or less. The first of the year, that was 60-75 days, but things have changed.

Don Pennington, of Windermere in Silverdale, is known as the “Dean of Kitsap Real Estate” — a title earned through his many years of experience and high productivity. He suggests when interviewing Realtors, look for a designator like “accredited buyers representative” (ABR), “certified residential specialist” (CRS), as these folks have plenty of experience and ongoing training. For senior citizens, he says to seek out a “senior real estate specialist” (SRES), due to the differing programs and complexities of real estate transactions with seniors.

Pennington says to buyers: Have your agent recommend a good local lender, because it is important to deal with people who know the area and will be there to help resolve any problem that may come up regarding financing. Lenders should work on commission, not by the hour, so that they will be compelled to help you qualify for your loan.

Susan Felten, RE/MAX, Bainbridge Island, describes the current market as “brisk.” Buyers should be financially pre-approved and be ready to see a home as soon as it hits the market. “Understand no home is perfect,” she says, “but rather a loving place of constant maintenance.” Sellers should work to resolve any easement/boundary issues. Before showing your home, clean and clear out the clutter you would while moving. “Put a real shine and polish” on your home and property.

Frank Wilson, broker at Windermere, Silverdale, says, in selecting a Realtor, recognize that their product is not houses, but working with people through the process. There are 12-16 people involved in each transaction, so the agent is somewhat like the conductor of an orchestra. You want someone you can get along with and trust. Find out what they specialize in, as Realtors no longer “do it all.”

Get pre-approved by a lender, becoming familiar with all the funding programs available. Pre-approval may put you ahead of another potential buyer, even if you make the lower offer.

When you find a house you like, do not hesitate, or it could be gone.

When writing an offer, Wilson says, “Write a tight offer. Be strong, and put a large amount of earnest money down, sending a message that ‘we’re excited about getting this house.’” Don’t lose a great house over a small difference in price.
For the seller, Wilson says you should know the market and come up with an appropriate, realistic price. Have your agent write up a marketing plan, recognizing that, “No amount of marketing can overcome a price that is too high.”

Be aware of the “staging” of your home, so it’ll look, smell and feel good. If there are things scattered around, box them up and store them in the garage until you move.

Felten summarizes, saying the Golden Rule applies to both buyers and sellers. “Attitude can reduce the stress of home buying and selling dramatically.”.