From Bears to Bulls…

by admin on February 2, 2012

I know, I know,

A real estate agent telling you to buy a house is like a car salesman telling you it’s time for a trade-in right?

If you know me at all you know that I work very hard to give people advice that fits their individual situation and best interest. This advice is often NOT to buy or sell depending on the conditions of the market and their objectives.

This remains the same despite market trends. However, when the people that predicted the
housing “bubble” begin telling us that it’s now time to buy, I start listening…

John R. Talbott is a bestselling author and economic consultant.
When housing prices started to skyrocket in 2003, he published The Coming Crash in the Housing Market, correctly warning us that a real estate bubble was forming. Then in January 2006, he called the absolute peak of home prices in the US by releasing a new book, Sell Now! The End of the Housing Bubble.

Well, in a recent article, Homes – Buy Now! , Talbott simply explains:

“I have been waiting for more than five years to offer this advice. It is now time in most cities across the country to buy a new home or refinance your existing home with thirty-year fixed rate mortgage debt.”

So if you have been curious about buying a home but not sure the timing is right I can tell you that the market says it is.  Whether it’s right for you, well that’s something I can help you determine.  Give me a call to discuss your options.

Domenica

Good News About Seattle Salaries…

by admin on January 20, 2012

Seattle-area average salaries outpace the nation


Some good news this week from PSBJ.

“According to the PayScale Index released Jan. 12, average wages in the Seattle metro area grew by 1.6 percent during 2011, compared to an average rise of 1 percent in the nation as a whole. Of the 20 largest metro areas in the United States, only four posted a bigger increase in paychecks than the Seattle area.”

Although we have all felt distinct challenges, Seattle has shown above average Widening the pay gap: Average paychecks in the Seattle metro area are significantly larger than the nation’s, and grew faster in 2011, according to compensation research firm PayScale Inc. PayScale, which starts from a baseline index of 100 based on average U.S. salaries in 2006, found that paychecks in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue grew by 1.6 percent in 2011, compared to a 1.0 percent increase for the U.S. as a whole. (Source: PayScale Inc.)
stability throughout the
past several years. I’m encouraged to see an
indication of that continuing to be the case and hope you all experience higher wages, job security and good fortune in 2012!

Domenica

Habitat for Humanity Referral Contest Results are in!

by admin on January 5, 2012

Hello and Happy New Year!

One of my favorite mentors stated her intention for the New Year as this:
“My intention for 2012 is to measure my success by how much fun I am having”

Well, I would like to send a huge thank you to everyone who rallied for the 2011 Referral Contest because working at Habitat this year was a TON OF FUN.  This contest was a last minute stroke of inspiration in the first part of October and it was a huge success!

I am very happy to announce the winner with a total of 3 referrals during the contest is Brenda Brynildsen!
The other winner is Habitat for Humanity because thanks to all of you I will be working a total of 12 days at Habitat to honor your support and commitment in 2011.

What’s Next???

This has been so fun that I plan on measuring this years success by how many days you all have me working at Habitate!
The same commitment stands.
I will work:
1 day for every referral I receive in 2012
~and~
1 day for every referral that results in closed business.

Bring on 2012..

In addition to my commitment to pounding
nails I am going to incorporate some
fun client events, rewards for participation
and also invite folks to come
out in the field once Spring is upon us.

So stay tuned throughout the year.
As always, thank you for your continued support in life and business. I certainly couldn’t do it without you!

Sincerely,
Domenica

My Story: From Aviation to Inspiration

by admin on December 29, 2011

Hi there!
My friends at the West Seattle Nooners shared my story on our website. If you would like see the blog entry click here!

Happy New Year everyone!

NORAD Santa!

by admin on December 23, 2011

As always I like to bring you updates on important issues.  Usually real estate related but I think we can all agree that this is timely and critical to us all.

 

Thank you for your continued support in life and business.  I wish you pleasant holidays and a very Happy New Year!

Domenica

You’re Invited!

by admin on December 8, 2011

Santa Paws 2011
Saturday December 10th
11am-1pm

I would like to personally invite you to Santa Paws 2011 at Windermere West Seattle.
Please join me for some refreshments and a whole lot of fun.
Get your photo with Santa for everyone in the family,
4 legged pals and little munchkins alike!

The Windermere West Seattle office is located at 4526 California Ave SW.
Free 3 hour parking in the lot behind our office (enter the lot off 42nd Ave SW).

I look forward to seeing you there!  Should you have any questions,
please give me a call at 206-730-3812.
Please RSVP domenica@windermere.com

Happy Holidays!
Domenica

Seattle Digs Quarterly Report

by admin on October 27, 2011

I am so pleased to share my Q3:2011 Seattle Real Estate Quarterly Report.
I made some adjustments to the design this quarter and would love to hear what you think. The real estate market has been very much like we expected this quarter and the numbers in the report reflect that. I decided to switch the content up a bit to help spread the word about my involvement in creating affordable housing and the Referral Contest.

I would be so grateful if you would use the buttons at the bottom of the email and send to friends or share on Facebook. The more people who know about what I’m trying to do the better!
Thanks so much for your continued support in my life and business.

Cheers!
Domenica

Click here to download a pdf of the report.

I Need Your Help…

by admin on October 13, 2011

To live out my mission…

(Don’t worry, there’s something in it for you too.  Read on…)

I recently had the opportunity to spend a day volunteering for Habitat for Humanity and it was a pivotal day for me.  Many of you know that in 2006 I spent 8 days building 4 homes in Baton Rouge with Habitat.  Last week I was reminded of what a life changing experience that week in 2006 was for me, and for the people working by my side who would ultimately move into those homes.

Okay Domenica, what on earth does this have to do with your “mission”?
A mission is something that drives you every day regardless of what you do for a living.  And it comes into play in everything you do.  Even if you don’t know it.
Low and behold it is a driving force behind what I do for a living and (not so coincidentally) the reason that my heart soars when I pick up a hammer and help someone build a home for a family in need.

My mission?
Habitat for HumanityMy mission is to help individuals gain self respect and independence in their lives.
It may sound dorky at first glance but when I look at what makes me tick, and connect the dots, I realize there is a huge correlation between self respect & independence and homeownership.  Whether you are buying your “dream home” because you’ve worked all your life for it or moving your children out of a homeless shelter into their first home with a yard.  Arguably both are dream homes.

Okay.  What’s the point?
Let’s face it, the economy has hit us all and my business has been affected too.  I’ve decided I really need to spend more time volunteering but the reality is that I need your help to do it.  Plain and simple, I need more business.

So what’s the plan?
A referral contest!!!!!
Prizes!!!!!
Yay!!!!

Habitat for Humanity Build DayOctober 1st, through December 31st, 2011
I will work 1 full day at Habitat for Humanity King County for every referral I receive (self referrals included).
I will work ANOTHER full day at Habitat for every one of those referrals that ends in closed business between now and March 31st, 2012.
On December 31st, 2012 I will award a $100 Lowes gift card to the person who sent me the most referrals.

What??? You are giving away your time AND $100 bucks??? Just for the opportunity to take great care of my friends?
I can buy a small appliance for that! Paint my bedroom purple!  Fill my house with luscious plants! Buy gift cards to give away next Christmas! Trade for other stuff with my friends!

Here’s the deal folks.  We all need to support each other and this time I’m asking for your support.  I want to do more good in the world and the bottom line is that I need to increase my business in order to do what feeds my soul.

Will you help?
Domenica

Rome wasn’t built in a day…

by admin on September 30, 2011

But this West Seattle playground was!
I seldom plug Windermere, or my office, but I am so proud of my colleagues for their hard work last week.  This park was beautifully landscaped and play equipment installed in one day by Windermere Agents and High Point neighbors, along with KaBOOM! and the Windermere Foundation.  Now High Point families can enjoy it for many years to come.

See photos of the transformation on the King5 site and the West Seattle Blog.  And if you have a worthy project you would like some help with let me know.  I happen to know a great group of handy helpers who just might be able to pitch in.
Domenica

A Slow Home Manifesto

by admin on August 25, 2011

One of my favorite websites these days is Re-Nest.  This site has everything from DIY home projects, ideas for living in small spaces and stay organized, ways to be green at home and TONS of great design ideas.

Recently I ran across the article focusing on the Slow Home .  “Like the Slow Food movement, which exists in opposition to “fast food” in its celebration of local food traditions and culture, the Slow Home is one that takes a calm, carefully considered, and intuitive approach to home design and living.”

I always appreciate getting more perspective on how to live lighter, healthier and happier.  So it’s wonderful to discover new ways that can be welcomed into our dwellings.  I think home owners and renters alike will find this insightful and thought provoking. 

Enjoy!
Domenica

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