Will Zillow revolutionize the real estate industry? That's the question that seems to have surpassed all the bubble babble these past few months. For those that don't know, Zillow is a website that claims to help home owners price their home using sophisticated computerized pricing analysis. Really it's just an attempt for the website to get their share of real estate agents marketing dollars. Does it work? Not in Chelan or Douglas Counties. Our county governments are pretty slow to get hip to the digital revolution so Zillow can't access the recent sales info from the counties. In places like Seattle they do have access to the numbers. IT STILL DOESN'T WORK. Pricing a home is more art than science. Does the assessors office know about the new flooring you put in last year, how about the beautiful water view you have from your home? Curb appeal has value too, but the computer will never figure that one out. If a computer or a spreadsheet is going to buy your home - fine, Zillow will work. If you are trying to market it to a human with emotions and tastes better have a human help you price it. Zillow will be used by unsavory buyers to dupe unsuspecting sellers. "See Zillow says your home is only worth $150,000.." We'll see that house listed for a whole lot more sometime soon. Some in the real estate industry are intimidated. I'm not. Some people need to DYI everything, most of us need help. I don't do my own dental work or cut my own hair. I trust a professional. Zillow is a neat idea, but is still just science fiction.
Sunday, March 19, 2006
Saturday, March 18, 2006
Rain City Guide : Real Estate Blog
I was doing a little surfing to see what other real estate blogs are doing these days and ran into this http://www.raincityguide.com/2006/02/27/8-common-mistakes-made-by-real-estate-bloggers/ Wow! That really educated me. I'm guilty of so much. I have been using this blog as a marketing tool not really as a journal or weblog. The question really is can I spend enough time working on the blog to keep it cutting edge. Some of that will have to do with the interaction I receive. It's easier to put effort into a project when you know it's having a positive effect. Time will tell I guess.
New Listing!
I've just listed a lovely mountain cabin on a large wooded lot. It is a 2 bedroom home with a loft and was built in 2003. It is listed at $229,950.
West Benton - PENDING!!
Another quick sale! The house on West Benton in Leavenworth ($259,900) was only on the market a few weeks before we got an offer. What is the secret to selling homes quickly? Proper pricing and preparing the home to show certainly make the biggest difference. Call me today so I can help you sell your home FAST!
Saturday, March 11, 2006
Gravel Pit for Sale - $700,000
For the right buyer this is a rare opportunity. I just listed 15.31 acres in Peshastin on Hwy 97 that have recently been re-zoned Mineral Commercial. There is a lot of rock here (mineral assessments are available) and it would be the closest gravel pit to Leavenworth and the upcoming road work at the Big Y.
New Listing!
I've justed listed a beautiful home in Leavenworth. It is a 3 bedroom, 2+ bath on a double lot. It has a huge kitchen, great views and lots of updates. $259,900. Call me today for your own private showing.
Price Reduction
I've reduced the price on the cozy Leavenworth bungalow to $169,000. This isn't a huge house, but would make a great rental or starter home. Another small home in town is currently listed over $200,000. Call me to make an appointment to see this home.
