I teach a homebuyer class and one of the topics we discuss is how to choose a broker (remember this is the new term for real estate agent). I think this is my favorite part of the class because I love to hear people’s answers. I realize this may fascinate me way more than anyone else reading this blog so bear with me. I’ll try to make it interesting and funny and hide the fact that I may have a slight hidden agenda which of course is to hear how (and who) you would pick as your broker.

As a potential home buyer I am quite thankful for the advancement in the search capabilities when looking at MLS listings. Over the last view months I have landed on the Windermere web site looking for prospective properties and homes for that next purchase. As a home buyer you can filter and save your search query entering in the home attributes that are most important for your home buying search.

The first thing most people do when looking for homes online is read the description. Then they usually thumb through the pictures and a part of them subconsciously makes sure the pictures reflect what the description says. At least that’s what I do. The point I’m trying to make here is that it’s important to have a great (yet accurate) description and great (yet accurate photos).

At the very beginning of my real estate career I considered “networking” to be meeting my friends at the park or Starbucks (with our kids) and if we happened to touch on the topic of real estate that was a huge plus. If we didn’t, at least I could tell my husband I spent my day out and about with real people. I also considered “business attire” to be my good Lulu Lemon sweats instead of my cheap Fred Meyer knock-offs. That was also when the market sucked and there was virtually no business to be had, especially for someone who got their real estate license the same day the market tanked.

Well I’m sure there are a lot of things you can expect this year but since I’m in charge let’s narrow it down to just real estate. Will home prices keep falling? Will interest rates go back up? Will home sales rise?  I just shook my magic 8 ball and here is what it says: things are looking up.