Realtor that lives in Gig Harbor (Vashon: real estate, 2014, rental)

[kwoods49]

Hi:


We will be visiting Gig Harbor from February 27 to March 3 2014 This is the first of our exploring trips. We will be returning in May and then if we haven't found something will rent a place through VRBO and spend a couple weeks.

We like Gig Harbor and want to work with a Realtor that actually lives in Gig.

We are mid 60's and will be retiring so schools are of no concern. Prefer single level but are open to 2 story. Price limit $450,000.

Anyone Gig Residents that are Realtors we would love to hear from you.

Thanks

[Hemlock140]

Being so small (7,000) there may not be many realtors living there, and even less that are active on CD. I know there is a John L Scott Real Estate office there,
perhaps call them and ask for an agent that lives in town? The company is well respected in the NW.

[kwoods49]

Thank you for your reply. I never considered the fact that with only 7,000 residents perhaps my request was a bit unrealistic.

We take your suggesstion and call the John L Scott agency. We really want an agent that is familiar and active in the area, we would also be open to other places . We are on a limited time schedule this visit but will be back again in Spring.

Thanks,
Karen

[Sandy Nelson]

You may want to get in touch with Matt Thomson: gigharborinfo@gmail.com
He is a Gig Harbor broker with Keller Williams. He lives in Gig Harbor and has an informative community blog. I haven't heard from him in a while, so I hope he's still active.

[kwoods49]

Thank you very much. I will send him an e-mail.

[Username22]

I would like to politely suggest you don't tell any Realtor in the Gig Harbor area you have $450,000 to spend. I see on Zillow there are 132 houses between $300,000-$450,000, most sitting unsold for over a year. Unless you can live on Bainbridge or Vashon Island I think spending over $300,000 on a house anywhere in or near Gig Harbor is risky.

[kwoods49]

Thank you for that bit of information, Username 22.

[Sandy Nelson]

Originally Posted by Username22

I would like to politely suggest you don't tell any Realtor in the Gig Harbor area you have $450,000 to spend. I see on Zillow there are 132 houses between $300,000-$450,000, most sitting unsold for over a year. Unless you can live on Bainbridge or Vashon Island I think spending over $300,000 on a house anywhere in or near Gig Harbor is risky.

And I would suggest that you do tell "your" Realtor what your price limitations and expectations are along with all the details about what you're looking for in your new home. It's one thing not to share with the seller of a home you're interested in how much you're willing to pay, but you should be up-front with the professional who is representing your interests and is working on your behalf.

[kwoods49]

Sandy: You are correct. We have bought and sold many homes and do have a grasp on how to buy Real Estate. As I said that figure is our limit and we hope not to reach it.

Thanks everyone for the advise.


Karen

[StealthRabbit]

Originally Posted by Username22

I think spending over $300,000 on a house anywhere in or near Gig Harbor is risky.

I would tend to agree EXCEPT for view / water access and something marketable TOMORROW (which is all I buy anyway). note... only buy something you can sell for 110% MORE tomorrow, as it is not cheap to 'transact' RE in WA.

I would cap it at $200k, cuz everything I buy has to carry itself 100% on it's own as a rental if I have to leave (health, finances, caring for kids or parents... (I had to be a caregiver for 32 yrs for a parent that became disabled ... and I was very thankful for Harrison Hospital!!) and.. learned the risk of high dollar homes in elderly yrs... my parents lost everything AFTER age 65 (healthcare expenses took it.. ranch and all, even tho they were insured) (as did my in-laws / investment risk and cancer costs).

Besides... $200k could set you back $3000 / yr on Property taxes; a SUNK cost for retirees that comes out of your grocery budget. I spend $40/day on WA taxes, and $3/ day to eat... something is fishy.