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in North Idaho
First, Windermere's unique philosophy, programs and
services are designed to serve homebuyers and
sellers. We also offer training and resources to individuals considering a
career in real estate. Browse the categories below to discover what has made
Windermere the leading real estate company in the West. Sandpoint is a small
town that has relished its personal interaction and service with the community.
This is in keeping with Windermere's philosophy. Keep the offices small, become
an integral part of the community. While the company is growing, a small agency
can give the kind of time and personal service that Jed and Gary believe in.
Windermere Resort/Lifestyles specializes in investment properties, resort homes,
and the boutique market of elite homes in the North Idaho area. We have a full
inventory in all price ranges, but by being a company that has expertise in
selling and finding the very best homes, that translates into every one of our
clients, friends, and customers getting the kind of service that warrants the
very best.
Gary is tied into
the community in special ways. He has his radio shows, and owned Walker Donuts
and Wigley's Cafe. 200 to 300 people visited these establishments every day,
more than any other restaurants in town. He learned about the community in a
very personal way.
We have the
connections that can help you to turn a distressed property at a bargain price
to a diamond in the rough.
We are able
to put your house on the market in very special ways, with Internet savvy and
desktop publishing that brings cutting edge techniques and technology to the
real estate market.
We use GPS
to find the out-of-the-way properties that many could never find otherwise.
We research
the county records every week for buys that aren't necessarily on the MLS.
We often
find pre-foreclosure properties and willing sellers that must close soon.
We look for
the best buy.
This is a big one. A main business focus of the Inland Boys at Windermere
Resort/Lifestyles is to
service our investor(s) and investor groups. While those who are just starting
out, and those who are recovering from financial downturns want to save money,
investors make it an absolute requirement. We think that
the best price isn't always negotiated, it is discovered.
We have the
professionalism to
evaluate properties beyond the norm. Our company has the highest level of
experience in the area. Jed and Gary worked for a company that specialized in
evaluating homes for banks. Also, as
a builder and renovator of older homes, Gary has experience in this area that
makes him an ideal agent for his client.
We are honest. We will
tell you how much you really can sell your home for. We will guide you to
buying properties that will appreciate in value. We are not there to be yes men.
If we don't think we can help you with honesty, then we will gladly suggest
another agent. We want a good, honest, working relationship with our clients,
one that will continue for years and decades to come.
Here are
some more tips
What should you
do if you're stuck between two homes: one you can't sell and one you've
contracted to buy?
Sometimes this means putting
both properties on the market to see which sells first. Sometimes this means
cutting the price of the first property and taking your losses right away.
How can
homeowners sell their homes quickly?
Price it right and get it
"staged." Price them low, very close to the bottom line. When there's a lot of
inventory, price is essential. Of course, having the home in "show shape"—decluttered
and clean for any showings—is putting your best foot forward.
What does
staging involve?
If the home is vacant, we'll
bring furniture in. We hire stagers and offer that service to sellers. The
stager I work with charges less than $100 an hour and typically works for two to
four hours. Another rents furniture by the room for $350 a room.
What kinds of
repairs are worth making before selling?
The kitchen and the master bath
are the hot spots for buyers in today's market. The midrange fix-ups are ones
that are the most worthwhile. Don't go crazy and put in granite and high-end
appliances. Paint the cabinets, spruce them up with new hardware, replace the
lighting with up-to-date fixtures. Buy new carpeting.
Is it so bad if
a house sits on the market for a long time?
It has been said that the first
six weeks of a listing is the "hottest" time for a sale, and we want to make
sure it shows the best right away.
Where can
buyers go to make sure they are seeing everything in their price range?
Over 98 percent of what's
available can be viewed on
realtor.com, including listings from
discount brokers.
How should
potential buyers approach the market?
This is a great time for buyers
to get into the marketplace. Interest rates are low and there is wonderful
selection for buyers in all price ranges. But these conditions might not last.
Windermere: Humble Roots, Big Vision
“Windermere has always emphasized professionalism. Our associates are the
primary component to our success and growth. We’ve worked very hard over the
years to build our reputation as a company whose representatives are fair,
honest, knowledgeable and genuinely care about their communities.”
– Geoff Wood, Chief Executive Officer, Windermere Real Estate
When John Jacobi founded
Windermere Real Estate in 1972, he had a vision for the way real estate
should be handled: Anticipate and respond to the real estate needs of buyers
and sellers, and support the communities you serve. What he didn’t know is
that he would also significantly change the way real estate is practiced.
This began with the purchase of an eight-agent office in the Seattle
neighborhood of Windermere. The company has grown exponentially each year
since, setting the benchmark for the practice of real estate nationwide.
Windermere pioneered an aggressive commission structure, offers unique agent
benefits and was the first to have a searchable database of homes on its Web
site.
Because of these innovations and paradigm shifts, Windermere has grown to
become the leading real estate company in the West, building on its
commitments to professionalism, integrity and service to the communities of
which it is a part. The Windermere network now has more than 290 offices
serving communities in Arizona, British Columbia, California, Hawaii, Idaho,
Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington and Wyoming.
The Realty Alliance and REAL Trends, two leading industry organizations,
have recognized Windermere Real Estate as the top regional real estate firm
in the United States.
Hire the best people. Give
them the best tools. Create a professional approach.
This founding philosophy of
Windermere has been implemented through the introduction of new programs
that have set industry standards which have given agents the knowledge they
need to meet the needs of buyers and sellers.
The
Best People
Windermere’s sales force is the
company’s greatest asset. Windermere's associates include experts in all
areas of real estate. While residential real estate is the mainstay of its
business, Windermere also has offices and associates who specialize in new
construction, commercial real estate, relocation and property management. To
further facilitate the home buying process, Windermere has affiliated
resources in certain regions to provide mortgage, title and escrow services.
The Best Tools
Windermere's structure allows
offices to operate independently while retaining the benefits of being
associated with a respected brand–benefits such as advertising buying power,
agent benefits and powerful technology tools. At the same time, agents are
intimately familiar with their local communities, allowing them to provide
knowledgeable and high-caliber real estate services tailored to the client’s
needs.
As part of the Windermere network, agents may also take advantage of a
variety of programs and innovative services including technology, marketing
and education that they can put to work in their local market. These
innovative tools allow them to serve homebuyers and homesellers in a way
that is unique to Windermere.
Community Commitment
Supporting the communities
Windermere serves has been a core element of the company’s formation and
growth. As a company born and raised in the Puget Sound region of Washington
state, Windermere sponsors the annual Windermere Cup Regatta, which is a
premier rowing regatta featuring teams from around the globe. Windermere
also sponsors similar community events in other regions, including the
Windermere Collegiate Crew Classic in partnership with Stanford University.
Windermere Foundation: Since finding homes for people is Windermere’s
business, fighting homelessness is a natural fit for the Windermere
Foundation. Through the creation of the Windermere Foundation in 1989,
Windermere provides housing and services for homeless and low-income
families throughout the West by funding nonprofit organizations dedicated to
the same cause. Every time an agent completes a transaction, a donation is
made to the Foundation, and Windermere agents and employees also contribute
to the fund individually.
Community Service Day: Windermere's 8,000 agents in its offices
around the West spend one day each year away from the office to participate
in the annual Windermere Community Service Day. The agents decide on a
community-based project, and provide hands-on assistance for the day.
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