PROFESSIONAL PROFILE
Heather Lavin
heatherlavin.withwre.com
Meet Heather Lavin
Heather Lavin | Windermere Real Estate
I am a Seattle native and for 24 years I have been homeowner in the Montlake/North Capitol Hill neighborhood. I've also enjoyed living in Madrona, Kirkland & Queen Anne along the way. I became a realtor in 2003 and immediately put my previous 15+ years of marketing, negotiation and business management experience to work for my clients. I became an Accredited Staging Professional and a Certified Negotiations Expert after getting my realtor license. I am intimately familiar with our neighborhoods and the charm and character of the homes and landscape of Seattle. My emphasis is on single family homes representing both sellers and buyers. From the critical first step of pricing a property at true market value through the closing my clients know I put their best interests above my own.
Listing your Home
When you list your home you set the price. But it really is the market that determines the value of your home. After touring your home I will spend many hours developing a market analysis/price recommendation. Pricing is more than just averages or data points you can find on tax records. A whole myriad of factors influence how much your home is worth and I consider all of these when I am providing you with a price range recommendation. These factors include neighborhood, location on street, current economic factors, recent media coverage, current inventory, recent comparable sales, curb appeal, architectural style, showing condition, condition of immediate neighbors, size, layout, schools....
About 80% of all the traffic and exposure your house receives is in the first two or three weeks it is on the market. It is critical to go on the market with the right price and appeal to buyers with professional targeted marketing. Each house is unique and each house will have a buyer. I was in marketing for over 15 years prior to becoming a realtor in 2003. My goal is to develop an integrated marketing plan that exposes the very best features of your home to the greatest number of qualified buyers. First impressions are critical. Although each home will receive a customized marketing plan I always include a complimentary staging consultation, a checklist of needed repairs (and the referrals to get them done) and I always pay for professional photography. I am an "Accredited Staging Professional" and I know a well-staged house directly affects your bottom line. Your home will also receive exposure through print and online ads and internet placement, yard signs and professional 4-color brochures.
I will create opportunities to make your home accessible to buyers by holding Brokers Opens & Public Open Houses (unless you have an objection) and I may include my signature "Twillight Opens" when appropriate. Online photos have never been more important. I will jump in and do what it takes to bring your house on to the market looking the very best it can look. You and I will work together as a team with a common goal. We will continue to reevaluate based on the market and I will update you every step of the way.
Knowledge about the Market
I live here. I work here. You may even see me walking my Bernese Mt. Dog through your neighborhood. I am constantly touring, reading and studying the market. Even in our ever-changing real estate market you can depend on me to be knowledgable about the neighborhoods I work in: Montlake, Capitol Hill, Madrona, Mt. Baker, Washington Park, Denny Blaine, Laurelhurst, Queen Anne, Madison Park, Ravenna, Wallingford, West Seattle and a few neighborhoods east of Lake Washington. Whether you are buying or selling I will provide information on schools, commutes, recreation & shopping so you understand the neighborhood, its current real estate inventory, recent sales data and market trends. From the comprehensive pricing recommendation to closing you will receive first class service and attention every step of the way.
Fun along the Way
Looking for a home or selling your home is stressful by nature. My clients trust me and they know I am truly their advocate. Knowing I work for their best interests removes some of this pressure. Although I take my commitment very seriously I also know it is good to take some time to laugh and have a little fun along the way.
PROFESSIONAL EXCELLENCE
Five Star Professional conducts market-specific research throughout the U.S. to identify service professionals who demonstrate professional excellence and provide quality services to their clients. The Five Star Real Estate Agent program is the largest and most widely published award program for real estate agents in North America, covering more than 40 major markets. Five Star award winners do not pay a fee to be included in the research or on the final list of award winners.
The Five Star Professional research team contacted thousands of recent homebuyers, consumers and industry leaders to identify Seattle-area real estate agents who stand out in their industry and community.
To learn more about the research methodology, click here.
