Giving Something of Value!

Hey there, folks!

It's been quite the journey—24 incredible years in the real estate biz, to be exact! Along the way, I've met some amazing people, shared in their dreams, and helped them find their perfect nooks in this beautiful corner of the world. It's been my joy to not only meet, but exceed expectations, making friends who come back for seconds and bring their buddies along, too. It has truley been an honor for us.

Recently, I opened a book that's been buzzing in my ears, "The Go-Giver," and boy, does it resonate! It kicks off with something called The First Law Of Value, which says, "Your true worth is determined by how much more you give in value, than you take in payment". I've been mulling over what truly defines the value we bring to the table as a real estate agent. This question turned from a musing into a real-world scenario just the other day when my phone rang at 7:30 pm.

On the other end was a lady inquiring about property management services.She had found us on Google. I explained that we were steering our focus towards expanding our real estate sales business and were moving away from the property management side of things. She sounded a bit disheartened, so I jumped in to listen to her problem and lend a hand.

She mentioned she was looking to rent out a property in Bonney Lake, which piqued my interest—I know the area like the back of my hand, as we manage a few properties there ourselves. I offered some insights into the local rental market and tips on securing a reliable tenant. Curious, I asked if she was relocating—turns out, she had landed a job in Port Angeles.

Our conversation turned into a deep-dive that lasted a good half hour, punctuated by a series of questions that eventually led to one simple, but profound one: Why would she rent out an $800,000 home to buy another in Sequim? Her answer was heartfelt—she wanted to ensure her son’s financial future with a solid inheritance. She still owed money on the home, but would pay that and the new house's mortgage with her current pay. Her current mortgage was $2600/month. She was going to use some of her savings for the down payment.

After chatting for a bit longer, I felt compelled to offer a proposition... 

“Let me do some research”, I said, “and run some numbers. I have an idea for you, but I am not sure it will work. Are you willing to give me a few days and I will get back to you with what I find out?” She said, “absolutely YES!”

A couple of days later, I followed up and said, “I have an idea, one that both my husband and I were surprised would work in this market. We'll have to verify with our loan expert first, but here's the game plan: Sell your current place for $800,000—with that sale, you could acquire not one, but two homes in Port Angeles, closer to where your life and work are centered now.This way you wouldn't need to pay a property manager in Bonney Lake and you wouldn't have to take saving out to pay for your down payment for the new house. By reinvesting the proceeds, you’ll be able to make substantial down payments on both, and the cherry on top? Your new total monthly payments will be $200 less per month than what you pay for your Bonney Lake residence (after factoring in $2500/month rental income for one of the houses—Even with current interest rates!”

She was floored by the suggestion. And I added another cherry on top: This move could set her sons up for the future, giving them one house each to inherit. They'd have the freedom to decide, without pressure, whether to keep or sell. Plus, she'd be building equity in two properties simultaneously. She adored the idea. So, we're gearing up to sell her current house and scout out two more—a new home for her and a rental, setting a solid foundation for her family's future.

This scenario really drove home the point that the value we offer is tailored to each client’s individual needs. It’s a dance we're constantly perfecting, and when we find that client that who isn't afraid to make jump, the results can be extraordinary. This is where our knack for creative solutions and experience in different real estate arena's helps us to exceed what our clients envision. We are thrilled that we can help our client's work on generational wealth. After all, it goes back to the book I am reading. Give more in value then you take in payment. 

This is precisely why our client's rely on us in these times. To unearth those hidden opportunities.

On to the next lesson in "The Go-Giver" for more insights into delivering unmatched value! 

--Susie