Team Foster, Tere Foster & Moya Skillman
Team Foster is one of the highest-producing residential real estate teams in the nation based on sales volume, and was recently named to The Wall Street Journal REAL Trends The Thousand list as one of the top-ranked agent teams in the country. Tere and Moya have represented 5 of the top 6 sales in Northwest MLS history, and are highly regarded by their clients and peers for having a high level of integrity, in-depth market knowledge, and an incredible work ethic.
Luxury Trend for 2020: One of our favorite trends is bringing in natural elements for warmth and texture. Modern and sleek is still very in, but we are seeing wood tones and plants mixed in to add life to the space. Open, airy spaces are still desired by our luxury clients, but with a textured, earthy feel.
Buyer Tip: Be ready to move on an opportunity. Don't underestimate the speed of the high-end market simply because it is a higher price point. When a luxury property comes on that is in an A+ location, with an A+ floor plan and amenities, all the stars will align and it may sell before you have had time to decide, so act quickly.
Seller Tip: Trends may come and go, but the one rule of selling remains the same: Presentation, presentation, presentation. Properties need to be in tip-top shape. Homes should be staged to perfection. All maintenance issues addressed. And as clean as a whistle. In the Seattle market, presentation is everything.
Renee McGahan, The DwellSeeker
Caliber Real Estate
At home in Seattle by way of California and New York, Renee’s warmth and wit are evident from the word go. This coastal dynamic manifests in an unrivaled ability to schmooze, an inclination towards the F-bomb and hustle that would put JLo to shame. Ask around. Renee has the fastest thumbs in the PNW - making deals 24/7/365 via phone, text or carrier pigeon.
TOP LUXURY REAL ESTATE TREND FOR 2020: Whatever you want it to be, honey! It's 2020 - we live in an era where anything is possible...except for Elon Musk's bullet proof truck windows. Whoops! But seriously, our property-trend "think tank" is always coming up with the latest and greatest. And all that is needed is a magic wand - or a broker who works like she’s got one!
TIP FOR BUYER: Listen to your Broker. You've hired us for a reason. Yes, some of us (present company included) come with strong opinions and an innate ability to find you the right property. Bottom line, there's one of us for everyone. Match up your needs with the Broker you feel comfortable with, then trust 'em!
TIP FOR SELLER: First impressions are EVERYTHING! Think about it - on the DWELLSEEKER app, you’re first and foremost titillated by the picture. Appealing? You swipe right in the hopes that you've found that elusive match - true love! But if you don't like what you see? Swipe left, stat! Make sure as the seller, you are consistently putting your best foot forward so buyers swipe right - both literally and figuratively.
The One Real Estate Group, Travis Groome
Moving to the PNW just 4 years ago, as the founding partner of The One Real Estate Group, I am thrilled that our teams’s efforts and ambition have officially landed us as the #1 TOP SALES volume group of almost 300 brokers and teams for the KW Bellevue market for 2019. We are so proud to serve our clients from coast to coast and around the globe and are expanding our services in cities from New York to Texas and North Carolina and more to come! Every move should be THE ONE!
Top Luxury Real Estate Trend for 2020: The days of mega mansions and high maintenance properties have been forgone for the REAL luxury...time! Buyers and sellers are looking for homes that lend themselves to their lifestyles and their ability to enjoy experiences rather than holding them hostage to the burden of upkeep.
Tip for Buyer: Work with a professional that has YOUR best interests in mind, not their own. In the age of digital everything, you want integrity, expertise, and trust on your side, not ego!
Tip for Seller: Hire the RIGHT person, and then listen to their guidance. When you put your trust in us, let us put our unparalleled experience and expertise to work for you!
The Billington Team, Beth Billington
With 28 years of experience and over $1.3 Billion in sales, Beth is the top Broker in Bellevue and the #1 Broker at Coldwell Banker Bain. She prides herself on providing personalized, hands-on support and constant communication while navigating through the process of listing and selling homes. Beth employs a full-service approach to real estate, which includes a concierge service to help prepare clients’ homes for the market to ensure they achieve maximum results.
LUXURY TREND: Going green - not a new wave, but a growing one. As environmental concerns continue to rise, so does the demand for green options. Companies continue to develop new ways to conserve water, reduce waste and minimize energy use. The smart home network is expanding with the latest technology and plays a significant role in advancing green solutions, especially at the Luxury level.
TIP FOR BUYER: Location is key. You can always modify a house, but you can’t change the location. Determine your must-haves (school district, commute time, proximity to shopping and entertainment) and focus on neighborhoods within those bounds. As you view properties, keep an open mind and recognize that, with the right floor plan, any home can be renovated and enhanced to meet your needs. Working with a broker that is an expert in your desired neighborhoods is a huge benefit due to their knowledge, insight and negotiation skills.
TIP FOR SELLER: Buyers are very discerning. In order to be competitive, it’s important that your home be well presented. Taking the time to prepare your house and grounds will ensure maximum results. Professional staging presents a positive first impression. It showcases a home’s best features and helps buyers see themselves in the property. By adding appeal, you add value.
Mark von der Burg, VDB | Compass Team
Representing the most prominent estates in the Pacific NW for almost 30 years, Mark von der Burg is recognized both locally and nationally as an industry leading expert. He is a 5-star rated agent, consistently ranked amongst the top 5 Realtors in the Northwest. Well respected by his peers and honored to be the Sr. Founding Broker for Compass in Seattle, Mark has partnered with the largest independent brokerage in the country to elevate the home buying and selling experience. Mark and his VDB | Compass Team are established, service-driven professionals who have proven their ability to get the job done.
Top Luxury Real Estate Trend for 2020: We are expecting a fairly stable market for buyers and sellers in 2020. Our economy benefits from tech growth, with expansion and startups creating thousands of jobs in the region. This results in demand for housing and upward movement in pricing. However, the market could be adversely affected by an unstable world economy.
Tip for Buyer: Get ready to jump into action the first part of this year. We anticipate a surge of inventory in 2020 but it’s possibly not enough. Buyers will not have the luxury of time or endless choices, especially in the Seattle Metro, Bellevue, and Redmond marketplaces. If you find something to meet your needs, buy it!
Tip for Seller: The first part of the year is the best time to bring your home to market! While Seattle isn’t affected by winter weather as much as surrounding areas, the market is still seasonal. To achieve maximum exposure and generate the highest price, I recommend listing your home February through June.