Home Inspection Webinar Series

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This three part series of the Home Buyer Webinar hosted by Phil Sharp Homes has been increasingly popular and requested by first time home buyers to the experienced home buyer. It is also a useful tool to home sellers for a better understanding of potential buyers.

In this series you will get information on why it's important to use a Real Estate Agent and the Home Buying Process by Phil Sharp, VA Financing and Lending Process presented by Jan Ward of Ward Lending, and the Home Inspection Process by Dwayne Boggs of Boggs Inspection.

If you have further questions after viewing the pre-recorded seminars, feel free to contact Phil, Jan or Dwayne for more information.

Phil Sharp - 360-970-9977  or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Jan Ward - 360-709-9000 ext. 109, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit www.WardLendingGroup.com

Dwayne Boggs - 360-480-9604, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit www.BoggsInspect.com

Professional Services of PSH

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Personal Professional Services Provided to Home Buyers

To save your time, minimize your stress, provide maximum security and help assure you get the best home for your money; I will perform the following services for you, the home buyer:

1. Provide a complete explanation of the home buying process.

2. Provide thorough knowledge of the current and emerging real estate market conditions.

3. Assist you in selecting the best home for you, for your money.

4. Write your purchase agreement to correctly and clearly express your intentions and represent your interests.

5. Submit your purchase agreement in a manner that will present you in the most favorable position.

6. Review all offers in detail and provide negotiation representation of your interests.

7. Provide assistance in obtaining the best possible financing of your next home.

8. Coordinate the closing of your purchase with other REALTORS®, lenders, inspectors, appraisers, attorneys, escrow officers, and title insurance companies.

9. Provide on-going personal communication to keep you informed on the step by-step progress of the purchase of your home.

10. Provide post-sale follow-up to assure your total satisfaction.

It may matter more who personally represents your interests when buying a home than which home you may attempt to purchase. If you try to buy the right home through the wrong agent, you may not get the home you want to you may have an unsatisfactory home buying experience.  You can’t get these personal services from me unless I am the agent you select to represent your interest in the purchase of your home.

Home Buyer Webinar Series Video

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This three part series of the Home Buyer Webinar hosted by Phil Sharp Homes has been increasingly popular and requested by first time home buyers to the experienced home buyer. It is also a useful tool to home sellers for a better understanding of potential buyers.

In this series you will get information on why it's important to use a Real Estate Agent and the Home Buying Process by Phil Sharp, VA Financing and Lending Process presented by Jan Ward of Ward Lending, and the Home Inspection Process by Dwayne Boggs of Boggs Inspection.

If you have further questions after viewing the pre-recorded seminars, feel free to contact Phil, Jan or Dwayne for more information.

Phil Sharp - 360-970-9977  or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Jan Ward - 360-709-9000 ext. 109, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit www.WardLendingGroup.com

Dwayne Boggs - 360-480-9604, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  or visit www.BoggsInspect.com

10 Home Buying Tips

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Home Buying Tips: Prevent Costly Mistakes.

You’ve changed your mind, but it’s too late now that you’ve bought your home. A little work upfront can save you from making costly mistakes. Each home buying experience is different, but here are a few things to get you thinking on the right track. Your agent can help you with details specific to your situation.

Tip #1: Get professional advice before signing any contract. Can you finance the home, is the property a good deal, does the contract fulfill your needs; these questions are best answered with the help of the professionals to ensure your happy with your purchase.

Tip#2 Get pre-qualified for a mortgage loan before you start looking to buy a home. Your lender will need you to answer questions like: Do you have a reliable source of income? What’s your credit history? Do have money for a down payment? There are several other questions and information that your lender will need to help you with pre-qualification, check out our Mortgage Dept. section for more specific information on this step.

Tip #3 Make a wish list before you start your home search. Prioritize your criteria for your ideal home, and be prepared to compromise. Look for homes that closely meet your criteria, but don’t have so much detail that you are eliminating every house on the market. Many times, less priority items on your list can be changed easily and inexpensively to make your home more suitable after you move in.

Tip #4 Search the MLS, get an idea of the area’s that are of interest to you. Get an idea of what properties are worth in the areas that interest you, checking recent sales statistics will help you find the values of homes in your area of interest.

Tip #5 Consider visiting open houses and ask a lot of questions. There’s more to a home than what is on the inside, compare houses, look at the neighborhoods, how is the access to community facilities (shopping, transportation, schools, etc.) and check-out potential neighbors, check for things outside of the home that will affect the value of the property as well as the inside.

Tip #6 Check to make sure the home is structurally sound; is anything unusual or seem out-of-place? Check the actual land or lot that it sits on for any potential problem areas, are boundaries and fences where they should be, are there any repairs that are apparent to you, is the roof sound, is the foundation sinking, is the home energy efficient? If there are unusual features to the house, consider those if you sell in the future, would those features appeal to potential buyers in the future?

Again, consult a professional on the structural conditions of the home and property. If you were not seeing any major problems and have got to the point of consideration for making an offer, a home appraiser can find any problems that you can’t see before committing to buy. Read more about the importance of a home inspector in this same section. Most people don’t have the money to take a lot of risk; the inspector will reduce the risk or prevent you from getting over your head with repairs in the future.

Tip #7 When looking for a home, consider the opportunities that will allow you to increase the value of the property, for example, adding storage, redecorating, landscaping, subdividing, adding rooms. Some upgrading can be fun and range in cost, but make sure the updates and opportunities for increased value are in your means to accomplish.

Tip #8 Be organized, take pictures and keep checklists or information about houses that interested you for future consideration. Gather as much home buying information as you can and don’t hesitate to take a second look at an attractive property. Remember, if it’s attractive to you it is likely to be attractive to many other buyers and you don’t want to miss out.

Tip #9 Insurance and Taxes: Don’t forget to check the property tax liability of interested homes; this will be a factor in your mortgage payment. Homeowners insurance is required at closing, so make arrangements ahead of time so that you’re prepared to close on-time. Your agent and lender can remind or help you with this type of information, but that is why it’s important to involve them early in your home buying process.

Tip #10 Get involved in the process! Understand the roles and duties in the home buying process, including your own. Your lender and agent are there to help you with your best interest in mind. When it comes time to make an offer, you and your agent will have a good idea of the details of the property you’re interested in and ensuring all parties, including the seller’s agents and people, are on track with your purchase.

Current Foreclosure Listings

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Get the most current foreclosure listings today.

Fill out the short form below, and our automated system will generate instant links to the most current foreclosure listing available. Our system pulls directly from the MLS Database of all the foreclosure listings currently available on the market. Don't worry, the links are updated so you can check back for new listings.

If you are considering a move to the Joint Base Lewis-McChord area, get a FREE relocation packet sent to you in the mail. Include your address below and we'll get it in the mail right away.

If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact Phil at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 360-970-9977.

If you prefer not talking to an agent right now, you can talk to our Independent Relocation Sponsor, Gina. Contact Gina at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 360-970-6913.

 ***Your information is never sold or shared. Phil Sharp Homes observes a strict privacy policy.

Wants And Needs Worksheet

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Phil Sharp Homes

Wants and Needs Worksheet

This is your chance to put your ideas and wishes down on paper. It may sound easy, but what you want and what you need can sometimes be confusing. Remember you will have to rank each item in order of importance because there’s a good possibility compromises will need to be made. This will be a good way to see what is most important for your family in the new home.

Wants                                                                                                          Needs

Examples: Colors, pool, wood floors, brands                                               Examples: # Bedrooms to accommodate,

of appliances, skylights, pretty view                                                            adequate # bathrooms, storage needs

Realtor.com Featured Listings

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When you’re looking online for real estate, where do you go?  Did you know that more home buyers and sellers go to REALTOR.com® than any other real estate site? As a real estate professional, I am committed to leveraging recent trends in online consumer behavior to help my clients’ homes sell for more. So even if you are not looking to sell your home soon, I am committed to helping increase the value of your home by helping increase the value of other homes in your neighborhood that I sell.

One of the key ways I work to help increase home values is by expertly marketing them online to reach a large targeted audience of interested buyers for your home. I provide home buyers with what they want most online… multiple photos and detailed property descriptions. All my clients benefit from these enhancements on the #1 real estate site, REALTOR.com®1. Listings on REALTOR.com® with six photos are viewed 299% more often, on average.

These powerful enhancements allow your property to stand out to 6.6 million individuals each month who, on average, spend 82% of the time they search for a home online on REALTOR.com®. Additionally, your home will receive the same high impact placement on popular Web portals, such as AOL® and MSN®. Because these powerful enhancements allow me to give buyers what they want most, on the most popular real estate sites, all of the clients I serve benefit.  When you do decide to sell your home, you’ll want your home to stand out as prominently as possible. To learn more about my commitment to real estate marketing and how I employ REALTOR.com® to reach more buyers for your home call me at 360-970-9977 or if you like, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . I’d be delighted to meet with you in person to demonstrate how I am able to create greater potential demand and, thus, possibly sell your home for more.

Buying Real Estate

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Buying Thurston County Real Estate

The internet is the logical place to start your search for a new home. Real estate web sites, this one included, offer access to the Multiple Listing Service, information about the market, and all other aspects of the home buying process. The similiarities in real estate web sites do not carry over to the agents that own them. I write my own website content, and hope that in doing so I am able to demonstrate my knowledge and experience in order to win your business. Many realtors' web sites carry "template" content; boiler plate that costs them $49 per month is intended to mislead you into thinking that they are "experts". Ask your expert to "prove it", if he or she can’t, move on.

I find that more and more clients don’t really want me to find them a home; they find the home, or a list of homes, through my site. We then work together to select the best home on the list, make and negotiate an offer, secure financing and see the transaction through to closing. My point is that anyone can drive you around town to look at homes (and most won’t get lost); you want to hire a realtor who knows the business, the market, and is able to steer you clear of trouble. The neighbors’ cousin may be a wonderful person, but when I hear about people hiring a realtor because of familial status, I can’t help but wonder how they got hooked up with their family doctor, banker etc. A real estate transaction can involve more money than most of us will ever hold in our hands, hiring a professional to represent you is good insurance. Better yet; the services of a buyers agent are normally free, mine are.

More than ninety percent of home buyers start their home search on the web, and ultimately find a realtor to represent them the same way. As you visit this and my other local web sites, each geared to a specific area or market, I am sure that you will find information and resources that are useful…If you don’t find what you are looking for, please contact me and I promise to assist, no strings attached. Even if you don’t want to use a realtor, you can still call or email, and I may learn something as well. If in the future you decide that you need the services of a realtor, I only hope that you will think of the nice guy with the free advice….

Contact Phil today to find your next home, or use our quick and easy registration page and search the MLS.

Get Started Get Organized

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You have started your home search; either looking for a new home, or looking for market information in order to make a decision about buying.  Even if you just started yesterday, you know that there is an overwhelming amount of information out there, and a million gimmicks to get your attention.  If I may make one recommendation, it would be to find a website with the resources you need, in a format you like, and stick with it.  There are thousands of real estate websites, all offering essentially the same thing; your best bet is to find one that works well (really, all link to the MLS and contain the same listings) and avoid losing yourself in the maze that is real estate on the web.

In the paragraph above I make the assumption that you will search for a home on the internet.  You will find that my levels of service, and my business, are state of the art.  I am convinced that the internet will (if it has not already) become the hub for the real estate business in the 21st century.  In light of this, my business is built around using the web as the primary tool in marketing the homes that I sell; and in providing the services that you, my customers, need to find the perfect home, understand the market place, and get the best deal possible.

I offer my services to Home buyers and Sellers in the Olympia, Lacey, and Yelm areas.  Although I have not really specialized in any one area, I work a great deal with Soldiers and Airmen serving at Fort Lewis and McChord AFB, others relocating to the area, and investors.  Having retired from the Army myself, and having been an investor in Thurston County real estate for over 10 years, I am uniquely qualified to serve both groups.

If you hire me to represent you know that I only make a living if you are happy with the service received.  My record shows that I am skilled at what I do, that I am a skilled negotiator, and that I have many satisfied clients.  Providing buyer representation to you means more than driving around looking at houses; I do that, but in the changing real estate industry, as is true with life in general now-a-days, what you need is a subject matter expert able to deal with the technology, bureaucracy, and pitfalls of a modern business transaction.  Most buyers don’t need or want me to drive them around looking at dozens of homes, many identify the home they want or at least a short list…..my work really begins after you find your new home, and need me to close the deal.

Buyers Services Available Here:

• MLS search in just about any format you can imagine; detailed information, Street map and neighborhood searches, and even search on satellite photos. • Email listing alerts; 24/7 emails alert you to new listings that match your needs as soon as they are entered into the MLS, you will see new listings before the majority of realtors. • Comprehensive buyer educational information to include:  o The Offer/Negotiations o Inspections o Financing o Title and Escrow, how it works and what it costs o Closing o Owner builder information (I have built 5 homes, 4 in Yelm and one in Olympia in 2007)
• Unlimited MLS access at PhilSharpOnline.com (Ask for your login and   password if you have not received one) • Solicitation of unlisted sellers in your desired area • Email alerts of new listings that fit your needs • Internet Buyer advertising, reverse prospecting

Satisfied clients have made me successful, and the repeat business and referrals that I receive from them (and you) are truly appreciated.  I am a real estate professional, and as such I am available to answer your questions and provide any information that I can, even if you are not my client.  I sincerely hope, of course, that you will find that I can and will live up to your expectations and that if you do need an agent in the future you will think of me.

If you just started your home buying search or are in the process of buying a home, you know the importance of information and being organized. Our Buyers Toolbox is to help consolidate helpful and relevant information for buying a home and organizers to aid you in the process. If you don't see what you need, contact Phil at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or contact Gina our Relocation Sponsor, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , for additional information or with any questions that you might have.

Phil and his team are happy to assist with your home buying and relocation needs.

New Construction

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New Construction Homes

Presented by Phil Sharp Homes

Slip into the feel of a new home with value added new construction in the Joint Base Lewis-McChord area. Pierce and Thurston County real estate is the home to popular neighborhoods, great urban and city life all surrounded by the great outdoors. Find popular floor plans with bonus features and options. Special offers for Military Service Members along with quality and cost-effective construction. The dream of owning a new home isn't as hard as far away as you may think.

Get more information by calling Phil Sharp at 360-970-9977 for no obligation information.

Email Phil for More Information

Go Here to See the MLS Real Estate Listings for New Construction Homes in the JBLM Area

About Phil Sharp

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Phil Sharp

Phil Sharp is a top performing Real Estate Agent and investor in the Olympia and Fort Lewis Washington area.  As an agent with Abbey Real Estate Inc., Phil is on track to meet our goals for 2009 by mid June, having completed sales in excess of 5 million dollars during the winter and spring of 2009.  Phil and his wife Gayle also put their “money where their mouth is” as co-owner’s of Sharp and Sharp Holdings LLC, a family real estate investment company.  Phil’s role in the company is of course that of realtor, with abundant knowledge of real estate ownership issues, negotiation and finance in his back pocket.

“In 2004, after 24 years in the United States Army, I retired as the Ft. Lewis Garrison First Sergeant, responsible for the health, welfare and supervision of approximately 500 soldiers and civilians engaged in the day to day operation of the installation; to include Public Works, Schools, Housing, Airfield Operations, Installation Engineering and Training Ranges.  During my first years at Fort Lewis I was assigned as a First Sergeant in the 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division.  I was then assigned to a position on the Corps Staff, and upon being offered the job of First Sergeant at USAG, decided that it would be fun, and that working at the garrison level would be good experience prior to my retirement”.

Phil’s Real Estate business, Phil Sharp Homes is state of the art.  Relying heavily on the use of technology and the internet, Phil is able to meet his clients and customers needs efficiently and effectively and without wasting time, especially yours; as a realtor catering primarily to families that are making major relocations, sometimes from overseas, Phil has both the personal experience as a soldier, and the professional experience as a realtor, to be especially qualified at serving the needs of all of his clients.   Having served our country for almost a quarter century with integrity and commitment, Phil is the perfect choice for top notch service.

“I really enjoy having the opportunity to continue to work closely with military people.  The best part of this job is that a large percentage of my business is with Soldiers and Airmen, we can relate to each other and I have special insight into military life and lifestyle.  I have also made enough Change of Station moves to know how uncomfortable it is to be a transient; you want to get settled ASAP with minimal hassles.”

Phil initially started in real estate as an investor, and as a real estate agent working with other investors.  He built his reputation with investors thru his own success as a property owner, and by hosting real estate investing conferences and luncheons in Olympia.  Phil has published numerous articles and editorials on real estate ownership and investing in the Olympian Newspaper, and has been featured on KING5 (NBC Seattle), as an up and coming realtor in a unique market.

“I have been excited about real estate in Olympia for a long time.  I first visited here while with the Army in 1989, and I saw the potential in the real estate market then.  Olympia is situated directly in the path of growth in western Washington.  With Puget Sound to the west, mountains to the east, and Interstate 5 running thru town, Olympia is destined to continue its phenomenal growth based on geographic location, a steadily growing economy, and the fact that Olympia is the seat of the state government.  Add to this the outlook for a major continued presence to the north by the military and I see the makings of a fantastic real estate market for the long term.”

Phil’s reputation and track record in the local real estate industry, and his experience working with people throughout the local and military communities, set him apart from his peers in the real estate industry, and make him a unique choice for recognition as Featured Agent.

About Phil Sharp

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Phil Sharp of Phil Sharp Homes  

Phil Sharp is a top performing Real Estate Agent and investor in the Olympia and Fort Lewis Washington area.  As an agent with Abbey Real Estate Inc., Phil is on track to meet our goals for 2009 by mid June, having completed sales in excess of 5 million dollars during the winter and spring of 2009.  Phil and his wife Gayle also put their “money where their mouth is” as co-owner’s of Sharp and Sharp Holdings LLC, a family real estate investment company.  Phil’s role in the company is of course that of realtor, with abundant knowledge of real estate ownership issues, negotiation and finance in his back pocket.

“In 2004, after 24 years in the United States Army, I retired as the Ft. Lewis Garrison First Sergeant, responsible for the health, welfare and supervision of approximately 500 soldiers and civilians engaged in the day to day operation of the installation; to include Public Works, Schools, Housing, Airfield Operations, Installation Engineering and Training Ranges.  During my first years at Fort Lewis I was assigned as a First Sergeant in the 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division.  I was then assigned to a position on the Corps Staff, and upon being offered the job of First Sergeant at USAG, decided that it would be fun, and that working at the garrison level would be good experience prior to my retirement”.

Phil’s Real Estate business, Phil Sharp Homes of Abbey Real Estate is state of the art.  Relying heavily on the use of technology and the internet, Phil is able to meet his clients and customers needs efficiently and effectively and without wasting time, especially yours; as a realtor catering primarily to families that are making major relocations, sometimes from overseas, Phil has both the personal experience as a soldier, and the professional experience as a realtor, to be especially qualified at serving the needs of all of his clients.   Having served our country for almost a quarter century with integrity and commitment, Phil is the perfect choice for top notch service.

“I really enjoy having the opportunity to continue to work closely with military people.  The best part of this job is that a large percentage of my business is with Soldiers and Airmen, we can relate to each other and I have special insight into military life and lifestyle.  I have also made enough Change of Station moves to know how uncomfortable it is to be a transient; you want to get settled ASAP with minimal hassles.”

Phil initially started in real estate as an investor, and as a real estate agent working with other investors.  He built his reputation with investors thru his own success as a property owner, and by hosting real estate investing conferences and luncheons in Olympia.  Phil has published numerous articles and editorials on real estate ownership and investing in the Olympian Newspaper, and has been featured on KING5 (NBC Seattle), as an up and coming realtor in a unique market.

“I have been excited about real estate in Olympia for a long time.  I first visited here while with the Army in 1989, and I saw the potential in the real estate market then.  Olympia is situated directly in the path of growth in western Washington.  With Puget Sound to the west, mountains to the east, and Interstate 5 running thru town, Olympia is destined to continue its phenomenal growth based on geographic location, a steadily growing economy, and the fact that Olympia is the seat of the state government.  Add to this the outlook for a major continued presence to the north by the military and I see the makings of a fantastic real estate market for the long term.”

Phil’s reputation and track record in the local real estate industry, and his experience working with people throughout the local and military communities, set him apart from his peers in the real estate industry, and make him a unique choice for recognition as Featured Agent.

Why Use A Realtor?

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Why Use a REALTOR® When Buying a Home?

A real estate agent can help you understand everything you need to know about the home buying process. Not all real estate licensees are the same; only those who are members of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® are properly called REALTORS®. They proudly display the REALTOR " ®" trademark on their business cards and other marketing and sales literature.

REALTORS® are committed to treat all parties to a transaction honestly. REALTORS® subscribe to a strict Code of Ethics and are expected to maintain a higher level of knowledge of the process of buying and selling real estate. An independent survey reported that 84% of home buyers would use the same REALTOR® again. Real estate transactions involve one of the biggest financial investments of most people’s lifetime. Transactions today usually exceed $250,000. If you had a $250,000 income tax problem, would you attempt to deal with it without the help of a certified professional accountant? If you had a $250,000 legal question, would you deal with it without the help of an attorney? Considering the small upside cost and the large downside risk, it would be wise to work with a professional REALTOR® when you are buying a home.

If you're still not convinced of the value of a REALTOR®, here are more reasons to use one:

1. Your REALTOR® can help you determine your buying power - that is, your financial reserves plus your borrowing capacity. If you give a REALTOR® some basic information about your available savings, income and current debt, he or she can refer you to lenders best qualified to help you. Most lenders - banks and mortgage companies - offer limited choices. 2. Your REALTOR® has many resources to assist you in your home search. Sometimes the property you are seeking is available but not actively advertised in the market, and it will take some investigation by your agent to find all available properties. 3. Your REALTOR® can assist you in the selection process by providing objective information about each property. Agents who are REALTORS® have access to a variety of informational resources. REALTORS® can provide local community information on utilities, zoning, schools, etc. There are two things you'll want to know: First, will the property provide the environment I want for a home or investment? Second, will the property have resale value when I am ready to sell? 4. Your REALTOR® can help you with negotiations and inspections. There are many negotiating factors, including but not limited to price, financing, terms, date of possession and often the inclusion or exclusion of repairs and furnishings or appliances. The purchase agreement should allow time for you to complete appropriate inspections and investigations of the property before you are bound to complete the purchase. Your agent can advise you as to which investigations and inspections are recommended or required. 5. Your REALTOR® provides due diligence during the property evaluation. Depending on the area and property, this could include inspections for termites, dry rot, asbestos, faulty structure, roof condition, septic tank and well tests, just to name a few. Your REALTOR® can assist you in finding qualified responsible professionals to do most of these investigations and provide you with written reports. You will also want to see a preliminary report on the property title. Title indicates ownership of property and can be mired in confusing status of past owners or rights of access. The title to most properties will have some limitations; for example, easements (access rights) for utilities. Your REALTOR®, title search company or attorney can help you resolve issues that might cause problems at a later date. 6. Your REALTOR® can help you understand different financing options and identify qualified lenders. 7. Your REALTOR® can guide you through the closing process and make sure everything flows together smoothly.

Home Search Goes Mobile

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Phil Sharp Homes has an APP for that!

Introducing the PSHomes Search app for Android, available now in the Android Market. This app is FREE and only 4.18mb with the basic functions of "Call Phil Now" and "Search Homes."

The call Phil function will promt your phone to direct dial Phil for immediate help or if you have any questions. The Search Homes function will promt your phone browser to open the mobile formatted listings database to search Washington properties for sale.

<QR Code to Android Market, download the App for FREE!

The Mobile Search will help you...

• Find Listings
• Open Houses near your location
• Search the entire database for WA properties for sale
• Search up to a 20 mile radius from your specified address
• Save Favorites with easy Facebook, Google, Yahoo! or your current online account login. You can also create a new login.
• And More!

You can scroll 100 results at a time with no reloading. Easy input sliders help you focus your search on the features you want in the area you want. You are able to see photo's, share listings, get school info, see Google Map Views, and all the features of the home. Contact phil via phone or email contact form to answer your questions or get help on a listing. You can even search foreclosures!

The Phil Sharp Homes Search App is perfect for taking your home search on the road with you. The familiar interface and fast browsing results will make your home search easier and more fun.

IF YOU DON'T HAVE ANDROID, DON'T WORRY! Bookmark www.fortlewis.mobi on any portable device for the Phil Sharp Homes mobile search. If you have Google Chrome browser you can take the mobile search on test spin on your computer at www.fortlewis.mobi.

<QR Code to www.fortlewis.mobi, will work on iPhone, iPad, Blackberry or any portable device! Don't forget to bookmark.

Check out the APP!

Finding The Right Realtor

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Your Realtor Should Have Baggage - Article The Olympian Newspaper

Finding the right realtor is not just about calling the agent with the best looking website or advertising; it is about finding someone whose personality is compatible with yours, and someone who will help you buy, or market and sell your home in a manner that suits you.  Then you get to the nuts and bolts; when you hire a realtor, you are not just entering into a contract with him or her, you are engaging the services of that agents’ entire network.  If your agent gives a funny look when you ask about affiliations, you should look elsewhere.

An accomplished realtor should have a network of associates who can assist in all aspects of your transaction.  Starting with the Title company used by your agent to produce a title report (necessary to insure that there are not surprises at closing) to a contractor to repair items identified by the buyers inspector, your agent should have these people in a back pocket ready to resolve the inevitable issues that arise in the course of buying or selling a home.

You should expect, as a matter of routine, for your agent to bring up his or her network at your first meeting.  I have made it a practice to discuss the following with all clients, buying or selling:

• Title costs and procedures • Inspections/inspectors • Reputable lenders (things to consider when finding the right lender) • Contractors (plumbing, electric, landscape, paint, minor to major repair, etc.)

Your Realtor should also have the following “on tap” if needed:

• Land use planner/engineer (especially if you are looking to build) • Septic designers and well drillers • Architect or draftsman (many folks plan to add additions etc. after purchase, do you know if the people that issue the permits will?) • Wetland/environmental experts (for all of the reasons mentioned above) • Many others!!!

It never ceases to amaze me when I hear about people entering into contracts with no idea of the potential outcomes.  Just because you buy a vacant lot doesn’t mean that the local jurisdiction will allow you to build on it.  Nor does what the neighbor did have any bearing on your property.  The rules are changing so fast that what was OK six months ago might be impossible today.  If your network of experts is out of touch, it could hurt.

As realtors, we represent ourselves as experts in the field of real estate.  The term “real estate” is very broad, it includes not only our homes, but the roads that serve them, the water, the sewer, community impacts, and everything else we take for granted until it affects our purchase or sale.  No one person will have all of the answers; but you should insist that your expert know what questions need to be asked, and of whom.