Right out of the University of Washington with a business degree Steve Laevastu decided on getting a Real Estate license. He had an idea of treating his Real Estate license like a business. He set out, in his neighborhood, telling people that if they wanted to buy, or sell, a property he could help them. He followed up, kept a list, knew his neighbors, in a good way, and operated like he was in a business.
You find Steve working his Open Houses. He passes out the fliers, invites the neighbors, and keeps track of who comes by. He knows all the houses for sale, what sold, how much they sold for, and the particulars of the home. He keeps track.
For some reason Steve decided to share his neighborhood knowledge in a community bulletin. He publishes it about every three months for distribution door to door. On Halloween the bulletin comes with a pumpkin, and on the Fourth of July it comes with a flag. It’s been coming out now for about 15 years, give or take. He also shares a territory with Roger Turner, and Roger uses the same method of advertising.
Now here’s the best part. There are thousands of agents that have a little burst of energy, and you may have seen these things before. Steve has a consistency, with longevity. Steve has a business that is a valuable resource for his clients. In the world of Real Estate agents Steve is an unspoken master of his area. Every one knows that Steve’s listing is well priced, and in good condition. I have been in Real Estate sales meetings where they talk about the pumpkin guy. When some one says they are going up against the pumpkin guy, it’s pretty much a given that he’s the better agent.
I have a lot of examples, but the best is a client of mine, who I have known for years, chose Steve Laevastu, and I told them that was the best choice. It was 2008, the market had reversed, and a lot of properties were sitting on the market. My pricing to my clients was less than what Steve told them, by $30K on one, and $75K on the other. They were selling off rentals.
Steve came in, and gave them a list of tasks to do, which they did. He staged the places, by his design, at his expense. Then he did the Steve Laevastu magic of having a Brokers Open, working the neighborhood, having the Sunday Open, then talking to any one, and every one, who came by, in a really nice way. Steve does his job, like it’s a business, which for him it is.
Both properties sold and closed at list price when others were taking low ball offers. They sold within weeks of being listed. In my opinion that was the best testimonial any seller could want.
Steve Laevastu
Mailing Address
Windermere Real Estate / Oak Tree, Inc.
10004 Aurora Ave. North, Suite 10
Seattle, WA 98133
E-mail Address
Cellular Number
206-226-5300
Office Number
206-527-5250
Office Fax
206-527-3804
