Jeanne Garner and 2029 NE 97th Seattle
2029 NE 97th is an interesting example of why it helps to go look at houses. From the outside you think this is run of the mill. Once you get past the entry you know some one was really paying attention to detail. The pictures, even online, are decieving. Even with a video it would be hard to capture the effect of the home. It’s what every one talks about wanting, done extremely well.
Actually this post is about how, in my opinion, buyers need guidance of an experienced agent. Let’s leave the discussion about commissions for another time and just concentrate on what I saw, as opposed to what a typical buyer would never know.
First was the structure. It was all reworked, reinforced, and over done. Next was the use of the basement space for storage. Effectively you can put four cars, two tandem, and two side by side with room for a shop. The house has a heat pump to compliment the electric heat. The kitchen, living, and dining room flow together then spill out the back southern exposure patio with hot tub. OK, that went a little over the top, but the idea is the same, the house has been well cared for.
Now I have driven by the house, and never stopped. Jeanne has had it open every week end that it’s been listed, so today, Saturday, while her signs were out I thought I’d just have a look. It just went to prove again that you never know by looking at the front of the house how it will be.
Some times when I read new paint, carpet, or hardwoods, I get suspicious. In this home all of the updating was just how the home was cared for over the years. The owner collects classic cars and has a talent for paying attention to details. The reason jeanne has had it open so much is because, like with me today, there is no best way to describe the condition. It has to be seen. It’s an experience of it’s own.
When you hire an agent you are paying some one to know the difference between cared for, and prepared for sale. As much as I try to write it’s still best to rely on years, decades, of home shopping experience.