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Christine Estes
Managing Broker
Realtor©
Cell 206.910.7926
FAX 206.760.9379
Phil Auberg
Broker
Realtor©
Cell 206.755.3294
FAX 425.821.9483
Bob Ferguson, ASP
Licensed Assistant
Realtor©
206.799.0997
Windermere Real Estate / Northeast, Inc.
11411 NE 124th Street
Suite 110
Kirkland, WA 98034
Office 425.820.5151
FAX 425.821.9483
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About Christine Estes
When I started my real estate business in 2002, it may surprise you to know that it wasn't just because I like houses. Yes, of course, I enjoy seeing a model home as much as the next person, but it wasn't that love of houses and design that beckoned me. I was after a business - a business where the relationships that I build with my clients are the fuel, rather than the individual transactions. Listening to you, helping you to determine what your options are and what will best meet your needs - that's where my enjoyment comes from. And the fact that, to serve you, I get to work with interesting homes, designs, colors and architecture is the bonus.
I came to understand very early that I wanted to be sure that my time was well focused - not on trying to find just anyone to serve, but in serving the people in my life, and the people that they know. By building a business based on referral, I'm not spending my time, attention and dollars on passive activities like Open Houses and advertising (you won't see my picture on a grocery store cart!) and other traditional ways to 'find' clients. Rather, I continually work to find ways to surprise and serve my "A" list - those people whom I have served, are currently serving, and /or who have referred me. They know that I'm never too busy to serve their referrals, to ensure that the people in their life get the same exceptional service that they do.
- Enhanced Customer Service
- So what kind of service would you expect from a real estate professional, beyond the traditional role of buying a home or selling a property? And why have I chosen to secure the credentials of a Managing Broker? In order to serve you to the best of my ability, I am committed to consistently upgrading and enhancing my expertise. In 2009, that meant taking the time and making the financial investment to become a Managing Broker. While I am not managing my own brick and mortar office, although now that is an option, I am delighted to have added this additional level of knowledge to my skill set.
Add that to the philosophy of service that I have had since starting in this profession in 2002. Of primary importance to everyday life are the reliable connections to service providers - people need windows, gutters and carpets cleaned; plumbing, garage doors and roofs repaired; furniture refinished, homes refinanced, window coverings added or replaced, interior design assistance, a financial advisor, comprehensive insurance coverage (the list is endless!) far more often than they need or want to sell a property or buy a home. My business offers access to those connections all the time, and this same information is available to everyone who asks. Periodically, my A list - and others who have asked to be part of this group that I serve, all are welcome! - also gets interesting information - perhaps about credit scores, the tax benefits of home ownership, or remodeling, but also vacations, managing energy, goal writing... And since mid-2007, we have been tracking local market statistics that go back to early 2002.
Recommendations to reliable vendors. Helpful information. Statistics and trends. The people in my life know that I am always trying to find new ways to add value. Check out the "newsletter" portion on this website to see some examples of the information I like to convey.
You may have noticed the "group" in my logo: we are Group Estes Services and that is a conscious choice. This isn't marketing hype - there really is a group here to serve you and I am consistently adding resources to continue to serve your needs. I cannot deliver the level of service that I am committed to alone, so there are several components to the "group."
I believe it is important to deliver value to you beyond my personal expertise and training. So, early on in my business, I started cultivating a group of service providers that I can brainstorm with about service, and to share ideas about doing business consistently by referral. This allows me to tap into their referral networks in order to serve you best, whatever your needs. It really is true - people who deliver quality attract other people who deliver quality, and nice people attract nice people. How better to keep adding to the connections that I can offer to you? And although I've heard some superb success stories about vendors found on Craig's List (my highly trusted north-end contractor is one of them!), I have heard many other disastrous ones. Everyone that I refer has either performed work for me or has been recommended to me by a client, a trusted realtor, or a trusted vendor. We can - and do - improve your odds for satisfaction!
Additionally, when you are working with me to buy a home or sell a property, I have lending, escrow, and title organizations that I've worked with many times ready to serve you. When it is possible and practical, I will always encourage you to use these organizations as they provide the highest level of professionalism and client support. I have worked with many other lenders, escrow companies and title companies - there is no comparison to the level of service and accountability that the teams who consistently serve me and my clients offer. But, of course, the final decision on who to work with for your financial, escrow and title needs when buying a home or selling a property is yours.
I realized quickly that to deliver consistently excellent service, given that my focus is on face-to-face time with the people I serve, I must have someone readily accessible by phone and email during weekday business hours. So, in 2004, I added a full-time assistant to my resources. Although much of what he does is in the background, Bob Ferguson's job is to ensure that you receive the timely responses that you need and deserve. Bob not only offers a time enhancement component to the business, but he is another set of eyes and another level of accountability that you can depend on. The two of us as a team are committed to meeting your needs and exceeding your expectations of communication.
I am also very excited that Phil Auberg is part of Group Estes. Not as an 'instead of Chris, you get Phil - or Bob for that matter,' but as a powerful addition that allows us to maximize the level of service that all of our clients receive. The depth that Phil and Bob provide enables us to share best practices so that we each - and all of you - benefit from the experience we bring to the table.
- Personal Credibility
- Having personally bought and sold several homes on both coasts, I know how easy it can be if the right team is working for you, and how stressful it can be if things go sideways. And I can tell you from experience that when things do go sideways - and you might be surprised how often something does - you don't just want an average team serving you and your interests. When the going gets tough, average - average communication, average expertise, average listening and negotiating, average creativity - just isn't good enough. My job - and my passion - is to make whatever challenges that present themselves as transparent as possible to you by delivering exceptional service and creativity.
- Community Service
- In recognition that we all grow ourselves when we reach out to give to others, I have also expanded my experience by serving on the Board of a local non-profit - the Seattle Women's Business Exchange (WBE). WBE is an educational non-profit organization focused on combining spirit, leadership and a deep sense of community to create greater success. While I enjoyed attending the monthly breakfasts and volunteering consistently for several years, my involvement has increased substantially. In 2007, I was recognized as the Networker of the Year, an acknowledgement of the connections that I strive to bring to and share with everyone in my life. And in both 2008 and 2009, I have served on the Executive Board as one of two Vice Presidents.
Find our more about WBE at www.wbex.org.
- Whether you're Buying or Selling
- Buying a home or selling a property is frequently an emotional experience, introducing change and complexity, and requiring lots of timely decisions. I believe that the last thing anyone in the midst of these decisions wants to feel like is a 'transaction.' We each deserve to be heard, to be advised of our rights as a buyer or seller, to receive consistent communication and follow-through - in short, to be served so that the results that we want and need are achieved.
I have built a business that is not based on exchanging keys - it goes way beyond that. My business is about serving you and the people in your life, whether locally or beyond. Because of the nationwide coaching company that serves me and the best of my peers, I really do have access to this same kind of information and service for you almost anywhere in the country.
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Check out my Newsletters.
I support the Windermere Foundation
Other web sites that show my listings:
| A sample of what my clients have to say...
I asked & I received! Excellent outcome!
Kathryn L.
Buyer
We are so truly blessed to have been introduced to Chris! She was so professional and caring, and worked so hard to get the job done. We could not have asked for a more wonderful person. She is such a hard worker and so sincere to your needs!
Bryce & Jennifer T.
Buyer
Chris has wonderful professional connections who made my process infinitely easier. She has business savvy and marketing expertise combined with a warmth and confidence in the process that relaxed me and supported me. I can not say enough for her. Her efforts with me were priceless!!
Diane S.
Seller
These are just some of the comments -- see more of them!
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