Wallyhood welcomes its newest sponsors, Kris and Daniela, who specialize in residential real estate in Wallingford and other parts of North Seattle. Kris and Daniela are Kris Murphy and Daniela Dombrowski, who together, work out of the Keller Williams Real Estate office on the corner of 45th St. at Stone Way (above Walgreen’s). I had the chance to meet with them so they could tell me a little bit about their unique partnership and why it works:
What sets you apart from other real estate agents in Wallingford?
Nothing gimmicky. We’ve worked extremely hard to build the track record we have today, and pride ourselves in very high standards which are reflected in everything we do. When potential clients see our online or printed materials, or walk through our listings, they immediately see the difference in both detail and quality. We understand that leaving out small details can cost our clients a lot of money and we take that responsibility very seriously.
Also, most recently, we took the courses to receive our NAR “Green” designation. Green building is a housing trend that is here to stay and our clients greatly benefit from our knowledge of sustainable materials and energy efficient building methods. We’re also working with a local green builder, Green Canopy, to further these efforts. We’re currently featured as Energy Agents of the Month on their blog.
Wallingford and Green Lake is not only our professional focus but our personal lives revolve around this area. Kris has lived in Wallingford for over two decades and Daniela has been a Green Lake resident for over 10 years. We’re both raising our children here and therefore have first-hand experience with local schools and organizations.
We’re also closely involved with the local business community having been active members of the Wallingford Chamber of Commerce for 6 years and being charter members of Green Lake Chamber.
At least 50% of our business takes place in these two neighborhoods (for example, 18 sales in 2012), and while we achieve good results wherever we go, “home is where the heart is” and our love and passion for living here inspires and transpires to our work.
Last but not least, our office at Keller Williams Greater Seattle is located right in the heart of Wallingford.
Working with us is live, upfront and personal–not gleaned from online information which everybody has access to these days.
You’ve been together for six years now. What makes your partnership work?
We both pour our hearts and souls into what we do (sometimes to a fault!) and have a lot of fun working together. Despite the sometimes heavy workload, there’s a lot of laughter around every day. A shared vision and common goals both professionally and personally, similar work experience in the high tech industry, and dedication to high quality standards has been the unifying theme since the beginning. Open, direct communication and giving and receiving immediate feedback as well as holding each other accountable are other important factors that have helped us evolve over the years.
What do you both bring to the partnership that keeps it successful?
Very good question! Our 6-year partnership seems quite effortless and we feel extremely fortunate to have found each other. Our clients seem to enjoy our different yet complementary personality styles.
Kris being a Northwest native brings the local culture and her deep personal sphere to the partnership. She has a history of long friendships and relationships and has the ability to focus unwaveringly on projects. Once we decided to focus on the neighborhood, we stuck with our plan consistently for years, and are still at it.
Daniela brings the international flair and global perspective. She can relate well to many of our clients who are also “transplants” from other countries. She speaks a few different European languages, has worked in international business and is the big picture, creative, visionary of the team. However, without Kris’ down-to-earth, pragmatic approach the ‘visions’ would never see the light of day.
What advice do you have for folks looking to buy in Wallingford?
Buckle your seatbelts! The low level of housing inventory makes for a very competitive market for buyers. Most attractive homes receive multiple offers but it’s not always the highest price that wins. There are many other factors to make the winning bid and most of the time our buyers get the home they make an offer on when they are able and willing to follow our advice and guidance. Meet with us now so that we can get you best positioned to be the buyer who “gets” the house.
What about neighbors who are looking for a change?
Don’t wait! Take advantage of this seller’s market if you are looking for a change. Meet with us early so we can guide you step-by-step to get your home market-ready with the biggest bang for the buck and optimize your home’s presentation to receive the most $$$ the market is willing to pay. Hire an experienced agent who excels at pricing, presentation and promotion (especially online) and is an expert negotiator. Small factors in any of these areas can make tens of thousands of dollars difference in your final sales results so don’t take hiring an agent lightly.
Be sure to check out Kris and Daniella’s website: www.key2seattleRealEstate.com