Austin Hudspeth

Know your target market on a hyperlocal level. In Bellingham each neighborhood, and even street, is nuanced. Work with someone who can prepare you to make the strongest offer possible, while still digging to find the leverage you need to negotiate based on: days on market, location, seller needs & motivations, etc. A real estate broker and advocate doesn't just share advice, they take on the due diligence beside you and leverage it to get you into the right home at the right price.

You've probably spent years of time, energy and memories in your home – my advice is to set that all aside for a moment and walk through your town, your neighborhood and your home like a home buyer. What do they care about? What are their objections and fears? What barriers to entry can we remove so when they walk through your home they think, "Wow, this is the one." Forecast the needs of your target audience, and appeal to them. Whether that's paint, landscaping, quotes for the two new windows that had broken seals – this will show buyers that you are conscientious, you have them in mind, and that you've taken their questions and needs into account and have folded that into your asking price. Work with a broker who understands return on investment and can educate you on the top places to spend that will exponentially impact your profit upon close.

First-time homebuyers, down-sizers, up-sizers, those relocating across town and those relocating from out of state, those that wanted quiet waterfront and those who wanted downtown condos; every client is different and even if their needs are similar, their style and preferences are unique.

Real estate transactions often happen during major life events: marriages, births, graduations, divorces, deaths, etc. Taking on much of the legwork, mental, emotional and contractual challenges of buying and selling is a place I find meaning. Beyond that, Bellingham is an expensive market when you compare home price to the median income. The work I take the most pride in often has to do with placing essential workers in our city in homes that they can afford. Whenever I'm able to negotiate prices down, or attain seller credits for buyers in this situation, I feel thankful to have a job that advocates.

Before real estate, I spent a decade as an Enterprise Account Executive negotiating enterprise agreements at mid-to-late stage tech startups. While this work was fulfilling from a strategic and financial standpoint, it felt empty to be sitting in front of a screen working with coworkers and clients all over the world, while living in the middle of the most vibrant community of Bellingham, WA. Eventually my desire to fully root in this community that I love took over and I made it my career to invest my energy and skillset where live.

My background in sales, marketing and tech is a huge asset to any seller who will benefit from my knowledge of the algorithms used by major sites that promote their properties. That same background of high-stakes negotiation also benefits buyers in my deep understanding of leverage - how to find it and how to use it - to land that right home.