Don Enos

Buying a home is one of the most exciting — and significant — decisions you’ll ever make. My best advice? Be prepared, be patient, and be strategic. 1. Start with your “why.” Understand what’s motivating your move — whether it’s more space, investment, or lifestyle change. This will help you stay focused when decisions get emotional. 2. Get pre-approved early. Before you fall in love with a home, talk with a trusted lender. A solid pre-approval strengthens your offer and helps you understand your true budget — not just what an online calculator says. 3. Work with the right agent. Partner with someone who knows the local market, has strong negotiation skills, and will advocate for your interests — not just close a sale. Local knowledge matters, especially in communities like Blaine and across Whatcom and Skagit Counties where every neighborhood has its own character. 4. Don’t skip inspections. Even in competitive markets, always protect yourself with proper due diligence. A home inspection can reveal hidden issues that might save you thousands later. 5. Think long-term, not just right-now. Look beyond the staging and paint color. How will this home fit your life five or ten years from now? Think about location, schools, commute times, and community growth. 6. Be patient but decisive. Good homes move quickly. When the right one comes along, be ready to act — but don’t rush into something that doesn’t feel right. 7. Understand total costs. Beyond the purchase price, plan for closing costs, insurance, taxes, maintenance, and potential HOA fees. A realistic budget ensures your new home remains a blessing, not a burden. 8. Keep emotions in check. Real estate is personal, but staying objective helps you make smart financial decisions.

Selling your home isn’t just about putting a sign in the yard — it’s about strategy, presentation, and timing. My best advice for sellers? Think like a buyer, plan like a businessperson, and act with confidence. 1. Price it right from the start. The first two weeks on the market are critical. Overpricing can cause your listing to stagnate and ultimately sell for less. Work with a local agent who understands current market trends and uses data-driven pricing strategies — not guesswork. 2. First impressions matter. Buyers decide how they feel about your home within seconds. Boost curb appeal, declutter, and consider a professional cleaning or light staging to help your home shine online and in person. 3. Be market-ready before you list. Fix small issues, freshen paint, and handle deferred maintenance. A move-in-ready home attracts stronger offers and faster results. 4. Leverage professional marketing. Today’s buyers shop online first. High-quality photography, video tours, and targeted digital exposure are essential. Your agent should be promoting your home across MLS, social media, and key real estate platforms to reach qualified buyers where they’re looking. 5. Be flexible with showings. The easier it is for buyers to see your home, the faster it will sell. Flexibility creates opportunity. 6. Respond quickly to offers. Momentum matters. When offers come in, review them promptly with your agent so negotiations stay strong and buyers stay motivated. 7. Know your next move. Whether you’re downsizing, relocating, or reinvesting, have a plan for where you’ll go next. The smoother your transition, the less stress you’ll feel during negotiations. 8. Trust your professional. Selling a home involves emotional and financial decisions. A skilled Realtor® brings objective guidance, negotiation expertise, and the local insights needed to achieve the best possible outcome.

Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to work with a wide variety of clients — each with unique goals, timelines, and stories. From first-time buyers taking their very first step into homeownership to seasoned investors expanding their portfolios, I approach every client with the same level of care, strategy, and transparency. I’ve helped: • First-time homebuyers navigate financing, inspections, and the excitement of buying their first property. • Sellers maximize their return through strategic pricing, professional marketing, and negotiation. • Retirees and downsizers plan smooth transitions into their next chapter through my Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES®) certification. • Luxury and waterfront clients seeking privacy, design quality, and value — supported by my Luxury Certified training. • New construction buyers working directly with builders to ensure quality and long-term investment value. • Investors and business owners looking to align real estate decisions with long-term financial or lifestyle goals. What I enjoy most is helping people make smart, confident choices — whether it’s finding their dream home, listing a property with purpose, or creating a plan that aligns with their next stage in life. Every client is different, but the goal is always the same: to create a clear path forward that feels personal, strategic, and stress-free.

One recent transaction that stands out involved a young family purchasing their first home in Blaine. They’d been renting for years and weren’t sure they could afford to buy in this market. From our very first meeting, I focused on helping them understand the process — not just find a home. We started with a clear financial game plan, connecting them with a trusted local lender who specialized in first-time buyers. Once pre-approved, we reviewed every available property that fit their goals, and I walked them through what to expect — from inspections to negotiations. When we finally found “the one,” a beautifully maintained home near the water, I knew it was going to move quickly. We crafted a competitive, clean offer that highlighted their strong financing and flexibility on closing. The sellers accepted within 24 hours. The best part was handing them the keys and seeing their kids run through the house for the first time. That’s what it’s all about — helping people move forward with confidence and making sure the process feels personal, not transactional. It wasn’t just another sale — it was about guiding a family through one of the biggest steps of their lives. Those are the moments that remind me why I love what I do.

My journey into real estate wasn’t a straight line — it was the result of years spent building businesses, leading teams, and helping others reach their goals. Before I ever sold a home, I spent over 30 years in sales, marketing, and business development, working across industries from manufacturing and technology to brand strategy. I’ve always been passionate about helping people solve complex challenges and create lasting value — and real estate became the perfect place to bring all of that together. Born and raised in northwest Washington, I’ve seen firsthand how communities grow, evolve, and adapt. When I transitioned into real estate, I wanted to do more than just help people buy and sell homes — I wanted to guide them through major life transitions with honesty, strategy, and care. That’s what led me to create CORE — Coaching + Real Estate — built around my philosophy that “Forward-Thinking People Think Backward.” I believe success comes from understanding where we’ve been, acting intentionally today, and building the future we want. Now, as a Realtor and community advocate serving Blaine and the greater Whatcom, Skagit, and Island County areas, I get to combine everything I’ve learned — business, mentorship, and a love for the Pacific Northwest — to help people move forward confidently, whether they’re buying their first home, selling an investment, or building something new.

I hold a Certification in Business Development and Marketing from Harvard Business School Online, which gives me a strong understanding of how to position properties, analyze markets, and negotiate effectively on behalf of my clients. I’m also a Certified Mentor, allowing me to guide new agents and clients through complex transactions with clarity and confidence. In addition to my academic background, I’ve earned multiple real estate designations that directly benefit my clients: • Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES®): Focused on helping mature clients through downsizing and life transitions. • Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR®): Ensures buyers receive the highest level of representation and advocacy. • Home Finance Resource (HFR®): Provides deep insight into mortgage options and financial planning. • New Construction Buyer Specialist: Expertise in contracts, warranties, and builder negotiations. • Luxury Certified: Tailored service and elevated marketing for high-end properties. Beyond credentials, I’m a lifelong learner — constantly studying market data, trends, and community planning initiatives. That means my clients benefit from strategies that are not only current but forward-thinking — grounded in both business fundamentals and local expertise.