Zillow
ReviewMy move was a relocation from the Portland, Oregon region to Albuquerque (ABQ). I had visited ABQ in the past, but knew very little about neighborhoods and real estate values and prices. I contacted some friends from ABQ, who highly recommended Jackie Staton. We made arrangements to fly down to ABQ for a week to meet with Jackie and see houses that met our requirements checklist, were in safe, well-regarded neighborhoods, and had the nearby amenities we wanted (retail, services, healthcare, cultural, outdoor activities). Jackie provided us access to her Multiple Listing Service portal, which we used to review properties on the market. We could "like" and rate the properties via the portal based on our interest-level, which Jackie had direct access to view. This allowed Jackie to schedule tours of those houses prior to our arrival, which made very efficient use of our limited time in ABQ. The market was red hot and some of the houses we wanted to see, were already "pending" or sold. Beginning with the very first house that we viewed, Jackie began refining the search criteria as she got to know us and the scope of requirements. She also developed a pretty good read on big picture info, like our shopping needs, leisure activities, healthcare needs, amount of time spent at home and the uses for the intended uses for the house, e.g. home office and accommodation for pet needs. She understood the quality of life and minimal standards we sought, including outdoor space and privacy - as well as plenty of walking and biking paths nearby. We looked at approximately one dozen houses and bid on two. We initially lost the first bid, even though we were the high-bidder. Jackie represented us well and this failed bid ultimately moved us along to another house we liked. We got to see this 2nd house one hour after it went on the market. It checked off nearly every requirement. We made a bid on Friday afternoon at $5K above asking price, returned home on Saturday, and on Sunday our offer was accepted. With the bid accepted, Jackie and her team began coordinating every aspect of the buyer's process for us. We were still 1400 miles away and we were concerned that distance would make it harder. That was not to be the case. Jackie and her team provided us with an easy to follow process schedule from accepted bid to closing date. It was approximately one month in duration. She provided the names and contacts for local inspectors. Once we determined who we wanted to use, she scheduled the inspections and met those professionals at the house. Using the inspection reports, Jackie went back to the seller to negotiate repairs, cost credits, and give-backs. Among other things, she got the seller to install a new heater, repair and service the fireplace, and provide credits for replacement value for a double-vanity in the master bathroom and some cracked floor tile. This amounted to a reduction of closing costs by over $5k. In addition, the house's appraised value came back at $24k above our purchase price. We were moving in with a larger percentage of equity than anticipated. The entire process from meeting Jackie to move-in date was five weeks. And it was accomplished relatively easily with no drama, no high-stress moments, no set-backs, and complete confidence: Jackie's confidence in representing our interests, our confidence in her expertise and commitment, the seller's confidence that she was a knowledgeable and experienced, and our lender's confidence in her as a partner for the closing. Watching house-hunting shows on TV actually left me unprepared. Those shows focus on the fun and interesting tours of houses. The time and effort required after the offer is expected is glossed over and hidden in these shows. The closing schedule was tight, but not difficult, because we had a pro, Jackie, guiding us. Consider that we called Jackie ten days before flying to ABQ to meet her and see homes. Thirty days later we were drinking champagne in our new house. The most important and consequential action in the whole process was finding the right agent. Jackie made the house-hunt and relocation simple - and pleasant. I highly recommend her and her team. A+++