Michael Shkurat

Top Advice for a Buyer Trying to Purchase a Home 1. Get pre-approved early A strong pre-approval letter shows sellers you’re serious and financially ready. It also helps you understand your price range and monthly payments before you start touring homes. 2. Work with a knowledgeable local agent The market moves fast. A local agent can help you spot opportunities early, understand neighborhood trends, and guide you through strategy, pricing, and negotiations. 3. Be prepared to act quickly Good homes don’t sit long. If you find a property that fits your needs and budget, be ready to write an offer right away. 4. Know your must-haves vs. nice-to-haves No house checks every box. Focus on what can’t be changed (location, lot size, layout) and stay flexible on cosmetic items that can be updated over time. 5. Understand the full costs Beyond the purchase price, consider inspections, closing costs, insurance, HOA fees, utilities, and potential repairs or upgrades. 6. Don’t skip the inspection Even in competitive markets, a home inspection is crucial. It protects you from unexpected issues and gives you leverage to negotiate repairs or credits. 7. Avoid big financial changes Don’t open new credit lines, switch jobs, or make major purchases while you’re under contract. These can affect your loan approval. 8. Look past the cosmetics Outdated paint or carpet is easy to fix. Good bones, a solid roof, clean crawl space, and a functional layout are what matter long-term. 9. Think long-term resale Even if you plan to stay for years, choose a home that will hold value in terms of location, schools, neighborhood, and layout. 10. Stay patient but persistent The right home will come. Don’t settle out of frustration—stay focused, keep searching, and lean on your agent for guidance.

Top Advice for Home Sellers 1. Price it strategically from day one. The first 7–10 days on the market are the most important. Homes priced correctly attract more buyers, more showings, and often stronger offers. Overpricing leads to sitting, price drops, and ultimately selling for less. 2. Make your home show-ready. A clean, uncluttered, well-lit home always feels bigger and more inviting. • Deep clean • Declutter and depersonalize • Freshen paint where needed • Consider small, high-ROI updates like landscaping, hardware, or lighting These minor investments can easily pay for themselves. 3. Maximize curb appeal. Buyers form an opinion in the first 10 seconds. Trim landscaping, add fresh mulch, wash windows, and make your entryway warm and welcoming. 4. Stage (or at least pre-stage) the home. Professional staging can dramatically increase buyer interest. But even simple steps—like rearranging furniture, adding neutral accents, or removing heavy curtains—make a big difference. 5. Fix what you know is broken. Buyers will find issues during inspection. Fixing obvious problems ahead of time reduces surprise costs and keeps deals from falling apart. 6. Use high-quality marketing. Professional photos, videography, drone shots, floor plans, and strategic online exposure matter. Today’s buyers shop online first—your digital presence is your first showing. 7. Be flexible with showings. The more accessible your home is, the more buyers will see it. Try to accommodate showings whenever possible—those early, motivated buyers are often your best ones. 8. Trust the local market data, not emotions. Your home is full of memories, but buyers are comparing it to other options and sales data. Work with your agent to make data-driven decisions that position your home competitively. 9. Prepare for the inspection and appraisal. A clean, well-maintained home typically has smoother inspection results. For appraisal: provide upgrades, receipts, and any improvements to help support value. 10. Hire an experienced local REALTOR® who handles everything. A strong agent: • Prices the home accurately • Oversees prep and staging • Markets aggressively • Negotiates powerfully • Manages paperwork, timelines, and risks Selling is one of your biggest financial transactions—having the right advocate makes all the difference.

I’ve worked with a wide range of clients across many areas of real estate, including: Residential sellers preparing to list and maximize their home’s value First-time homebuyers navigating the process for the very first time New construction buyers and sellers, including builder representation Investors looking for cash-flow opportunities in duplexes, triplexes, and multifamily properties Vacant land buyers seeking everything from recreational acreage to future development sites Commercial buyers, including clients acquiring land for specialized uses—such as a shoreline property for a fishery Manufactured home buyers and sellers, both in parks and on owned land Condo buyers looking for low-maintenance living or investment opportunities This diversity has given me a deep understanding of many property types, transaction structures, and client goals—allowing me to tailor my approach to each situation and deliver strong results.

One of my favorite recent transactions was helping a family sell their home in the Whatcom Falls neighborhood near Galbraith Mountain. We listed the home higher than other agents had suggested, prepared it with staging and professional photography, and went on the market. Thanks to our strategic negotiation style, we received an offer above list price within just two days. The sale went smoothly, and my clients were thrilled with the results as they moved on to their next chapter.

I got started in real estate growing up in a family that bought, built, and sold homes, which gave me an early appreciation for the industry. Professionally, I began as a transaction coordinator and later served as Director of Marketing and Technology for RE/MAX, honing skills in marketing, technology, and client strategy. I’ve also bought, fully renovated, and invested in properties myself, giving me firsthand experience that helps my clients succeed in buying, selling, or investing.

I hold a degree in Economics and Political Science, a background in Paralegal Studies, and have completed 17 hours of real estate investment courses. I also hold the Real Estate Negotiation Expert (RENE) and C2EX designations, and with my experience as RE/MAX Director of Marketing and Technology plus hands-on investing and renovations, I provide clients with strategic guidance and results-driven service.