We were looking for a realtor who specializes in undeveloped land to serve as Seller's Agent for our waterfront lot. The property is at the end of Perkins Lane, Magnolia, with a sweeping view of Elliott Bay and downtown Seattle, but in an area where a landslide occurred in the 1990s, destroying several houses and the road. When we bought the land, we knew that getting a building permit was a risky and time-consuming proposition, but we were OK with that, because we paid very little for the property, and we did not plan to live there until retirement. A couple of years later, we decided to retire in a different city. Therefore, it is time to hand off the dream, and the work, to another patient buyer, or perhaps a creative and very patient builder. Seattle Land Broker is who we called to find out if there is anyone in the latter category who might be interested. Ron's response was very helpful, direct, and honest. He first explained that his contacts were unlikely to be interested in our lot, because getting City approval to build on our property is improbable, and even if a permit is eventually granted, it would take years to obtain. Builders need land for projects that are approvable in the near term, because they generally cannot afford to have their capital tied up. My wife and I were very grateful that the Seattle Land Broker was candid about this. He did not waste our time by sugar-coating the truth and promising to keep an eye open for opportunities that he did not expect to encounter. I think that's what most agents would have done, but that could have given us false hope, which could have cost us a lot of time, unnecessarily. What he also did was to offer to ask around and find a geotechnical engineering firm who specialize in difficult-to-develop properties, who are respected by the CIty, and who have a track record of success and a reputation for quality work. This took a week, during which Ron drew on his extensive network. The firm he identified is a perfect match for all of those criteria, and he even offered to introduce us personally. He did not ask for any financial compensation for this, or for any of the other excellent advice he provided. We are most grateful. In conclusion, if you are looking for someone who knows builders in Seattle and understands what they are looking for, and who will be honest with you, and tell you exactly what you need to know to make progress on selling your lot or tear-down property, you need look no further than the Seattle Land Broker.
