Let's do this!
I’ve been in real estate for over 15 years, but before that I worked in finance and operations for Microsoft and tech startups and managed capital projects for the Mercer Island School District. I analyzed data and advised on the most efficient ways to operate. I can do that for you. I can remove the overwhelm of getting your house ready to sell, and remove the worry that you'll miss out on your dream home.
Hi I’m Gretchen. and I make real estate easy for busy professionals
you are probably wondering, "where do I begin?"
Whether you want to buy, sell, or both, you might wonder, “Where do I start? It’s seems so overwhelming!"
I take the wondering and worrying out of real estate.
As an experienced broker, I have developed systems that keep you informed every step of the way, so you understand what’s happening each step of the way and know exactly what comes next.
There are some brokers who provide minimal service. They will put your home on the MLS at whatever price you want and pass along an offer if you get one. My role, as I see it, is to get you the most value through the buying and selling process. I make sure your home is prepared and marketed to maximize its value. Give me the keys, I’ll take care of the rest.
Let's get started!
you might be wondering
- How can I get my house ready to sell when we are still living there?
- How will we ever get the closets cleared out and the office painted when we can barely get to work and soccer practice?
- We have some ideas about our dream house, but don't have time to be on Zillow or Redfin looking every day. How will we ever find a new home?
- We want to use RSUs and stock options for our down payment. Do all lenders understand how to evaluate these?
I can help! I have lots of resources and options that can help ease all these situations. When you work with me, you gain access to my 15+ years of contacts. Need a metal fabricator? I’ve got one! Need a professional that can help you sort, pack, sell or donate everything in your basement? I've got several. I'll help you understand all the options for your unique situation.
We've got this!
about gretchen
I became a broker through the back door
I became a broker through the back door to keep my house from being collateral damage of small business failure. My ex was a born entrepreneur. He felt stifled in his corporate job and came home every day with a new crazy idea for a business – car washes, rubber stamp machines, you name it. I knew he wouldn’t stop until he owned his own business. As an accountant working in finance and operations, I knew that 50% of small businesses failed within 5 years. I was desperate to guide him into a low-capital business and not lose our house in some unsuccessful venture. I was out for a walk and ran into a friend whose husband was a real estate agent and thought “Eureka! That’s it! Low capital for us and independent business for him!” That was it, and he began a new career.
To keep expenses low, I did all the database management, marketing, transaction management, client care, etc. I loved helping people find a home and have the best experience possible. When we split up, I wanted to keep on making home buying and selling the best experience possible for people. That was over a decade ago.
I never imagined that I would be in sales. I’m not a salesperson. I’m the worst salesperson. I used to joke that I couldn’t sell a parka to an Inuit because I’d tell them they should save their money and use their good old parka, while a great salesperson could sell a bikini to an Inuit and they’d be so excited about their new life. I’m still a terrible salesperson. I point out the defects in a home and critique the maintenance. But I’m not a salesperson, I’m a facilitator.
I won’t convince you to do something you don’t want to do. I’ll help you do what you really want to do, but don’t know where to begin.
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We'd like to downsize, but we have so much stuff!
