INFLUENCE INCREASES + Marketing director Bailey Moody now a licensed broker

by Tara Gilligan Reimer ANACORTES, WA—November, 2022 Bailey Moody just doubled her value. Already established as the proficient and polished marketing director for Team Kelli Lang (TKL), Bailey is now a newly licensed broker. “I love the environment of my team,” she explains. “I wanted to experience the broker side of the experience. I see how brokers impact lives to help people become homeowners. It’s more than a business to me—it’s a passion, to have that kind of transforming influence.” ... ‘I want to learn as much as I can’ Her team happens to be a big brand, known in Anacortes, throughout Skagit County, and across Washington State. Year after year, TKL, led by team leader Kelli Lang, puts up impressive stats. In the most recent Real Trends/America’s Best List, TKL ranks among the top 1.5% of real estate pros in the US. The team also earned #4 for volume and #2 for sides in Washington state (medium-sized teams last year). Now licensed, Bailey will be a buyer broker training with realtor Jay Kiesser. “I want to learn as much as I can, as quickly as I can,” says Bailey. ... Marketing pro Bailey will maintain her position as marketing director. In that role since April 2022, she has created content and helped build the brand. And she’ll also enhance her team and clients, by serving as a broker. Of her focus, Bailey explains, “I was a stay-at-home mom for two years.” When her husband returned from a long military deployment, Bailey was grateful for his return and help in raising their boy, a toddler adorably named Swayde. Bailey also realized she was ready for paid work. She said, “I’ve got to do something outside of the home.” ... From Southeast Texas to the Pacific Northwest Originally from Magnolia, Texas (that’s the greater Houston area), Bailey and Brandon moved to Washington three-and-a-half years ago. The geographic and climate shifts were huge. Bailey enthuses that now, “The Pacific Northwest feels homey!” ... All about the team Bailey’s gratitude for her team is front and center: “Everyone is completely different. Everyone has a different teaching style.” Describing the chemistry and teamwork of TKL, she says, “It’s freaking fantastic!” What’s also fantastic? TKL’s blend of sales, service, and brand recognition—all thanks to stars like Bailey who know how to become a team. About RE/MAX Gateway RE/MAX Gateway is named for its breathtaking Anacortes entrance to the San Juan Islands of the Pacific Northwest. Owned by Lori Reece, with Laura Bird as designated broker and branch manager, this full-service real estate brokerage is known for agents who specialize in residential and commercial real estate. Lori’s team, sought-after professionals, leads by serving thousands of clients and building market share. Learn, collaborate, be kind. When you’re doing all that—together—you know you’re at RE/MAX Gateway. # # #

MORE

VALUE CREATION! RE/MAX Gateway CEO Lori Reece partners with Seattle Designated Brokers John Manning and Elizabeth Powell to create MORE value for clients

ANACORTES, WA—October 2022 Value creation. This is a RE/MAX Gateway fundamental. Whether our brokers are guiding you through the selling and buying process or keeping you updated on today’s market, our brokerage is known for creating value. And our value just increased with a new partnership. We are excited to announce that RE/MAX Gateway—based in Anacortes, Washington, and Skagit County—recently merged with RE/MAX On Market, a top-producing, residential, real estate brokerage based in Seattle. This merger expands RE/MAX Gateway’s reach into key residential markets in Seattle, Bellevue, Redmond and other major King and Snohomish County cities. ... RE/MAX Gateway is one brokerage owned by CEO Lori Reece (pictured right). Thirty-one years ago, Reece also founded RE/MAX Whatcom County, where she continues to lead as CEO. Today’s news reinforces Reece’s holdings as the second largest RE/MAX group in Washington state—providing real estate services from Whatcom, Island and Skagit to Snohomish, King & Northern Pierce Counties. Statistics for the last year speak to the value in both brokerages: $1.2 billion in sales volume and 2,346 households served. “We are thrilled to join together to offer expert real estate service along the highly desirable I-5 corridor,” said RE/MAX Gateway owner Lori Reece, “For years, I have known RE/MAX On Market owners and managing brokers John Manning and Elizabeth Powell [pictured below], and we always felt there would be great synergies if we joined forces—it’s wonderful to see the vision come together.” ... This merger offers clients an expanded range of expert services and real estate technologies within Western Washington, which has become even more relevant as people reconsider their home location given employers’ more relaxed work-from-home policies. With the recent stock market and economic shifts, people are seeking real estate investments more than ever, including multi-family and condos within commute distance of Seattle and Bellevue and second homes near outdoor recreation. “To continue our momentum in the hot Seattle/Eastside market required scaling quickly,” said John Manning, Owner and Designated Broker of RE/MAX On Market. “We chose to align with RE/MAX Gateway, as owner Lori Reece shares our values and client-centric vision. Together we have big plans to bring even more efficiency, expert counsel, and delight to buying and selling clients across Western Washington.” Reece’s success—including international awards as Broker/Owner of the Year (twice) as well as Top 500 Real Estate Companies (RealTrends since 2005)—continues into a fourth decade of business innovation. Her personable leadership style and commitment to cutting-edge training mark her as a trusted expert in her own brokerages, with competitors, and among Pacific Northwest business leaders. RE/MAX Gateway: On Market Group will continue operations out of its current office in the Ballard neighborhood of Seattle. The group, comprised of 12 brokers and administrative staff, will be led by managing broker John Manning. This merger, most importantly, translates to greater resources for clients, Reece emphasizes. From the San Juan Islands to the coastal beauty of Skagit County to the Seattle and Bellevue business hub, you can find experience for today’s market at RE/MAX Gateway. About RE/MAX Gateway RE/MAX Gateway is named for its breathtaking Anacortes entrance to the San Juan Islands of the Pacific Northwest. Owned by Lori Reece, with Laura Bird as designated broker and branch manager, this full-service real estate brokerage is known for agents who specialize in residential and commercial real estate. Lori’s team, sought-after professionals, leads by serving thousands of clients and building market share. Learn, collaborate, be kind. When you’re doing all that—together—you know you’re at RE/MAX Gateway. ###  

MORE

Floors to finishes: top four renos for highest ROI + RE/MAX Realtors reveal righteous refurbs!

by Tara Gilligan Reimer BELLINGHAM and ANACORTES, WA—SEPTEMBER 14, 2022 Is there such a thing as renovator’s remorse, in the best sense possible? Carmen Andrew identified the phenomenon. On walk-throughs before listing properties, this RE/MAX Whatcom County broker has seen the dynamic over and over. The seller does beautiful updates: built-in window seats with storage, new cabinet facing, or laminate flooring that looks like hardwood. “Now, the sellers don’t want to leave the home they’re going to sell,” laughs Carmen. “Happens every time a client does a refresh. Naturally, clients ask, ‘Why didn’t I do this sooner?’” Carmen, co-owner of the top-producer Weitzel Home Team, recommends renovations whenever you can. Renos are always worthwhile investments, she points out. “If you’re staying, you’re feathering your nest, the place you make your life,” she says. “And if you’re looking to sell? (Call your RE/MAX broker!) And know that you’re renovating to make significantly more on your sale.” ... Here are four renovations, to create the highest returns on investment (ROI). A favorite RE/MAX broker offers expertise on each! 1 - Kitchen remodels are top choice—but kitchen tweaks work, too Taysia Seiler personally has done two kitchen renovations. “Whether or not you cook a lot, the kitchen can be the selling point of your home,” says the buyer broker for top-producer Best Bellingham Homes of RE/MAX Whatcom County. “This is the place where family shares meals, friends gather, and school homework gets done.” While a total renovation may not be possible, Taysia ticks off lower-cost options. “You can paint your cabinets, swap dated countertops for quartz or granite, or change hardware.” A refresh is always worthwhile, she assures. “My motto is ‘you cannot go wrong with a fresh coat of paint,’” smiles Taysia. ... 2 - Flooring can mean a sale or NOT Brokers know that flooring can make or break a sale. Removing worn wall-to-wall carpet, refinishing hardwoods, or installing comparable flooring can transform your dwelling. Twenty & Oak presents a comprehensive portfolio of flooring choices. Experienced agent Karen Petersen, at RE/MAX Gateway, realizes hardwood floors present the biggest wow. “My suggestion to sellers is take time to evaluate how much time you want to take, to refinish or install flooring over the top.” She just installed new, waterproof vinyl over her original, hard-to-maintain fir floors. “The installation took less than two weeks, and we didn’t have to move out. This was a project that raised the value of our home!” ... 3 - Don’t just paint your interior—create a color flow In contrast to renovating a kitchen or installing flooring, brightening your interior with fresh paint requires fewer dollars yet delivers instant polish. Experts at Homelight predict that adding a fresh coat could boost your sale price 1-3%. Most brokers suggest painting with a fresh, neutral palette. But if you possess designer discern, don’t be afraid to designate a powder room or entry to offer up smart style. RE/MAX Whatcom County broker, Amy Bowhay, did just that, transforming her owner suite into a sophisticated retreat with mainly... paint. “I chose Sherwin Williams Iron Ore. It’s the perfect shade of a dark, warm grey. The depth of color creates a cozy and relaxing space that I absolutely love!” She added a layer of patina—brass fixtures and glass lamps—that is a lovely envelope for night. Amy thoughtfully selected this one dramatic room to be the color-reverse of the rest of her home: modern, neutral, and bright, to showcase the Pacific northwest light that comes from living on the salt water. ... 4 - Landscaping creates a natural welcome Finally, let’s go to Lynden for landscaping inspiration! The town’s storybook main street displays flower baskets the size of small clouds. On the town’s parkways, crocuses, spring’s first signs, give way to tulips, daffodils, daisies, and dahlias. RE/MAX Whatcom County broker Cherie Kukhahn proudly points to the immaculately kept yards, to show how landscaping matters. “It’s about making a first impression,” says Cherie. This Lynden-based agent points out that it really doesn’t take much (inspired by the Dutch, who founded the town): “weed, mow, mulch, plant a row of annuals.” Don’t forget about creating outdoor rooms, either. Cherie adds, “Even the smallest front porch benefits from a simple rattan chair, café table, and flower basket.” ... Whether you’re nesting or selling, you can turn to a RE/MAX broker for guidance on the value of major renovations or weekend projects. Want to elevate comfort and equity? Connect with a RE/MAX broker: we’re with you every step—and paint brush-stroke—of the way! About us. Thirty years ago, a local girl (Sehome High School, Washington State University, and Western Washington University grad) launched a small start-up with a big dream. Little did RE/MAX Whatcom County founder and CEO Lori Reece know that her company, 90+ Realtors strong, would become not only the most successful brokerage but also respected nationally and across industries. Lori also owns RE/MAX Gateway, named for its breathtaking Anacortes entrance to the San Juan Islands of the Pacific Northwest. Led by branch manager Laura Bird, this full-service brokerage is known for its 40+ Realtors, who specialize in residential and commercial real estate.

MORE