CCAR & Columbian REALTOR SPOTLIGHT: John Rose

John Rose, Title: Broker / Owner
NW Rose Real Estate
360-903-3466 roserealestategroup.com

How Long have you worked in real estate? I’ve worked as an appraiser for 18 years and a Realtor for 9 years.

What is your specialty? My appraisal background gives me the ability to be very detailed when it comes to establishing a listing price for a home. I sit down with my clients and go over all the statistics for the neighborhood and will actually do a short form desktop appraisal in some cases. Builders will often call me to consult with them on pricing new developments as well.

What is the one tip you have for someone looking to buy or sell a home? I would advise them to form a relationship with a Realtor. Don’t try to do all the work themselves . It’s easy to get online and do the searches but it’s the experience of the trained real estate broker that can do the in depth research of the neighborhood, proper comparable analysis, and the negotiation skills. People think they can save money if they go directly to the builder or listing agent and often times that’s just not the case.

What is the most unusual thing you’ve encountered while working in real estate? I’ve had a few!! I’ve been to the home of a hoarder who collected 30 years of plastics and newspaper. The garage and basement were completely filled from floor to ceiling. I also visited a home in North Clark County that the owner had farm animals living in the house with him (Goats & chickens).

What is the most challenging / gratifying aspect of what you do? The most challenging aspect has been educating sellers on current market prices and not prices from 1 year ago. It’s getting better but a lot of sellers still think we’re in a market of multiple offers and selling for more than list price. Even though I’ll come to a listing appointment with comparable sales and a market analysis they think their home is worth more than all the rest in the neighborhood. The most gratifying aspect has to be when the search is over for a buyer and we find them their dream home. To see the look on their faces when I can hand them their keys, especially the first time home buyers. It never gets old.

What do you see in the future for real estate sales / prices? I foresee market values stabilizing in 2019 for most price points. The condo and townhouse market will continue to be hot, especially downtown Vancouver. Market prices for the upper end, over $700K, appear to be declining a bit. I would expect home values in that category to decline maybe 2%-5% this year. Homes in the $300k-$500k will continue to be in high demand and prices should remain fairly stable.

What do you enjoy doing when you are not working? Hobbies, volunteering, family, fun? I find myself very active in the local community. I’m currently serving as the Ridgefield Chamber of Commerce President and the Ridgefield American Legion Commander, both of which take up a lot of my free time. Some would say this is additional work but I find joy in these roles and giving back where I can. In the summer I do try to find time to play some golf or go hiking with the family.

What do you like about living in this area? Quality of life. I’m a 5^th generation Clark County native and have found no place like the northwest. I traveled the world while serving in the Air Force and when I got out I knew that I wanted to return to Clark County. With access to professional sporting events in Portland or the 2 hours to the coast or mountains, there is something for everyone.

Anything else you would like our readers to know about you and your company? After 8 years with a large real estate firm in Vancouver, I opened up my own brokerage in Ridgefield in 2018. We have 6 brokers and 2 appraisers that work with buyers, sellers, banks, & builders. We offer all the marketing and tools of the larger firms but with more personal attention and detail. It’s been my dream to work in the town in which I grew up in and although it’s steadily growing, it still has the small town feel. People stop and say hello or wave as they walk past our office or will drop in and have a cup of coffee and talk about the latest town news. We are delighted to be Ridgefield’s only Real Estate Brokerage and plan to be here for many years to come!