Cathi Byrd

Buyers Specialist
SWB Real Estate Group @ Knipe Realty
360-831-4436
swbrealestategroup.com

How long have you worked in Real Estate?
I have been around the home building industry for over 20 years and I have always been in customer service. Early in 2015, I made the decision to combine that knowledge and skill and become a Realtor® and help people find a home they love.

What is your specialty?
I specialize in buyers, with a focus on first time buyers. I am certified for teaching the Washington State Housing Finance Commission’s Home Buyer Advantage classes, also called WABOND – a Washington state bond to assist buyers into a home by providing a down payment! My goal is to help educate every homebuyer to put them on a solid path to home ownership.

What is one tip you have for someone looking to buy or sell a home?
Attend my homebuyer class! We focus on budget and credit and the information has helped each of our clients position themselves financially and get their home!

What is the most unique property you’ve listed or sold?
I helped some amazing and fun clients purchase a home built in 1964. It was well maintained and mostly original! It was like stepping into a time warp with the original light blue laminate countertops, the intercom system through the house, original light fixtures and appliances and they loved it just the way it was! It was so fun. They had even found a retro refrigerator they were going to purchase.

What is the most challenging/gratifying aspect of what you do?
It is very challenging working with buyers in the current market with houses receiving multiple offers, it can be difficult to get the home they want; but with our persistence we do get that home. Giving them the keys to their new home that they are so excited about and being able to share their joy is what makes all the hard work worth it.

What do you see in the future for real estate sales/prices?
You hear a lot of comments about waiting for prices to go down. I do not think that will happen significantly if at all. We can see the markets in San Francisco and Seattle have not decreased and the Vancouver Portland area is a very desirable place to live. With our very limited inventory and people moving here and needing homes, there is a supply and demand that will keep the prices up. And historically that is what real estate does is increase in value.

What do you enjoy doing when you are not working? Hobbies, volunteering, family, fun?
I have three grown children and my husband of almost 30 years that keep me busy. We have a son in the coast guard on the east coast, two daughters and a son in law in college and our first grandchild on the way. We are active in our church and love to spend time with our friends and family from there as well. I have a passion for cake decorating and love to do fun birthday cakes or cupcakes whenever I can for anyone who will let me. My husband loves to salmon fish and I enjoy being with him on the boat (only if the sun is shining!) And I have wiener dogs at home that miss me everyday while I am out working.

What do you like about living in this area?
I have lived in Clark County all of my life. I think we have one of the most beautiful areas you can choose to live in with all of the lush outdoors and wildlife. We are so central to mountains, lakes, rivers, and the ocean that anytime you want a slight change of scenery it is with in a few hours drive.

Anything else you would like our readers to know about you and your company?
I have been so blessed to be with the group of ladies I work with each day. They are such caring and encouraging individuals and we all have the same goal to give our best and be a great service to others. And when you hire me you don’t just hire me individually you hire our team.