Erin E. Wright, Esq.

Realtor
Windermere Real Estate
360-356-1445
www.ErinWrightHomes.com

How long have you worked in Real Estate?
I am happy to say I am finishing my 3rd year in Real Estate. I started working in real estate in 2013, but you can say I really grew up in it. My mom was a real estate agent for years and still invests in real estate. I have always loved going on showings or to open houses. When I decided to close my law practice in 2013, it kind of just hit me, I love working with people and really enjoy looking at houses. It has been the perfect opportunity for me to continue to use my legal background, while also building strong relationships with clients. What can I say, I really have the best job!

What is your specialty?
My specialty is helping clients understand contracts and feel confident in what they are signing whether they are building, buying, or selling. I greatly enjoy helping clients find their next home or marketing the home they are listing. However, it is my understanding of legal contracts and negotiations that sets me apart from other Realtors.

What is one tip you have for someone looking to buy or sell a home?
I highly recommend to all my clients, family and friends to read a sample real estate contract prior to using it. People think the most clearly when they are not under the pressure of a timeline or the excitement of writing or accepting an offer. The best time to read a contract is before it needs to be used. If you are just starting the process, ask for a blank contract and feel free to highlight it, mark it up, and write down your questions. Then work with your Realtor to make sure you fully understand what it says before it is time to sign one. The best part about this is you will feel confident when it does come time to sign!

What is the most unique property you have listed or sold?
I had the most amazing ranch in Camas on Prune Hill. The house itself was very clean and clearly well maintained. What made this property unique was that the back yard literally felt like you were in a secret garden. There was a trickling waterfall into a stream that spaned the entire backyard with a little foot bridge and you were completely surrounded by flowers in every direction. It was truly an urban retreat and I loved it!

What is the most challenging/gratifying aspect of what you do?
I work with a lot of people going through a divorce that need to sell their properties. The emotions can often run very high in these situations and they are not always the most fun transactions. However, helping each party feel heard and represented throughout the process to a successful closing often leads to a resolution where in the end, I know I have made a positive difference in their lives. Divorce sales are definitely my most challenging transactions, but they are often the most rewarding.

What do you see in the future for real estate sales/prices?
Clients often ask me what I see for the future of our local real estate market. Although no one can predict the future, basic economics works on supply and demand. Of my closed transactions where I have represented the buyer, only 13% were buyers who were moving from one house in Clark County to another. The remaining 87% were from people who were relocating to Clark County from as close as Portland and as far as Hawaii. I think this is the single largest factor in the pace of our growing market right now. The housing supply not only needs to meet the demands of people who have been waiting to purchase their next house since the recession, it also needs to meet the demands of everyone who is relocating here. I do not think the market can sustain the current rate of appreciation, but I do think it will continue to go up, at least for the next few years.

What do you enjoy doing when you are not working? Hobbies, volunteering, family, fun?
I love spending time with my family, friends, two dogs, and my parrot. Whether I am traveling to new countries with my sister, having my weekly breakfast with my grandpa (who is a 95 year old WWII vet in great condition… yes he is awesome!), skiing with my husband on the top of Mt. Hood, or cuddling with my dogs, I enjoy spending time with those I love! Additionally, volunteering is near and dear to my heart. I try to incorporate it in my personal and professional life, as I think it is the best way to learn about yourself and make a positive difference in our community. My favorite organizations to volunteer with are the Clark County Food Bank and Habitat for Humanity!

What do you like about living in this area?
I can honestly say we live in one of the best places in the world. We can ski, hike, and go to the beach all in the same day if we want. My favorite thing is all the opportunities we have to be out exploring nature. Though, I will say the continually growing cultural scene in Vancouver is a close second. It still feels like a small town but offers art, festivals, restaurants, breweries, wineries, and free concerts. Let’s face it, life here in SW Washington is pretty great!

Anything else you would like our readers to know about you and your company?
I would love to give some credit to Windermere. They create and support some of the best agents in the industry. I feel so lucky to have met Gerry Dowdy and love working with her because she cares about her agents, our clients, and is always offering us new ways to give back in the community.