Harry Dritz

Real Estate Broker
John L. Scott
360-600-5047
harrydritz.johnlscott.com

How long have you worked in Real Estate?
I have been at John L. Scott for almost two years.

What is your specialty?
Working with first time home buyers. Helping them understand the whole process of buying a home. I am a full service agent and will help with everything from getting preapproved to final signing at title.

What is one tip you have for someone looking to buy or sell a home?
Find a qualified agent to help. If you just look online and try to use the info there, some is very good and some is not so good and if you don’t really know how to do it you could cause yourself some real headaches.

What is the most unique property you’ve listed or sold?
I had a really great young couple buying their first home. They wanted a 1960s home that was ALL original NO remodeling. So what is the first thing a listing agent tells a seller? Upgrade to get top dollar. But I was able to find one. It was like going back in time to my childhood home. This home was so well taken care of even the clock in the original oven worked. They loved it and now it is their home.

What is the most unusual thing you’ve encountered while working in real estate?
I was showing a vacant home to some older clients of mine and was asked if I would look in the attic space above the garage, only to find out that somebody was living up there and scared the heck out of me when I finally saw him. Well that was a 911 call.

What is the most challenging/gratifying aspect of what you do?
The most challenging aspect is probably the same as every other agent. Clients wanting a $450 home for $300. That is part of educating buyers and helping them decide what they really need in a home. The most gratifying aspect has to be giving the keys to a first time buyer to their new home. I don’t think it is possible not to feel great after being part of that.

What do you see in the future for real estate sales/prices?
I think it will be strong again this year but not as crazy as last year. Interest rates have and will be going up a little but not so much that it will really hurt buyers. I believe homes will be on the market a little longer so we can actually get our clients out to see them before they already have five offers on them. Home prices should increase at a little slower (healthier) rate.

What do you enjoy doing when you are not working? Hobbies, volunteering, family, fun?
Hooking up our 5[th] wheel and taking off for a long weekend with family and friends to a campground somewhere in the mountains is really hard to beat. I really enjoy riding my quad with friends in some of the OHV areas we are so lucky to have in our area. I am also an avid target shooter and spend some time every week at the range when not too busy working.

What do you like about living in this area?
For the most part the people that live in the NW are good, hard working, honest people and I like being in an area with people like that. Also the diversity of all the cultures. I can go from China town in Portland to a rodeo here in Vancouver within just a few miles. You can drive from the desert through the mountains all the way to the Pacific Ocean in less the four hours. I couldn’t think of anywhere I would rather live and bring up a family than here.

Anything else you would like our readers to know about you and your company?
I have been a soldier, woodworker, professional fly fisherman and a truck driver. I have walked many different trails in life, but to my surprise being a Real Estate Broker is what I really enjoy doing for a living. For anyone that took the time to read this, Thank you and if there is anything I can help you with please feel free to contact me.