Marian McKone

Broker, ABR, SRES, CNE, REALTOR
Coldwell Banker Seal
360-910-3257
coldwellbankerseal.com/marianmckone

How long have you worked in Real Estate?
I started my professional career in the real estate/mortgage industry in 2004 on the lending side of purchase transactions. I later went into mortgage processing and mortgage underwriting, but after a few years I realized that this was not the career that I could see myself in long term. I had always dreamed of being a Realtor® and decided to get my license in early 2014.

What is your specialty?
I work with buyers and sellers of all ages and all price ranges….from first time home buyers to retired folks and empty nesters who are looking to sell their current home to downsize into a smaller home. I also work with investors who are looking for rental properties. I have obtained the Accredited Buyer’s Representative designation (ABR), the Seniors Real Estate Specialist designation (SRES), and the Certified Negotiation Expert (CNE) by taking additional courses in each of the fields.

What is one tip you have for someone looking to buy or sell a home?
Find an experienced agent who is knowledgeable, honest and ethical and who will take the time to walk you through the entire process, from start to finish. Also, it’s important to have an agent who you feel comfortable with, and who will communicate with you as often as you need.

What is the most unusual thing you’ve encountered while working in real estate?
The most unusual thing I’ve encountered in Real Estate was during a final walk-through of a home with my buyer clients the day before closing. As we opened the front door we heard the sound of running water inside the home. We walked in and found the entire house was flooded! The home had been vandalized. Luckily, the seller’s homeowner’s insurance paid for all of the repairs which included new cabinets, countertops, appliances, fixtures, floor coverings, drywall, and painting. It took about five months for the repairs to be completed, but eventually my buyers were pleased to move into their “brand new” home!

What is the most challenging/gratifying aspect of what you do?
Currently, the most challenging aspect of what I do is finding my buyers their dream home due to the current lack of homes on the market. When they do find a suitable home there can be multiple offers (essentially bidding wars), and if their offer isn’t accepted it can be very disappointing and frustrating for all parties. The most gratifying part of my job is working with first-time home buyers; taking them through the home-buying process, step-by-step, answering their questions, and then handing them the keys to their new home at closing and seeing the excitement in their eyes.

What do you see in the future for real estate sales/prices?
Last year in Clark County the average sales price rose from $299,800 to $330,400, an increase of 10.2%. I think 2017 is going to be another strong year in the real estate market, similar to 2016. Inventory is still low (which makes it a seller’s market = less competition), and interest rates are still historically low (which makes it a good time to buy).

What do you enjoy doing when you are not working? Hobbies, volunteering, family, fun?
Spending time with my family and friends is my highest priority during my free time. When I can combine that with hiking, taking a Barre3 class, visiting wineries, watching a good movie or a football game (Go Hawks!), I am in my happy place. I also enjoy volunteering for Habitat for Humanity and helping organize Coldwell Banker’s annual fundraisers for Share House and other local charities.

What do you like about living in this area?
The beauty of this part of Washington is unsurpassed. The Gorge and the coast are easily accessed from here, and the proximity to Portland International Airport gives us access to the rest of the world. I feel like we have everything at our fingertips.

Anything else you would like our readers to know about you and your company?
I take pride in doing my job thoroughly, with honesty and integrity. I am proud to work with such a great team of agents/brokers and designated brokers at Coldwell Banker Seal. They put a tremendous amount of time and energy into training and having the latest and greatest tools available for us, so we can do a better job serving our clients.