Vancouver Washington real estate listings, home buying, selling and relocation information

Sam's High Chair

My name is Sam – well not my real name – but that’s another story

Yes, I’m the short one

I started selling real estate full time on April Fool’s Day – 1977 – and still do!

I have been a Real Estate Broker in the State of Washington since 1979

I’ve lived in Utah, Wyoming, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, then 30 years ago, settled in Vancouver, Washington

I am a "list maker and checker offer"

Received the Columbian Readers Choice Award for the Best Realtor in Clark County 2010

I was voted one of the 10 Top Clark County Realtors by my peers 3 times

I was awarded the Lifetime Professionalism Award

I am an Accredited Buyer Representative – ABR; Certified Residential Special – CRS; a member of the Real Estate Cyber Society - RECS; a Graduate of the Realtors Institute - GRI; Certified Negotiations Expert - CNE; Short Sales and Foreclosure Resource – SFR; a member of the National Association of Realtors (NAR); a member of the Washington Association of Realtors (WR); and a member of the Realtors Multiple Listing Service (RMLS)

I’ve been a member of Clark County Newcomers for 18 years (No, you don’t have to be new)

I’ve introduced clients to Clark County Newcomers (Vancouver’s "Instant Friendship" Club)

I lead tours for the Newcomers Club (eating afterward is mandatory)

I’ve been President of the Newcomers Club

I’ve taken clients on Volkswalks - what are those – just ask me

I’ve taken clients hiking in the gorge (they all made it)

The daughter of one of my clients moved in with me to finish high school

I’ve taught clients to knit and make bobbin lace and make their own earrings

I’ve taught clients to shop for shoes on line (Husbands love me!)

I’ve cried with my clients, I’ve prayed with my clients, I’ve hired my clients

I go shopping with my clients – whenever they want!

I’ve gone to court for my clients

I’ve taught "organization" classes for new agents

Many years ago, one of my clients set me up with a "blind date"– his name was Scott

I have one husband - Scott – that’s enough – and Yes, God does have a sense of humor

My Name is Scott – and Yes, that’s my real name

I’ve lived in Washington State my whole life (well since I was 2)

I taught high school and college in Oregon and Washington

I owned Peace It Together on MLK Blvd in Portland for 19 years – now Reborn Auto (I was a Hippie)

I lead a Men’s Group at our home – going on 20 years now – our clients are welcome

I became a Realtor in 1990, a Broker in 1992 – here are some things I have done since then:

Awarded the Professionalism Award by Fellow Agents

I’ve been on the Board of Directors, Vice President, President Elect 2 times, State Director 3 times and twice President, 2000, 2005 – of the Clark County Association of Realtors

Regional Multiple Listing Service (RMLS): Second Vice Chair 2010, Appointed to Board of Directors 2000, 2001, 2004, 2007, 2010, 2011, 2012; Second Vice Chair 2010, Served RMLS Internet Policy Committee Chair 2002, 2003; Served RMLS Technology Chair 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2008, 2009

I served on Washington Governor’s Real Estate Law Rewrite Task Force 2003, 2004

I was voted Realtor of the Year by the Clark County Association of Realtors in 2000

Awarded the Golden Key Award for community service in 2002 and 2004; Community Services Award 2007; Realtor Achievement Award 2005

I was founding President of the Clark County Realtors Foundation to help kids, seniors, and families in Clark County and Chairman 2006, 2007 and 2009

Received the Columbian Readers Choice Award for the Best Realtor in Clark County 2009

I am an Accredited Buyer Representative – ABR; Certified Residential Special – CRS; a Graduate of NAR’s Technology Certification Program - E-Pro; a Graduate of the Realtors Institute - GRI; a member of the National Association of Realtors (NAR); a member of the Washington Association of Realtors (WR); and a member of the Realtors Multiple Listing Service (RMLS)

I’ve fixed and built things to make the sale go together so everyone is happy

I’ve invited clients to my Men’s Group

I’ve fished with my clients

I have a Remodeling Business called Scott Mikel & Associates Construction

I’ve taught woodworking to my clients

I build Mission Style and Greene & Greene Furniture

I build kitchens just exactly the way Sam tells me to

I’ve helped my clients build furniture and remodel their own homes

I think everyone has a sense of humor if we could only find it

Together

After working side by side in real estate for 20 years, we decided we could do it better

We didn’t want to work in the large company where just anyone could hang a license

We no longer wanted to "close the office door" to keep our trade secrets secret

We wanted only ethical agents who would do the "Next Right Thing"

We wanted a high tech, high touch company where we had the best technology

We wanted to be able to do a paperless transaction where appropriate

We no longer wanted to pay Franchise Fees that would go out of Clark County

We wanted agents who wanted to make a difference in Clark County – not just in their pocketbooks

We wanted to be known for our ability and our integrity – not just a logo on a building

We worry about our clients and lose sleep over our listings

We brainstorm sometimes as early as 4:00 a.m.

We pray for our clients

We’ve been to our client’s weddings and birthday parties

We mentor new agents who wanted a Real Estate career

We’ve hired our clients

We’ve connected our clients with others for job opportunities

We’ve taken our clients with us to Living Hope Church

We’ve promoted our clients’ businesses through our business

We’ve hiked, biked, walked and traveled with our clients

We’ve hired our client’s kids

We’ve loaned money to our clients (we try not to make a practice of it though)

We’ve done a lot of work for our clients simple because it was the right thing to do

We’ve introduced our clients to each other

We’ve prayed w/ and for our clients (and sometimes for ourselves because of our clients)

We have one daughter, Toni Mikel, also a Realtor, in Portland

Toni started her real estate company in 2006 when we did – Bluebird Real Estate (maybe none of us are real bright)

We try not to burn bridges believing that you never want to make an enemy unless you really need one

We name our Cars – the most vocal one is "SKWISH" – a red and white mini-cooper with an attitude – you’ll see that if you keep reading…

We love our customers (most of them) and all of our agents.

50% of our agents have voluntarily completed the education requirements for a Real Estate Broker. In large companies, that number is closer is 5%

We believe in what we are doing and we work hard to be among the best. Our technology is top notch. The things our customers say attest to that. Our motto is to do the "next right thing."

We will not guarantee that the home buying or selling process will be smooth or easy. What we will promise is that we will be there for you no matter what comes up.

We are willing to be the messenger who is shot because our job is to protect you. Good Realtors are good at solving problems. We are counselors, not sales people. We try to make it fun along the way and after the sale is over, we won’t forget you.

We are thrilled by the opportunity to tailor-fit our style and energies to harmonize with our clients’ personalities.

We are approachable, Sam has common sense -- Scott thinks anything is possible --we have a sense of humor—well Scott’s is a bit better honed than Sam’s :)

Why

We love our job because now with this much experience we can say we are good at it. We love the relationships and the opportunities to make a difference in Clark County and in the lives of people we have come to care about.

If you work with us, we will not guarantee that the home buying process will be smooth and easy, but we will stand by you every step of the way. We have learned to be good negotiators and have learned where the landmines are.

We promise we will be there for you no matter what comes up. As much as we can, we will insulate you from the emotions that come from other parties.

We are willing to be the messenger who is shot because our job is to protect you and help you not be distracted by things that won’t help you make good decisions. Realtors are good at solving problems; we are counselors and negotiators – not salesmen.

We are continually learning and stretching ourselves in order to find new and better ways to improve our service.

We are proud to stand up for you. The goal of the office we have opened is to focus on service and honesty about sales. We do not work independently, keeping our knowledge to ourselves, but rather work with one another to continually raise the standards of service and expertise.

It is our goal to re-create the public’s impression of Realtors as professionals to be trusted, knowledgeable and indispensable.

We are Scott and Sam Mikel — and we are the proud owners of
Scott Mikel & Associates, Inc. REALTORS

For My Businesss Card

And now a word from SKWISH:
(you know how children nag til they get what they want…)

My Name is SKWISH – Yes that’s my Real Name – Just ask the DOL

Yes, I’m the Marketing Mogul for Scott Mikel & Associates

Yes, I have an attitude – you would too if you were me

I came on the scene in 2004 and immediately found a job

I have to work fast cuz I’m told a car’s life isn’t real long

I’m a lot of fun to drive but usually only get to take one customer to look at houses (they use the other (ugly) car if there's more than one customer)

I do have great customers and I even get mail from some of them

People Honk and Wave – they know who I am!

Sometimes they leave business cards on my windshield!

I throw great customer appreciation parties

My first one was when I was 2 – you know, when it was "All About Me"

We rented Cinetopia – I got all cleaned up and got to park in the lobby - (they really should make those front doors about an inch wider)

We showed "The Italian Job" - Click here for the car chase

My birthday cake said "It’s All About Me"

I served cake & ice cream & popcorn & gave away lots of prizes

My second party was when I was 3 held at Hamilton Hall at Fort Vancouver

By then I had my eye on a new mini in town - she was real cute

Her name was "Daisy" – I invited her to come to my party she looked so pretty with her fake eyelashes

I got a fresh detail job and Daisy and I parked in front to greet over 400 customers and friends.

It was great!

Well, then the "Recession" hit – whatever that is.

I just know everyone is on a "budget" – whatever that is

For me, it just meant NO PARTY (I barely got new shoes)

The only bright thing is that a cute little blue mini came to work at Scott Mikel & Associates

She has a sign just like mine in her back window

We even had contest to find her a name

Then we had a big party at Vancouver Pizza (check it out!) to introduce her

Her new name is ZOOOMZ – that’s pronounced "ZOOM-ZIE"

She comes to office meetings every week and we get to hang out by the curb for an hour or so

BUT when this Recession thing is over, I’ll still have an attitude – it’ll just be a better one – and you’ll all hear about it! And if you're real lucky, you'll get an invitation!

Skwish in Cinetopia - Age 2
It was all about me, you know!

The Big one - I couldn't even move!
Ain't She Pretty!

That's all folks

Time to Move >Children and Moves

When you decide it is time to move, it is important to engage your children in the process. Depending on the reason for the move and the distance, moving can cause some concerns for children that parents may not be aware of right away. Moving often means going to a new school, leaving favorite playmates, and experiencing a lot of uncertainty about what the new neighborhood will be like.

The transition will be a lot easier if your children support your efforts to get your current home sold. How can you get them involved in the process? Include the whole family in discussions about the move and invite the children to participate in house-hunting trips. Ask for the children's cooperation in keeping their toys and clothes picked up. Teenagers may be especially touchy about strangers invading their space, and may resist keeping their room in "showing" condition. Stay communicative with your children about developments in the home sale to help them feel connected to the process.

Work with a real estate agent who is comfortable with children and can remain sensitive to your children's needs and concerns. When the house sells, take the whole family out to celebrate the event.

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Q	What area in the United States has the highest per capita income?
A	The New York/New Jersey/Long Island area has a per capita income of over $750,000, according to the most current available U.S. census data.
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