Who Am I?

I aim to be a special agent, helping my clients feel safe and well-tended as they make some of the most important decisions of their lives. Eight years’ experience in one of the hottest markets in the country have taught me a lot about guiding people through the sometimes surreal world of real estate.

Buying and selling homes is fraught with fear, peril, and excitement. It’s kind of like bungee jumping—lots of fun, so long as the proper safeties are in place. I seek to give you that sense of safety as you move through your transaction from start to finish.

I do not see myself as a salesperson. I see myself as a professional guide who helps clients through the perils, pitfalls, and pleasures of buying or selling a home. I do my job with diligence, humor, and respect for the impact these investments have on my clients’ lives.

As a realtor, I am an independent contractor. I have chosen to affiliate myself with Windermere Real Estate because it is what some call the Rolls Royce of brokerages in our area, offering my clients the best marketing resources and support available.

My Turf

Although I’m able to find you a house in any neighborhood you like, I choose to specialize in South and Central Seattle real estate because I know from experience what a great place this is to live: I live here myself!

My home is in Columbia City, which has been transformed in the last ten years because of the vision and enthusiasm of local residents and help from the City of Seattle's Department of Neighborhoods. Neighbors are involved here, from our schools to our weekly summer Columbia City Farmer's Market, to our monthly Beatwalk and other cultural events. We're close to Lake Washington and several parks where we enjoy swimming, biking, walking, and Bald Eagle sightings.

My house is a very cute (i.e. small) Craftsman-style bungalow. We rented it for several years and were happy when we were able to buy it, although, like most people, we wish we'd bought it sooner. Our yard is almost one-and-a-half lots, has several old fruit trees and is quite secluded. My partner and I have planted a good-sized vegetable garden and lots of perennials and we hope to be in the Columbia City Garden Tour in the future.

My Other Lives

Prior to becoming a special agent, I had my own landscaping business called Artful Gardens. I still love to garden and it's a skill I'm happy to share with clients.

Before that I lived in the East Village of New York City. I had my own painting and decorating company called Painting Ladies and also performed in off-off-Broadway theatre, where I developed a comedy act with another English woman poking fun at English and American cultures.

Since the real estate business is quite dramatic itself, I like to “chill out,” by rollerblading at Alki Beach, swimming in Lake Washington, walking my dogs, gardening, and practicing yoga. I love camping and hiking, go to the Vancouver Folk Music Festival every year, and generally spend as much time as I can outside (when the sun is shining).

My Philosophy

Honesty and sincerity are key to me. I've had my own business for 15 years and have always aligned my personal beliefs and values with my business practices.

As part of my philosophy, I believe in sharing the wealth. At the end of each year, I give a percentage of my commissions to local humanitarian or animal rights organizations. Recent recipients have included:

• The Prison Pet Partnership Program
• Doctors Without Borders
• Centro de Mujeres Maria Luisa Ortez, a women’s clinic in Nicaragua
• Pigs Peace, a sanctuary in Arlington for abandoned and abused pigs and other animals.
• The Seva Foundation, an organization that helps fund projects in Latin America and India
• The Natural Resources Defense Council
• The Boom Town Café, a restaurant that teaches homeless people job skills
• Pasado's Safe Haven, a rural shelter for abused farm animals
• The Tenants’ Union
• Hate Free Zone

If you choose to work with me, I will contribute a percentage of any profit I make to a similarly worthy cause!

Call Me!

If you have any more questions about me and my work, please do give me a jingle.