“Most will agree that original wood windows are important architectural features in any historic structure, says Tacoma Real Estate Agent Jeff Williams of South Sound Property Group. “They are the ‘eyes’ of the building. They convey a sense of craftsmanship and detail that cannot be achieved with substitute materials.” In addition to being a Realtor, Jeff Williams has extensive experience flipping and renovating historic homes. As a board member of Historic Tacoma and a long time restorer of historic homes, Jeff is frequently asked by friends and clients about restoring their houses.

The House Above with Vinyl Windows

Jeff admits that windows should be replaced if they begin having operational problems: they stick or rattle, latches break, glass is broken, sash cords break and the windows have to be held open with a stick, let in outside air, or need to be painted. However, “These problems are the simplest, most cost-effective to fix,” he says. “More often than not, windows can be easily repaired to operate correctly and last another hundred years.”

According to Jeff, here are just a few of the problems associated with vinyl windows, and why they’re not “maintenance-free.”

1. While it’s true that they don’t require painting, they are not a rigid material like wood, thus they shrink in cold weather, and expand in hot weather. Vinyl begins to soften and distort at 165 degrees Fahrenheit (a temperature that’s easily reached in the space between a window and drapes on a sunny day). And though all windows expand and contract with temperature changes, vinyl expands more than twice that of wood. It expands seven times farther than glass with each degree of temperature. This causes the seal between the vinyl framework and the glass to fail. The problem increases with the size of the window; the bigger the sash, the sooner it fails.
2. Vinyl windows have only been around about 20 years. Will they survive for a hundred?   No one knows, but studies prove that many of the windows installed since the early 1980s are failing at an alarming rate.  According to the International Association of home inspectors, vinyl windows are expected to last between 15 and 20 years.  To make matters worse, vinyl windows can’t be repaired.
3. A big selling point of vinyl windows is double or triple glazed (insulating) sash (two or three panes of glass). These units are manufactured with desiccant filled spacers between the glass panes and sealed on the outside with butyl rubber or silicone. All insulated glass units eventually fail because no sealant stops all moisture penetration. Eventually the desiccant absorbs all it can, and the window becomes cloudy, forever. Conventional wisdom indicates that only marginal heat loss is recovered using insulated glass. As much as 85% of air infiltration (or heat loss) is around the edges of the sash, not through the glass. Energy savings realized by replacing single-glazed windows with insulated windows seldom justifies the replacement cost. Another study indicates it would take more than 50 years to recover the expense; and with an average expected life of 25 years or less, insulated glass units hardly make economic sense.
4. Consider the overall energy efficiency.  According to a study by Preservation Green Lab issued in October 2012, a single glazed wood window with a fitted storm window reaches 92% of the efficiency of a vinyl window (see chart below).  Plus wood lasts 6-8 times longer than vinyl, so the small gain in energy efficiency is lost in replacement cost.

With the aforementioned problems associated with vinyl windows, it’s clear that vinyl replacement windows aren’t a cost effective long term solution.   According to Mark Huppert, technical director of the Preservation Green Lab, “a number of existing window retrofit strategies come very close to delivering the energy benefits of high-performance replacement windows – at a fraction of the cost, from weather stripping and sealing, to installing exterior storm windows or interior cellular shades, almost every retrofit option offers a better return on investment than outright replacement.”  Jeff’s rule of thumb is the 50% rule.  If a window sash is less than 50% deteriorated, it probably is cost effective to repair. If more than 50% deteriorated, replace it with a new wood sash window that matches the existing window.

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We went to Windermere Professional Partner’s top Realtors to find out what their best tips are for coming out on top in a bidding war:

• Write a letter. North Tacoma real estate agent Kelli Jo Hjalseth says that writing a letter to the sellers can have a strong effect. “An emotional letter to the sellers about much you love the house is a great way to show you will be a good steward of the home they made so many memories in,” she says. She stresses to be sincere in why you love the house, and you might find the sellers respond with no additional money out of your pocket.
• Pick up the tab. University Place real estate agent Amy Lowry says helping a seller with closing costs or excise fees is a small amount of money that can go a long way. “It can push a bid that is otherwise equal to become a winner,” she says. Picking up the seller’s half of title or escrow insurance can make a difference on their bottom line.
• Offer to “rent back” to the sellers. Tacoma real estate agent (and Instagram photographer extraordinaire) Anne Jones says that renting the home back to the sellers after closing can relieve the pressure on them to find their next home. “I think renting back is particularly important in our current market. So many sellers must get their place closed before they can purchase, and then inventory is insanely tight when they are ready to shop.” Giving the sellers some breathing room to find their next house could be a low cost way of sealing the deal.
• Have your earnest money ready. Windermere Professional Partners Owner and Managing Broker Kevin Mullin says that while early inspections, letters, and pre-approval for financing really help- in the end … “Money talks. Put you money down and show the sellers you’re ready to go. If a higher offer comes in, but still needs financing, you’ll be in a great position.”

And remember, there’s still a lot more houses that we expect to come onto the market as prices increase. Make the best offer you can for your situation and If you don’t win, you’ll know it wasn’t meant to be, and you’ll be ready for the right place when it comes along.

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“I am excited to be a part of WPP mainly for the atmosphere and the professionalism of the company, and to reach out to the community and help put people in homes,” explains Warren. “It also allows me to work close with veterans and guide them through the amazing benefits they have for serving their country.”

“Will recently retired from a career in the military serving his country,” said WPP broker Michael Handy. “We look forward to him bringing that dedication to his clients in his real estate career. We are very proud to have Will as part of our team.”

When Will isn’t assisting his clients, he enjoys creating music and regularly plays shows around the Pacific Northwest. He is involved with a charity called Love, Hope, Strength, an organization that helps provide funding for cancer research through the music industry.

For more information or to contact Will Warren, check out his website here!

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Windermere Professional Partners is proud to welcome Lynette Reynolds to the office at 2209 North Pearl Street Suite 200 in Tacoma. As a resident of University Place, Lynette has 12 years of experience in commercial real estate and is now interested in stepping into the world of residential real estate! With a strong background in customer service, Lynette is most excited to have the opportunity to represent buyers.

“I’m looking forward to being part of that great adventure called home ownership!” shares Lynette. “Helping people is my favorite thing and being part of a team that shares that same passion is so exciting!”

Before entering real estate, Lynette worked as a make-up artist and skincare consultant at Macy’s and Nordstrom where she not only had the opportunity to work with the best in the industry, but also learned everything she knows about customer service!

“We welcome Lynette Reynolds to the Windermere Professional Partners team,” said WPP Branch Manager Michael Handy. “All of us are very happy that Lynette has chosen Windermere Professional Partners. We look forward to helping her in the next step of her Real Estate career.”

For more information or to Contact Lynette, click here to visit her website!

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The decision to sell your home and move into a smaller home, assisted living, or long term care is a very important one for seniors. Windermere Professional Partners REALTORS® Jim Hoiland and Shirley Knoop specialize in the unique needs of seniors and their families and have created this video for seniors who are going over their options. The video features useful information, profiles of some local 55+ communities, and testimonials from seniors clients about how they worked through their moving decisions.

Congratulations on the great video, Jim and Shirley!

Jim and Shirley’s video was produced by Matt Francis of Open Door Productions.

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A Pierce County Native, Terrie graduated from Rogers High School in Puyallup and went on to get her Accounting Degree from Montana State University. “I was happy to move back home to Pierce County where I met my husband,” says Terrie. “We now reside in Gig Harbor with our 3 dogs!”

After becoming a REALTOR in 2005 Terrie then went on to obtain her Managing Brokers license in 2008. She has volunteered with Macy’s Make a Wish Foundation and is passionate about her community. “We are all very pleased to have Terrie Racca join the WPP family,” says WPP Tacoma North Managing Broker Michael Handy. “Terrie brings with her expertise in residential new construction as well as residential re-sale. Her work ethic is outstanding and compliments her ability to find the right home for the right buyer.”

After all these years in the real estate business Terrie is just as dedicated to her clients success as she was when she started. “Real estate has always peaked my interest and I’m more than happy that I made it my career,” says Terrie, “The Windermere name represents professionalism with integrity for their clients as well as their agents that work with them.”

For more information on Terrie Racca visit her website or contact her!

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“Several years ago the WPP Broker Advisory Board (made up of agents elected from WPP offices) took the initiative to select the charitable organization that our company would support on an annual basis,” says Kevin Mullin, Owner and Managing Broker of Windermere Professional Partners. “When we heard Bill Lemke’s story and the reason he and his wife have such a passion for their work, Northwest Furniture Bank was embraced as the chosen charitable organization for WIndermere Professional Partners Realtors.”

NW Furniture Bank works with non profits all over the county to provide new and used furniture to families in need.  Since learning about NWFB, WPP Realtors have held fundraisers, assembled furniture, helped families pick out items for their homes, and loaded furniture into moving trucks to deliver right to people’s homes.

“After a few volunteer days there, we can not say enough about the great things Northwest Furniture Bank does for our community,” says Kevin. “And the fact that we are able to help Bill and his team in those efforts is something all of us at WPP feel good about.”

The check for $9,000 came from The Windermere Foundation. The Windermere Foundation was created in 1989 as a grassroots effort by local Windermere Realtors to serve families in need in Washington State.  Over the past 20+ years the foundation has grown to include every single Windermere office in America.   Over the past 20 years, the foundation has organized donations for more than $21 million dollars to provide shelter, clothing, children’s programs, emergency assistance and other services to those in our communities who need help the most.

Every single home that is sold by a Windermere Realtor includes a donation to the Windermere Foundation, which then goes on to support projects all over the country. 

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“Maggie will be a great addition to the WPP family,” says Windermere Professional Partners North Office Managing Broker Michael Handy. “She brings with her a drive and dedication to the industry that will be sure to please her clients. Maggie has committed to a full time career as a Realtor and we are looking forward to her success.”

Maggie is very involved in the community, working in the classrooms at Downing Elementary, and Mason Middle School. She’s also volunteered with Boy Scounts of America, Point Defiance Zoo, and Citizens for a Healthy Bay.

“I am excited to join a team where I can make a difference in peoples lives,” says Maggie.”I’m looking forward to helping people make the transition, whether they are buying or selling a home, as smooth and easy as possible!”

To find out more about Maggie, visit her website!

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When:  Friday March 8^th 6-7:30 PM

Where: The YMCA located at 1002 S. Pearl Street Tacoma, WA 98465.

Cost: $20.00 gets you into the event. This includes a one and a half hour session with our fabulous instructors, beverages, and a treat bag made especially for you.

Regina has a passion for fitness, and this event is close to her heart. “ I really believe in the YMCA’s mission, and the Stong Kids fundraising campaign in particular,” says Regina. “It is amazing how this program directly affects local families and youth and makes a positive difference in this community.  THAT excites me!  And the opportunity to partner with the Y, with dynamic instructors, and with friend in the area to celebrate, sweat, and give back – now THAT is what I am talking about.”

Looking to join in the fun? Contact Regina today to get your ticket. Can’t make it but want to help? Raffle tickets are $10, and you can contact Regina to get those as well!

Strap on your athletic shoes and wear something comfortable.  We are looking forward to seeing you.  Let’s make a difference in our community!

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Jasmyn has been involved at many levels of the organization over the years and believes i is part of being successful as a Realtor. “Because I see the value of our association and understand how it’s success directly effects my career in real estate, it is a no brainer for me to be involved.” says Jasmyn. “I am honored that my peers see value in my contributions to the greater success of our trade as a whole.  I am as committed to being a Realtor as Windermere Professional Partners is to cultivating top tier brokers.”

To learn more about Jasmyn, visit her website.

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