Karen Abbey began her real estate career in 2010 in Seattle and has always striven to maintain her commitment to exceeding client expectations. She is known as an advocate and “tactful negotiator,” which has resulted in clients sharing 5-star Zillow ratings, being voted a 5-Star Professional in 2019 and 2020, and achieving many international production awards.

Karen’s expertise serves buyers and sellers and underscores pricing/offer strategy, trusted contractor referrals, proven staging services, and premium marketing. She is a member of the National Association of Realtors, the Washington State Association of Realtors, and the Seattle-King County Association of Realtors.

1.

Paul & Vince: What are the best things about living and working in Seattle?

Karen: Seattle is a fabulous “big-little” city…It has a metropolitan population of just over 4 million, but the downtown is still charming and walkable. We’ve got all the restaurants, musicians, theaters, and galleries, but we’re surrounded by mountains and bodies of water everywhere. On one side of the city, we have a large beautiful lake, Lake Washington, and on the other, the Puget Sound, with the Pacific Ocean just beyond that. The people here love to be active at all times of the year. It’s about having a work/life balance and a good quality of life.

I want to think that the kind of people who founded the well-known companies headquartered here have that energetic, laid-back mix in Seattle. Amazon, for example, brought a younger vibe downtown, and the same goes for Microsoft, which is in the area…Nordstrom, Expedia, Costco, Brooks Running, and most people know Starbucks was started here.

2.

Paul & Vince: What did you do before entering real estate?

Karen: Well, I started in sales and marketing, but I wanted to make a change in the late 2000s. This was in 2009, in the middle of a down market. So, I was this fish going upstream; just as many people were leaving the real estate. But I toop a leap and here I am today. A few years ago, I made a move to the Engel & Voelkers Downtown office, and I love it. We have wonderful people, and it’s important to have a company that has a heart and soul because that extends into how we conduct our business.

3.

Paul & Vince: What’s happening in your real estate market now?

Karen: Well, I’m sure it’s probably similar to what’s happening in most other markets. We’ve slowed because of the interest rates going up, as well as economic factors. But there’s still business happening, and people are still buying houses. Of course, big tech has had a huge effect on the Seattle area, and there have been layoffs at Microsoft, Amazon, Twitter, and Facebook…So, many people are more insecure about their jobs.

4.

Paul & Vince: So, what do you like most about your career in real estate?

Karen: Honestly, I am a people person, a true connector. My greatest joy is giving my clients the best experience possible. Real estate is a huge deal in people’s lives, one of the largest purchases they’re ever going to make. And all of the details matter.

Paul & Vince: Right, of course.

Karen: But I also love architecture. Growing up, my dad was a graphic designer and a photographer, so I love looking at how an image of a beautiful home translates into people’s imaginations…into what makes them fall in love with a house. I’m always learning.

…and one more, Just For Fun

Paul & Vince: Now it’s time for our Just for Fun question. If you had an endless budget to build a fairy tale castle, what unique things would yours include?

Karen: Hmmm…In my fairytale castle, I would have at least one classic turret. But I would get creative with the design. Inside, I’d like a large music room. I have many CDs so I would have a huge music library…and a dance floor.

Paul & Vince: If you’re like Cinderella, you probably need the dance floor for your ball…

Karen: Yes! And there would be a room just for Imagination…with a tiki bar! And we could sit around with our cocktails and imagine how we want to live in our world. Oh, and live musicians! Since it’s my castle, I would choose, of course, the Beatles. But I also love The Doors, the Foo Fighters…

Paul & Vince: It sounds like quite a music lineup in the Imagination Room.

Karen: Absolutely. And everyone is welcome to come by to imagine anything, day or night!

Original artwork by Jolisa Robinson, Gavriani-Falcone Team Marketing