Stephen Ames 

Managing Broker, CRS, SRES, CSSN

Prudential NW Realty Chairman's Circle

C: 206.498.2637

O: 253.765.2327

F: 253.839.7066

www.RealEstateNW.com

Serving with Excellence Since 1975

• Managing Broker’s License: 1979

• Syndications/Limited Partnerships

• 1031 Exchange Certified Agent

• NAR Certified Residential Specialist (CRS)

• NAR Certified Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES)

• NAR Certified Certified Short Sale Negotiator (CSSN)

• CB Previews Property Specialist / ELITE Top 1%

• Prudential Chairman's Circle Office Top Agent

Managing Broker. To qualify to be a Managing Broker, you must first prove two years of full-time activity in the field of Real Estate sales. You must also pass a comprehensive exam after completing a minimum of 200 additional clock hours, plus meet renewal requirements of substantive study and training every two years. Only about 20% of all Agents have a Managing Broker’s status in Washington State. You are not allowed to be a Branch Manager or the Designated Broker of a real estate company without it.  

Syndications/Limited Partnerships. During the early to mid 80's, Stephen was active in the creation and management of limited partnerships and syndications from apartment houses to orchards and office complexes. At the time, these were tax-favored split programs that afforded investors a high rate of return either by tax relief or fixed income. 

1031 Exchange Certification.  In 1981, Stephen became certified in "tax-free" exchanging, and recertified in 1996. The exchange process has allowed many of his client to avoid taxes on the sale and re-purchase into the market by using a facilitator who holds the proceeds of sale and moves that money in whole or in part into the next property, thus avoiding some or all of the capital gains taxes, keeping the basis moving forward, but finding more profitability in another property with greater potential. Recipients of this certification have attended and passed the required courses approved by the State and the NAR for assisting in the process of tax-deferred exchanges. Studies include extensive qualitative and quantitative analysis.  Adjusted cost basis, cost recovery, boot, “equal or greater than” basis evaluation and facilitation are among the related elements of qualified exchanges, whether they be full, partial, or Starker.

NAR Certified Residential Specialist (CRS). This certification is issued by the National Association of Realtors. It has only been awarded to small percentage of all Realtors^® in the nation. One must meet extensive hourly requirements, pass exams and have a proven full-time, high level of sales production in order to qualify to receive the award.

  NAR /WAR/SKAR Member Realtor^®  since 1975.

- National Association of  Realtors^®

- Washington Association of Realtors^®

- Seattle-King County Association of Realtors^®

SRES, Senior Real Estate Specialist. This prestigious  NAR certification, awarded to Stephen in 2009, is to assist the elder community with their real estate issues, specializing in the negotiations and protection for and of seniors. Much of the training and certification process deals with sensitivity to the needs of the elderly, and how to make sure they have good representation in all aspects of their real estate decisions and transitions - often the most difficult to make. Stephen surrounds these situations with additional expertise afforded by CPA's, financial planners and elder law attorneys.

CSSN, Certified Short Sale Negotiator.  This specialty has become essential in dealing with the economic downturn of the last several years, particularly in the area of distress. Distressed Sellers are among the majority these days, while in decades past they have been in the minority of Seller. This was awarded to Stephen in 2010.

Chairmen’s Circle Office Top Agent. Prudential awards their member offices based upon achievement levels in several categories.  Chairman’s Circle status is only given to the top level in the category of Gross Commission Income (GCI) generated. Prudential Northwest realty, a franchise affiliate member of Prudential, is ranked in the top 5% of all of Prudential's offices.

Prudential Chairmen's Circle GOLD Agent. Prudential awards its individual member Agents as to various categories of achievement. This level is the 3rd highest level an individual member Agent can achieve. This annual award is given to Agents for their standing among the highest individual level of production out of Prudential's global members.