REVIEWS

Nick works harder than agents that charge triple

“Nick helped us sell our home in Kirkland WA. It sold in 1 weekend for a great price even as some nearby homes languished on the market. Part of the magic is Nick's keen understanding of the market and what we needed to do to make our home attractive to buyers. But really Nick works harder than agents that charge triple the commission. As a retired CPA I appreciate value and Nick offers unparalleled value. Plus, he is a real nice guy to work with.”

Downtown Kirkland

Had more than 100 people walk-thru the house & 11 offers - all over asking price!

“Nick and his team did an outstanding job presenting and selling our home in Woodinville. We listed on a Friday morning, had appointments later that afternoon and by Sunday evening, had more than 100 people walk-thru the house and 11 offers - all over asking price! Nick has been great to work with - very informative, positive and responsive all through the process. We couldn't be happier with how things went in the sale of our house and would not hesitate to enthusiastically recommend Nick and Upgrade Realty!”

Woodinville

We felt like we had a warrior in our camp

“Nick did a truly AMAZING job navigating this crazy market for us!! Everything he told us would happen… DID happen. His experience and knowledge are invaluable! He went ABOVE and BEYOND to help us as well as having oodles of compassion for our emotional ups & downs. He answered every question and was always attentive and easy to reach. We felt like we had a warrior in our camp throughout the whole process. His intuition and expertise was spot on! He is an agent you can trust to work for YOUR benefit!”

Clearview / Snohomish

If you do not hire him, your loss

“The best...from the start, Nick was nothing more than professional from day one. Spoke honestly concerning current evaluation of the area, a solid price to sell at, and what we could expect. Nick suggested companies to help in completing the upgrades needed to sell the home. All bids were fair (compared to two other bids minimum I obtained), and his referenced companies were professional and completed all work on time. When we put home up for sell, all viewings were scheduled. We had 30 viewings in a three-day period, and three offers on the third day. Sold the house in three days, amazing. I can only say, if you do not hire him, your loss. - Home sold in September 2023 Former Bellevue, WA resident”

Robinswood / Bellevue

A dream transaction with a dream agent

“I honestly could have written a 5-star review on day one of meeting Nick Southard—talk about amazing customer service!!! I feel very lucky I found the beautiful Upgrade Real Estate site, and so I decided to call...what was so impressive to me was that Nick the "owner" of the company answered my call (what?). This was just a great indicator of the good things to come. My first call was on Wednesday, I met Nick and his photographer on Thursday, he created my gorgeous listing (with the most incredible photos) that went live on Friday, then hosted an open house on Saturday—by Tuesday morning I received a solid "full-price offer" that I accepted —yes, Nick made it happen in less than one week! As we proceeded through the inspection and appraisal process Nick was there each step of the way to provide what I needed with regular communication, important updates, expert knowledge, "emotional support" and even extra bonus help like getting a key made and delivering it to a HOA board member as well as purchasing a light fixture, delivering it to the property and offering to install it, then making another trip to turn off the lights and close the blinds after the sale went through—all so I did not have to. When an unexpected paperwork glitch came up during the sales process this was also expertly handled by Nick, so I did not have to worry about a thing. What more can I say? This was a dream transaction with a dream agent who has a passion for customer service and getting homes SOLD while providing unbelievable professionalism, warmth and integrity beyond compare. Again, I feel lucky I found my "forever" Real Estate agent. Nick Southard and Upgrade Realty are the real deal!”

Cherry Hill / Seattle

Nick’s work was flawless

“I recommend Upgrade Realty without reservation. Nick’s work on my recent transaction was flawless. He assessed the market with amazing insight, positioned the property perfectly, and put together a deal that was a great win for everybody involved. I’ve bought and sold about a dozen properties in my life. I’ve seen the good and bad of real estate transactions. The transaction Upgrade handled was the best of any of them. They were the right choice for me, and I’m confident they would be for you too.”

Alaska Junction / West Seattle

I loved the enthusiasm he had for my place

“I found Nick through his online advertising and I made the decision to use him as the agent to sell my condo after he came over for the 2nd time giving me a very detailed marketing plan as to how he planned to sell my home for top dollar. I loved the enthusiasm he had for my place and I anticipated that he would present the same energy during any open house he would hold. He came by and spent one whole morning setting up beautiful lights that gave my outdoor patio a wow factor for the photography. I appreciate the small things he helped with while we were trying to get my condo ready for the open house. He has a strong attention to detail and pointed out things that only an experienced agent would pick up on. The pictures turned out incredible and we found the perfect buyer. He always kept me in the loop with everything from how the open house went to getting the initial offer. Nick negotiated the best deal for me and I am so happy I trusted Upgrade Reality to sell my first condo. I would highly recommend Nick to friends and family because of how hard working he is for his clients and I plan to use him for my future deals!”

Alaska Junction / West Seattle

Nick is the best realtor I have ever met

“Nick is the best realtor I have ever met. My condo was pulling back from the market a few years ago with not good experience. But under Nick's help, he make my condo looks great and sold it in 4 days, i am very happy to work with Nick.”

Totem Lake / Kirkland

Super kind, knowledgeable, very available with fast response times

“Nick is an absolutely amazing agent! Super kind, knowledgeable, very available with fast response times, and very easy to talk to. He also has excellent strategies when making an offer and has a few tricks up his sleeve that helped me win a mini bidding war. Even after the deal has closed, Nick still checked in to see how I was doing and even volunteered to help fix some things around the house and spruce up the place with new upgrades. Nick is really committed to helping his clients find and live in a great home. I highly recommend him! You can’t go wrong with Nick!”

Bridle Trails / Bellevue

He made the process of selling so much less stressful

“Nick was there to answer each and every question. He was knowledgeable and patient. His photography team was excellent! He made the process of selling so much less stressful, which is exactly what you need when selling your home!”

Lake Stevens

Nick was ALWAYS available and prompt in communication

“Nick has continued to be our trusted agent. Working with Nick over years, both as a buyer and seller, has been a pleasure. Most recently, Nick was a confident and competent agent for listing and selling our condo in West Seattle. At our initial intake meeting, Nick came prepared with his research specific to our needs and area. He gave us full confidence in his ability and provided clear expectations and proposals to be suit our situation. Nick was ALWAYS available and prompt in communication. Even while working through some challenges, he was always there to brainstorm and plan ahead for any situation. Our sale went smoothly and on time, all thanks to Nick. We will continue to trust Nick for all of our future endeavors. I highly recommend Nick for any of your real estate needs.”

West Seattle

Respectful. Tactful. Professional.

“Nick is super easy to work with. Professional photographers, stagers, and cleaners were at the ready to prepare our home to be sold at top dollar. Communication was excellent and we saved with his commission structure. I would highly recommend Nick for anyone selling their home. Respectful. Tactful. Professional.”

Redondo Beach

Nick was amazing our house sold in 4 days above asking

“Nick was amazing our house sold in 4 days above asking. Always available to answer any questions. Can't say enough.”

Arlington

Nick lives and breathes Real Estate

“Nick lives and breathes Real Estate. I really like how available he is every single time I called or texted. Extremely knowledgeable about every aspect of selling or buying a home. Much experience. Mine sold in about a minute and a half with a cash bidding war. He navigated it really well. We also seemed to have the same taste and sensibilities which helped. He spends a LOT on the photography and it really showed. Cannot recommend him enough.”

Freeland / Whidbey Island

Sold our house in 4 days & got 9% over asking price

“Nick was fantastic to work with on selling our home! He not only met but exceeded our expectations. We thought we had missed out on the sellers’ market, but we sold our house in 4 days with multiple bids and got 9% over asking price! After living in our home for 24 yrs., the selling process was very emotional. Nick was very understanding, easy to work with, gave great preparation advise, responded to communication quickly, has wonderful marketing, and all for 1% commission! I highly recommend Nick!!”

Port Orchard

Full Service from beginning to end

“Amazing services. Upgrade Realty provide full service from beginning to end. The agent even help you move heavy furnitures, and clean house. From the listing to sold, Nick will take care every steps. And yes, the commission only 1%. My house was a little bit challenge to sell because sloped yard. But Nick has very great skill and strategy, he made 50 showings in a month, and bring offers. Highly recommend who want to save more money, and get best services.”

Fairwood / Renton

Available every time I reached out & strong negotiation skills

“We recently closed on the sale of our property with Nick. We were thoroughly pleased with the professionalism and level of service Nick provided to us. This was our second attempt at trying to sell our home, and we ended up choosing Nick after our initial meeting with him. His marketing plan was right on and we really appreciated the investment he makes on the photography - the photos were top notch. He was also readily available every time I reached out and he had strong negotiation skills as well. We highly recommend Upgrade Realty - you get full service at a fraction of the cost.”

Redmond

His value was immeasurable in so many ways

“Working with Nick Southard was an amazing experience. I was looking for an agent who was willing to go above and beyond what is expected of a great agent. And since I was in another state, I needed to ask a lot of my realtor. Man, did I find the right agent. Time and time again, and without even being asked, Nick went above and beyond… saving me money, cutting the time for the transaction, always on top of the action. It was hard to believe how quickly Nick was able to get tasks completed. Somehow, in a matter of days, painting was done, carpet was replaced, repairs made…even if that meant Nick making trips to Home Depot himself. And when it was possible, Nick even made some repairs himself! I always felt confident that Nick was acting in my best interest, getting me the biggest bang for my buck, and even managing to donate furnishings to worthwhile causes when a lesser agent would have simply paid to have them taken to the dump. Marketing was just right, with fabulous photos and great communication with other agents. His value was immeasurable in so many ways. Communication with me was timely and efficient. I received such quick responses that I felt as if I was top priority. Closing was seamless. Final papers were brought to me for my signature in my home by a notary. I’ve taken part in many closings.. never one any simpler than this! I want to mention that I needed to sell two properties that I had been renting out for many years. Both were VERY small, one in VERY rough shape. I mention this because these were not sales that would result in massive commissions, far from it. But Nick’s always treated them as if they were. I was a real estate agent in the Midwest for a number of years. I was aware that my expectations were very high, maybe even a little unrealistic. But my expectations were met and exceeded…including SALES OF BOTH PROPERTIES WITH CLEAN FULL PRICE OR BETTER CONTRACTS (one within a day, the other within a week!). What a lucky day it was for me when I contacted Nick Southard.”

West Seattle & First Hill

A True Professional Who Gives 110% for 1/3 the Cost

“Over the years we have bought and sold 5 homes and Nick is by far the best realtor we have hired. He was available at any time night or day including weekends. He did multiple open houses at times convenient for us. The photos were so good that our buyer flew out from Ohio to tour our home. He is a true professional who gives 110% for 1/3 the cost of inferior agents. We will use Nick if we ever need a realtor and have already recommended him to friends.”

West Seattle

Nick is Extremely Prompt & Knowledgeable

“Nick was excellent to work with! He is extremely prompt and knowledgeable about the entire process from A to Z. Nick went above and beyond for our listing and was a dedicated agent. I’ve worked with a bunch of agents and they’re not created equal. Don’t second guess giving Nick a call!”

Langley / Whidbey Island

We Were Lucky to Find Nick

“We were lucky to find Nick when we searched for a discount brokerage firm online. His outstanding full service with only 1% listing fee is absolutely the best value for any homeowners. His professional skills and strategies was perfect for our Seattle home sale. We really appreciate his quick response, precise communication, great referral on contractors, and negotiating a better price with the carpet vendor. He went above and beyond! We look forward to working with him in the future. Here is an interesting story to add: Nick texted us shortly after we provided him with our address: ‘I sold the house next door 10 years ago’ : )”

Seattle / Ravenna

Very knowledgeable about real-estate and passionate about marketing

“Just sold my house with Upgrade Realty, Nick was very professional, a great communicator, very knowledgeable about real-estate and passionate about marketing. Offers all the same services as competitors at 1% commission. Highly recommended!”

North Bend

I would strongly recommend Upgrade Realty!

“Nick at Upgrade Realty was fantastic! He helped guide us through all the steps we needed to take to sell our house FAST and above our asking price. He recommended vendors (carpet company, power washing) that he had relationships with that were efficient and affordable. I really appreciated Nick's thoughtful communication throughout. I would strongly recommend Upgrade Realty!”

Kent

The Best Agent I Have Ever Used

“Nick was amazing. Full service at a fraction of the cost. He always answered my calls, text and emails. The best agent I have ever used. Service is second to none. He sold my house in 4 days. He negotiated minimal fixes at a full price offer. I was so happy he helped me find, purchase and negotiate my new place!”

Bothell

Professional demeanor, very responsive, courteous, respectful, and just THE BEST

“We worked with Nick Southard/Upgrade Realty as our Agent to buy and then sell our house and he was super awesome throughout both the transactions. Excellent professional demeanor, very responsive, courteous, respectful, and just THE BEST. If you are in the market to buy/sell, look no further ... call Nick. Highly Recommended!!!”

Lake Stevens

Nick has high moral character and work ethic

“I met Nick Southard... when I was trying to sell my townhouse in Mukilteo. He became my listing agent and got it sold, despite it's quirky architectural design and parking issues... He has a fun upbeat personality and is mindful and diligent in preparing one's property for maximum potential value... Nick has high moral character and work ethic. His work is of the highest standard... I would highly recommend Nick to any home-owner who takes pride in their property and wants to show-case it in the lime-light that it deserves.”

Mukilteo

The Photoshoot Was the Best I've Seen Yet

“I wanted to say a big thanks to Nick Southard our realtor with Upgrade Realty, he did an amazing with getting our home listed, the photo shoot was the best I have seen yet, from our very first day we had a ton of traffic in our home. He did his research to make sure we were selling our home for the right price in the current market. We had 3 offers and one in the first week, and when we finally had the right family for our home it sold for our asking price. Pretty amazing and it sold in 30 days from the day we listed our home. I would recommend Nick for anyone looking to sell your home, He only charges 1% fee. Nick get's all Ten with us”

Snohomish

I'm truly grateful that I found him

“Nick has been SUCH a pleasure to work with! I'm truly grateful that I found him. I found him after he sold 2 other units in my condo complex which I was very impressed with. He ensured everything ran smoothly during the sale. Nick also went out of his way to make sure the place was staged beautifully and the marketing was so so SO well done. He brought in an amazing photographer. My situation in particular was a difficult one, dealing with a stubborn ex who got his also stubborn father involved, but Nick handled it so calmly and I literally cannot thank him enough for it. He is extremely detail oriented, hardworking and patient. You won't regret going with Upgrade Realty. :)”

Microsoft / Bellevue

My house sold for above asking cause he knew the value was there

“Nick went above and beyond to get my house sold for above asking cause he knew the value was there…..no one will work harder than Nick…. He is awesome!!!!”

Sunnyside / Marysville

We Were Over The Moon with Nick

“Our experience with Nick Southard was amazing! He is very professional and has excellent communication skills. He listened to our needs and presented them perfectly to the buyer. He takes your call every time - no vm unless perhaps he's on the other line. Provided us with potential buyers feedback immediately and then provided us with next steps. Nick sold our home in Bellevue WA when the market was low in 2010 within 8 weeks, and got us very close to our expected selling price! We were over the moon with Nick and greatly appreciated all his hard work. In fact, we will be calling him again soon regarding the sale of our current home. The photos he takes of your home are beautiful!! Nick is very knowledgable, personable and a straight shooter. He provided us with all the information needed to make a good discussion on selling our home. You will be very happy and pleased knowing you will be receiving the best possible service once you sign on/up with Nick.”

Bellevue

Pending in 1 Day at 8% Over List Price

“Nick represented me in the sale of my Seattle condo. He was wonderful with managing expectations, listing quickly and fielding all of the agent inquiries. We ended up going pending one day after hitting the market at 8% above list price! Closing was smoothly managed. Such an easy selling experience. I cannot recommend Nick’s services enough!”

West Seattle

Nick showed his versatility through out the process

“Speed bumps were flattened, continual progress made and Nick showed his versatility through out the process! "Especially at the end" when Title company errors were found!”

Bellevue

He sold my house and he will sell my next home

“Nick is a very professional person & I would recommend his services - very knowledgeable - he sold my house and he will sell my next home . Thank you”

Maple Valley

Exceptional Full Service

“We highly recommend Nick and Upgrade Realty. Exceptional full service at a reduced rate! We would definitely recommend and use him again! Thanks Nick!”

Seattle / Phinney Ridge

Nick Was Always Available to Answer My Questions

“I had an awesome experience working with Nick. Nick was professional, always available to answer my questions and cared enough to make sure I understood each step in the process. He even offered to help with anything I needed from moving a treadmill to help patching a wall. I would recommend Nick to anyone looking to sell their home.”

Lynnwood

My Condo Sold for $20,000 over the Listed Price!

“Nick was so easy to work with and he delivered on everything he told me. He had the best photographer who took fantastic photos and my condo sold for $20,000 over the listed price! Thank you Nick for your great communication and expertise!”

Downtown Kirkland

Nicks Dedication Was Impressive

“I met Nick through a referral from our friends. Nick ended up listing and selling my home along with helping me to find a new home. Nicks dedication was very impressive. He spent hours and days with my wife and I working on finding the right home to buy. Driving us all over 2 counties trying to find that right home. Nick knows the market very well, has good advice, and provided an amazing service.”

Bellevue

Nick was phenomenal!

“Nick is the best Real Estate agent we have ever known and was the key element in 2x different home changes for my wife and I. The best real estate agent should have passion and not treat a client like a pending paycheck. Nick was phenomenal! He cared for us and always wanted the best result for us. We will use Nick again and refer him to everyone we know.”

Shoreline

Nick is intelligent and knows the real estate market inside and out

“Nick helped us sold our Kirkland House this year! The transaction went very smooth. We are very pleased with his professional skills. Nick is intelligent and knows the real estate market inside and out. He has incredible attention to detail and pointed out things in potential homes that other realtors never considered. He is analytical and takes a sensible and logical approach to the process. I would highly recommend Nick Southard for anyone looking to buy or sell their home!”

Kirkland, WA

I Wish I had Another House to Sell, So I Could Work With Him Again!

“Nick was professional, responsive, smart, I would recommend him over anyone and I interviewed a few agents. I wish I had another house to sell, so I could work with him again!”

Kenmore

I was Impressed with His Knowledge, His Congeniality

“Nick came to me after I saw him on the web stating he would offer me a 1% commission on the sale of my condo. However, when I started dealing with him, I was impressed with his knowledge, his congeniality, and had the feeling he was working for ME, not some heartless real estate company.”

Bellevue

We Never Knew Selling a Home Could Go So Smoothly

“We were very pleased with Nick & never knew selling a home could go so smoothly. In the future, Upgrade is our first choice”

Everett

Nick was Extremely Professional

“Nick was extremely professional and he really knew how to quickly list and sell a property in what I would consider the most painless and efficient manner possible. He provided great tips and advice on how to prepare and show a property and even had a professional photographer take photos for flyers and the MLS listing. My property sold within a week. He was very pleasant to work with, communicated well and I will surely recommend his services to my closest associates. Thank you Nick!”

Edmonds

My Listing Was Marketed Far Better Than Any Competing Property Copy

“My listing was marketed far better than any competing property… Can you guess who was first to sell? Thank You Upgrade!”

Seattle

My Home Sold in Two Days

“Nick gives superb service at an amazingly reduced rate! His knowledge of the market gave him tricks up his sleeve, such as listing the house in two areas because he knew if the house was less than a half mile from another area, it could be listed in the second area for a small fee. The photos of the house were excellent and the flyer and online representation first rate. Plus, Nick was always available for every concern and question. My home sold in two days at the asking price and closing went smoothly. I'm very please with all Nick has done in selling the house. I would highly recommend him.”

Woodinville

Nick Is My Go-To Guy

“Nick helped me buy my first home, and my experience was good enough that I actually called him back to help me sell a few years later. He was always a pleasure to work with - smart, friendly, and very dedicated. He even negotiated a better selling price for me than what I'd asked for! When the time comes for me to move again, Nick is my go-to guy.”

Burien

Nick was Able to Sell ... $10,000 Over the List Price!

“Listing my home with Nick Southard at Upgrade Real Estate was a wise decision which I am very glad I made. Nick was able to sell my Townhome in a just a few days on the market for $10,000 over the list price! Nick is a highly detailed and extremely knowledgeable real estate professional who I found always available to provide me with expert advice and assistance. I will definitely be using Nick at Upgrade Real Estate for all my future transactions and would highly refer him.”

Seattle

Top Notch, Helpful & Professional

“Nick sold two homes for our family since 2011. He was very helpful particularly with selling our very unique home in Lynnwood--always available to talk & answer questions. Definitely recommend him. Top notch, helpful & professional.”

Lynnwood

He Truly Cares

“Mr. Southard has sold me three homes....and sold 3 of my homes! Flawless, quick, and easy transactions! He truly cares about his clients. Nick was responsive to my needs and finding a home to suit my wish list!”

Bothell

I'd Enthusiastically Recommend Nick Southard

“Nick helped us sell our home in Fremont in 2010. The process was easy, and even in an economic downturn with several similar properties in our area we got a great price. He was responsive to our questions and arranged a photographer to capture our home beautifully. As I recall, the house was only on the market for about 3 weeks before it sold, which at the time was a small miracle. I'd enthusiastically recommend Nick Southard if you want to sell your home.”

Seattle

Look No Further Than Nick Southard

“If you are looking for exceptional customer service to help buy or sell your real estate, look no further than Nick Southard. Nick is a knowledgeable real estate professional who . We had an exceptionally difficult short sale transaction and had a number of worries that we felt we needed someone who could help us navigate what we. We considered several real estate agents, but learned of Nick Southard. Nick showed up to our condo wearing a suit and tie and had a solid handshake. We felt immediate relief from the anxiety that we had been feeling. Nick understands the ins and outs of selling real estate from beginning to end. The photographs of the condo were stunning. His sense of aesthetic for staging combined with his stellar photographer made the photographs really pop. We found the perfect buyer and the transaction was easy on our end. how to market, getting flyers out. We had an exceptionally difficult situation that involved him not getting as much money and he treated made us equal importance/client even though he wouldn't make as much income off of our particular sale. Not only that, our sale required extra paperwork because of the short sale. At that time there was a government deadline for submitting the closing paperwork. to the title company was lagging and he pulled strings by driving to the title company in person to make sure the title company to save us thousands of dollars in taxes. We're finally sitting down to write a review. It would be easy to skip it after all this time, but we can never thank Nick enough. If you are looking for a professional who will be in your corner, look no further.”

Seattle

Nick Constantly Kept Me Well Updated

“Nick approached me offering his services when I was trying to sell my place by owner. After speaking to MANY questionable agents, I could quickly tell there was something positively different and uplifting about him! I am happy I listed my townhome with Nick and was very impressed with his sales, marketing and communication skills. Nick constantly kept me well updated and was always quick and easy to get a hold of at all times everyday. We received a tremendous response from buyers and several offers. I am grateful we connected... Nick is my go to real estate pro for life”

Edmonds

Willing to work odd hours

“Enjoyable to work with, available when we needed him. Nick always answered our questions in a timely manner. Very willing to work odd hours to show our place to buyer. Very helpful and understanding during the decision process, and patient. Very pleasant to work with and highly recommended!”

Seattle

My House Sold Quickly and Easily

“Nick was great to work with. He uses a professional photographer for the listing photos and this nice detail really helped show my house in it's best light. My house sold quickly and easily with his help!”

Bellevue