Meet JJ, Crew, & Family

Born in Seattle, JJ entered real estate on the Eastside in1985 after a background in both the private and public sector. He attended Harvard School and University of Virginia. JJ's a member of Zeta Psi fraternity, served in the U.S. Army and has played professional soccer in Germany. JJ's hobby is modeling his Puget Sound Iron Goat Railroad in HO scale.

JJ, The Long Story.

A Life Of Wonderful & Continuing Adventures

Born at Swedish Hospital in Seattle, JJ's dad was a longtime dentist in Seattle; and his mom Ruth, a retired Registered Nurse (RN), currently lives in the Philadelphia area. JJ says his life is "one adventure after another" He attended Harvard School, in Los Angeles, at the time, a private military academy for boys, under the auspices of the Episcopal Church. He recalls with great pride, the bond he formed with many of his 33 graduating classmates many of whom he keeps in touch with today. Says JJ, "Our Class gets together for a reunion about every five years or so and it's always a great party, although for some reason, a few of us seem to get a little grayer and heavier". Following his high school graduation, he traveled to the east coast, for the first time, to attend the University of Virginia in Charlottesville.

When asked why UVa., JJ admits he was not entirely an academician in high school although he was active in swimming, high-board diving and basketball, editor of the student newspaper, head of the rally committee and had the lead role his senior year in the school dramatic endeavor. His Headmaster recommended the University which at the time was trying to expand its geographic presence. So "C" student JJ got accepted and proudly became a Virginia Cavalier. "It was an exciting time" states JJ who was sometimes accused of having a west coast accent; however he says his "ya al" got pretty good.

At the University, JJ participated on the swim team, joined the Zeta Psi national fraternity, had the opportunity to meet William Faulkner, the noted author, and learned how to play soccer, a skill which would provide him with some of the most miraculous stories yet to come in his life. During this tenure, JJ and several college chums decided to visit Havana, Cuba.

It was at the time Fidel Castro was a revolutionary fighting a guerilla war against the Batista government. The gambling casinos were in full operation, outdoor nightclubs had spectacular shows and the beaches were gorgeous. All JJ will say is "I was 19 when I went to Havana.The trip was filled with adventure, some scary moments, along with illuminating experiences for a young man."

Following college, with the draft in effect, JJ joined the U.S. Army. His training started at Ft. Ord, California and his service took him to San Antonio, Texas; Lawton, Oklahoma; Ft. Chaffey, Arkansas; and then to Landstuhl, Germany. Another adventure.

In Germany, JJ met Ludwig Burkhard, a German national working for the U.S. Army. They talked about soccer, but " Louie" did not have high praise for American players, and although JJ said he played in college, Burkhard challenged him by saying he could never make the town team where Burkhard lived and had played as a young man. JJ took the challenge and asked "Louie" to take him to his town of Hermersberg in southwestern Germany. JJ started working out with the team; and when the team goalie got drafted into the German army, JJ, who had played at the right wing position, was selected to start as first team goalie. Incidentally, Louie became one of JJ's strongest supporters and one of his best friends.

Hermersberg is a small town of about 3,500 people and every Sunday, JJ would proudly take the field with his SV Hermersberg (Sportverein Hermersberg) team. JJ played for a year before returning home. As it turns out, he was the first American to come to this town and the first American to play in their particular soccer league.

In his attempt to learn the German language, JJ enrolled in a German conversational speaking course. He learned some basic phonetic phrases, but as one local newspaper stated "his German is not very good, but he could always order a beer." Fortunately for JJ, Herbert Schmelzer, his team coach and trainer did speak English, and while most of his teammates did not, somehow they all managed to communicate. Although JJ achieved modest celebrity status in Hermersberg due to his unique situation, he never realized he would become a significant and integral sport memory in the history of his newly adopted town. That would come later. Quite a bit later.

Upon returning to the United States and following his honorable discharge from the Army, JJ was contacted by his former high school basketball coach who had now become the Director of Development for a major fund raising program to expand both the campus and student enrollment for his alma mater, Harvard School. JJ was offered a position as Director of Alumni & Public Relations. For five years, JJ learned all about fund raising for the private secondary education sector and became versed in writing, graphic design and photography as editor of the school's alumni magazine, Toward Manhood.

Since then, JJ has served as membership relations manager for a major metropolitan Chamber of Commerce, was assistant to the vice president for advertising and public relations of a publicly traded health care corporation and briefly worked in the resort timeshare industry. He had always been interested in real estate, and in 1985 he obtained his Washington real estate license and joined Windermere Real Estate in Bellevue. For the first five years of his new career, he represented large new home builders as an "on-site" sales manager in Redmond, English Hill, Issaquah, the Sammamish plateau and Klahani.

About this time his bachelor days were coming to a close, as JJ met another Windermere agent with whom he fell in love. Her name is Patt Sellen, and she was already an established, top producing agent. Although she wasn't initially impressed with JJ, he relentlessly continued the pursuit and eventually convinced her of his worthiness. He proposed to Patt on Valentine's Day by hanging a 30' banner in her office asking her to marry him. Surrounded with long stemmed roses and fellow agents, she said "yes."

They were married on the deck of Patt's mother, Gretchen Sellen's home in Clyde Hill overlooking the Overlake Golf Course with breathtaking views of Seattle, the Olympics and Lake Washington in the background. It was August 6th and Seafair weekend and JJ's birthday. Right after the wedding, the Blue Angels did a fly by, so close you could see the pilot's faces, in preparation for their traditional annual air show. To this day Patt has JJ convinced she asked them to do this for him as a birthday gift.

With his marriage to Patt, JJ also got something he had long wanted. A big family. Patt has a daughter and three sons. Jeff, the youngest, has just entered the home loan business on the Eastside as a mortgage broker with HomeStone Mortgage: middle son Robert works for his older brother John, who owns a software video training production and sales company, Total Training, in San Diego; and Cami, the oldest, is a restaurant and bar manager at the prestigious Pasatiempo Golf Course and Country Club in Santa Cruz, California.

Cami is mom to Ashley while John and wife Danee are mom and dad to Jaren, Jensen and Kellen, who was born May 23, 2002. As proud grandparents, Patt and JJ travel whenever possible to visit, and always look forward to the kids coming home whenever possible for the holidays.

Patt also has a sister Mary, a special education teacher, who lives with her husband in Spokane. (They're Cougars) Patt's brother, Rick Redman, a football All-American at the University of Washington, is married, lives in Seattle and is chairman of Sellen Construction. (They're Huskies) Family get-togethers are always interesting depending on who's having a winning season. "So far, no serious injuries to any family member" says JJ.

In 1995, Patt and JJ purchased a newly constructed home in Bellevue built by Shannon Allbaugh, one of JJ's builder clients. Situated on a ½ acre, Patt was able to create a 15-raised bed vegetable and flower garden; and JJ had a bonus room to begin construction of a mythical HO scale model railroad he calls the Puget Sound Iron Goat Railway.

Then in October of 2000 it happened. JJ's 40 year dream to return one day to Hermersberg, Germany became reality. He had long envisioned taking Patt to his adopted town and sharing together all the wonderful memories and friends plus the picturesque countryside and villages. The 1962/63 Fusball Mannschaft Reunion was organized. JJ had a team picture silk screened on two dozen t-shirts with the date of the reunion and carried them there, while the picture was blown up to poster size and displayed in the town's sports center announcing the event.

What a party. The town mayor attended and so did most of the current team players; and lots of townspeople including those who remembered, as children, their parents taking them to watch JJ play. Every member from the original team, except JJ's special friend, Charlie Faust, who had passed away, attended. Some coming many miles, and some who had not been back to the town since their playing days. During the afternoon. there was even an "old man's game" played and JJ was back tending goal. He had 6 goals scored on him, but the game ended in a tie. It didn't matter.

One of the great joys of the reunion for JJ was seeing Inge and Friedel Mueller. Friedel had been a teammate and Inge's family owned the town's most popular gasthaus (restaurant/bar). Since the team and JJ spent a lot of time here, Inge made sure JJ never had too much beer. She also fixed an "American breakfast" of ham and eggs every Sunday morning for JJ before the game. At the time, Inge and Friede had a 1 year old son, and a photograph of him sitting on JJ's knee. Inge was the first person JJ saw when arriving in the town for the reunion. She still has the photograph too.

Inge and Friedel were gracious hosts, and made certain JJ had plenty of homemade desserts, his favorite bockwurst and a glass of good German beer. The son Markus is now an architect with a family of his own. Markus speaks some English and was the official translator for JJ. And now JJ has pictures of Markus' children Leon, Lissy and Maxi sitting on JJ's knee. Wife Christel and Markus are building a new home in Hermersberg and they say they have a special guest room reserved for Patt and JJ. (They will be back).

At the reunion dinner for him in the sport auditorium, JJ received many wonderful gifts including a hand-sculpted metal clock from Alex Fuchs, one of his former teammates, with the town coat of arms engraved on it; and JJ's valued treasure, a new (extra large) goalie team jersey with his name "Johnston" on the back along with the number "1."

"I cannot express in words how much the graciousness and hospitality of the German people means to me. It was absolutely incredible to reconnect with my teammates including Richard Kettering, Alex Fuchs, Helmut Mangold, Friedel Lelle, Rudi Baumann, Edwin Bold, Alex Faust, Herbert Dahle and Lorenz Mueller who is now the manager of the new sports stadium, Special memories of special people of a special time."

In May of 2002, Patt and JJ completed the construction of a small office building to house their real estate business along with their personal office manager of 13 years, Sandy Finn, "The new facility is an energetic business environment and a joy in which to work" says JJ.

That same month, after almost 18 years with Windermere, Patt and JJ began a new affiliation with RE/MAX Northwest Realtors.

JJ and Patt agree "We were interested in a worldwide network association and RE/MAX, with over 71,000 agents in 39 countries, affords us the opportunity to market for buyers on a significantly larger basis on behalf of our clients." They were also impressed with the vast array of marketing materials available and the agent-oriented corporate philosophy. "We have met many top agents from around North America as we travel to various real estate seminars in the country, and most of them work for RE/MAX" adds JJ. The RE/MAX balloon is the most recognized real estate logo in the world.

As they begin this next chapter in their real estate careers, one thing is certain. Patt and JJ will still continue to provide professional real estate services based on integrity and honesty which have been the hallmarks of their business, and in honoring the trust placed in them by their many clients. As they say in their mission statement, "We assist motivated buyers and sellers in achieving their real estate goals with a level of professional service exceeding our client's expectations."

And Here's The Personal Staff Who Work Just For You.

At No Extra Cost.

Meet The Crew

Purchasing or selling residential real estate is a combined effort of many people. A Purchase and Sale Agreement, if properly executed, now consists of approximately 20 pages in Washington State. A combination of negotiating skills, contract knowledge, resource access and a day-to-day tracking and reporting process are absolutely critical in successfully completing a transaction on schedule.

Over the years, JJ has assembled an experienced crew in whom he has complete confidence to assist him in the hundreds of details required in his business. Leading the team is the person JJ refers to as his "secret weapon." Her name is Sandy Finn, and she has worked together with Patt and JJ for almost 13 years.

Sandy has lived on the Eastside since 1986 and has worked in both commercial and residential real estate since 1989. She is a licensed real estate agent and is available at JJ's office to immediately respond to buyer inquiries and seller questions regarding any real estate transaction. As a licensed agent, Sandy is also qualified to show any of JJ's client's homes for sale on short notice if JJ is not available.

Sandy is trained to input listings directly into the Northwest Multiple Listing Service (NWMLS), create client and agent marketing materials and coordinate advertising and promotional campaigns. When a seller lists their home with JJ, they will receive a personal letter introducing Sandy and her direct line to call with information about any real estate agent leaving a business card. Sandy immediately calls the agent for "feedback" which is then discussed with JJ and reported back to each individual client. Communication of activity is important in the selling process and is one of the hallmarks of JJ's service. Sandy also prepares a periodic printed activity report which is e-mailed or sent to the client on a regular basis.

Any transactions in progress, whether JJ is representing either a buyer or a seller, are monitored on a daily schedule by Sandy to insure the timely performance of any contingencies as may be stipulated in the Purchase and Sale Agreement. These include checking loan approval progress, follow up with cooperating agents, ordering home inspections and tracking the escrow process to insure proper documentation is provided and more.

With all the details and information required of a real estate, full service program, having a full time personal executive assistant allows JJ to work more directly in a focused effort with his valued clients. Additionally, Sandy provides a familiar person in the office who is always available to assist when JJ is with other clients. She is someone who is personally knowledgeable of each client's name and is well acquainted with the details of each individual transaction.

When working with JJ, clients find Sandy an integral part of the JJ Johnston real estate family.

Patt, JJ's wife and business partner, possesses unique skills when working with buyers. She is a fabulous listener, and has an innate ability to translate the customer's wish list into specific properties to show. Patt spends a lot of time previewing homes on the market so she is continually well versed on the available home inventory. Then she looks at numerous properties, based on her client's needs, and selects only those which approach the necessary requirements to actually show. This saves an enormous amount of the customer's time.

As an 18 year veteran, Patt is extremely knowledgeable about preparing contracts and guiding clients through the negotiating process. In fact, some of the contract language she created and uses has been put into practice, and become standard, for numerous agents and several real estate companies.

Buyers continually express their complete satisfaction in Patt's ethics and her professional manner. A fine testimony to the high caliber of her services is the continual referral of customers from her many past clients. Patt is well-known within the real estate community on the greater Seattle Eastside, and her reputation for excellence is a model to which many agents aspire. "Simply said," states JJ, "she's the best."

The complex world of title insurance is one of the least understood, yet absolutely critical aspects of a real estate transaction. It is imperative in protecting the legal title rights of buyers and sellers, to work with a large, financially solid, company. Stewart Title provides the expertise for JJ's clients.

JJ first met David Foster when David was a Realtor with Windermere Real Estate. "I have always been impressed with David's energy, and his total commitment to serving the customer" says JJ. With his background in real estate, David understands the needs of buyers and sellers, and he is the ideal service contact for JJ and his clients regarding title issues and proper insurance protection.

David's firm, also provides a wonderful website for information about title insurance and Community Resources. Visit www.stewarttitlewa.com and get weather reports, local news, local area data and more. David is an integral part of JJ's crew and he is always available to answer title questions and respond to customer inquiries.

For JJ, to be selected as a crew member, a service provider must demonstrate exceptional business skills, immediate response to transaction information and in the case of escrow procedures, they must absolutely adhere to all legal requirements and contractual terms and agreements. Such an organization is Escrow Partners, Inc.

Whenever possible, JJ always recommends this crew member. They have set the standard for escrow excellence and reporting. Escrow is another aspect of a real estate transaction about which little is generally known by the consumer. By visiting www.escrowpartners.com and clicking on "What Is Escrow" and "Frequent Questions," the process is well defined for those who may be interested.

Another state-of-the-art innovation created by Escrow Partners is their on-line status reporting system available to certain real estate agents and clients with transactions in progress. Each client is assigned a secure password, and is then able to access and review the current status of the many requirements and information necessary to a successful closing of their real estate purchase or sale right from their own computer, at any time.

Because of the volume of business JJ creates, for years, he has had a dedicated escrow officer to close all his transactions. Her name is Lyn Solontoi, 425.455.3400, extension 102, lyn@escrowpartners.com, and Lyn also serves as manager of the Bellevue office. In addition to Lyn, customer service is further available from two more client relation experts who are also a major part of JJ's crew. They are Shauna Alcantara, 425.766.4634, shauna@escrowpartners.com, and Patty Parsons, 425.766.7431, patty@escrowpartners.com.

According to JJ, "I know of no other escrow company which offers the premier quality of services provided by Escrow Partners. I'm also not aware of any other escrow company about whom real estate agents praise more, once they have tried this organization."

Ginny has been working with JJ's clients for years. She has demonstrated an exceptional level of professionalism and a complete understanding of the lending process. Ginny also offers, through her website, loads of valuable tools for the consumer. She has a "Buy Power Calculator" which gives you a quick estimate of how much home you can afford, a "Payment Calculator" so you can try different scenarios to see how they affect your monthly payments and a "Get in the know..." section which offers information to consumers who want to learn more about the loan process.

Ginny, whose office is in Kirkland, even offers an on-line loan application, and an on-line, password enabled secure site for each customer to track their individual loan processing status. Lots of good information. Lots of great service.

JJ first met Floyd when he was asked to represent Floyd in the sale of his home in the Clyde Hill area of Bellevue. They have remained friends over the many years since their initial meeting. "The one thing I have always appreciated about Floyd, is his sense of caring about the people with whom he comes in contact."

Long involved in the mortgage business, Floyd feels a compelling responsibility to help educate consumers about the many loan program opportunities available. On his own, he has developed a series of seminars for the public which he presents locally. Floyd even recruited JJ to be a guest speaker on the podium with him to share tips and techniques about buying or selling a home, as well as great information about how to select a Realtor.

As a member of JJ's crew, Floyd offers a number of unique financing plans particularly attractive to first time buyers and to those thinking about refinancing their current home. JJ stated "Floyd is always showing me new financing ideas which are very creative and based on sound financial planning. His ability to search out special financing based on a customer's particular situation is quite extraordinary."

JJ is quick to tell you, "I'm so proud to have Jeff as a vital member of the crew. He brings youthful energy and enthusiasm to our business, and I realize everyday how blessed I am to have him for a son." When Jeff was younger, he worked as a buyer's agent with JJ and Patt, and he learned all about the real estate business and the significance of obtaining the proper financing plan for each customer.

Jeff spent time as a sales representative for two .com companies, assisted his oldest brother in establishing a successful software manufacturing and sales firm in San Diego and then returned to the Eastside where he became interested in the mortgage business. Keith Tibbles, a good friend of his and a past client of Patt and JJ's, was opening a new mortgage company and invited Jeff to be a part of his new venture.

As they say, the rest is history. Jeff is enjoying his new occupation. He particularly likes assisting people in achieving their financial goals. Jeff takes time to ride mountain and racing bikes, swim, ski and run. He has recently participated in several Xterra endurance events and has always finished each event he entered.

As a property owner and as an investor with a growing portfolio, Jeff understands financial complexities and is extremely sophisticated in money matters. "Plus, he's a lot of fun and a pleasure to be with." adds JJ.

Plus There's More.

Although Patt, JJ and Sandy have their own private offices, they are proud to be affiliated with the entire worldwide RE/MAX real estate network and their local RE/MAX Northwest Realtors family.

Ralph and Margie Ripley are the owners, and Russ Schustek is the designated broker of three RE/MAX Northwest Realtors offices located in Canyon Park (Bothell), Seattle and the Kirkland office where Patt and JJ are associated. "We are continually impressed by the integrity and dedication of both the ownership and leadership of our local RE/MAX offices with whom we're affiliated" says JJ.

About the Kirkland office, JJ stated "We are fortunate to have Jerry Martin as our broker and manager. He is one of the most knowledgeable real estate minds in the business, and Jerry's very capable office administrative staff of Val Naegele and Kerry Thor is outstanding. This incredible team keeps us informed and is always available for guidance and support...and hugs."

There are hundreds of details involved with a purchase or a sale of residential real estate. There are many people involved with the responsibility of insuring all those details are kept on track. That's why JJ has assembled a crew of experts to assist him and his client's in the home buying and selling process.

If you, or someone you know, is thinking about buying or selling a home in the greater Seattle Eastside of Bellevue, Issaquah, Kirkland or Redmond, WA, you should be thinking about JJ Johnston, "A HouseSold Name."

Our Family Album.


Clockwise from top left: Skiing in Sun Valley- Dogs like JJ; Ashley visits Grandma & Grandpa and colors some cool eggs; Volunteering community service time; Ashley dressed up as a "U-dub" cheerleeder for Halloween.


Grandma Patt and Bunny JJ hiding eggs for Grandson Jaren on Easter Sunday; Grandson Jaren digging his first clam at Hood Canal. Grandma Patt is holding Jensen while son John proudly watches this historic event; Out on the town with "cupcake"

JJ teaching a class for Realtors which he does around the state several times each year for the
Washington Association of Realtors & the Building Industry Association of Washington.

JJ and son Robert on a break while building a fort for grandson Jaren; Grandpa JJ gets a swimming lesson from Ashley while visiting Disneyland; JJ with granddaughter Ashley at Disneyland-- Pluto too!; Grandpa getting ready to start the Easter egg hunt with granddaughter Ashley

These 8' x 10' x 10' playhouses were on display at Bellevue Square. All were built and donated by builder members of the Master Builder's Association of King and Snohomish Counties.; JJ served as chairman for the Children's Playhouse event for 3 years. Sponsored by the Master Builder's Association of King and Snohomish Counties, this event has raised $200,000 for local charities and the Master Builder Care Foundation which supports transitional housing for families in need; JJ in Dallas accepting the award for "Best Program By An Associate Member" for his Playhouse campaign, awarded by the National Association of Home Builders;

Meet JJ, Crew & Family