I hope you will learn a little about me and like what you read. I am extremely patient, quick to laugh and take my responsibilites to my customers very seriously. I hope you will give me the chance to prove it.
First of all, since I believe in honesty and telling the truth, I must confess something. My real name is Estel Dale Hayes Jr. Estel is pronounced 'S-tul' not 'S-tell' or 's-TELL'.
I know that this revelation may be a shock to some of you but the use of the nickname Duke is a bone fide necessity. If you doubt this, try thinking about all the mail and other correspondance that I have received over the years addressed to either Dear Ms. or Mrs. Hayes. It's a bunch, believe me. I was actully enrolled into a girls gym class in high school. When I take my bride out to dinner, the waitress/waiter usually returns my credit card to her. It's a Dangerfield moment...
Now it's not that I am ashamed of the name, quite the opposite. It was bestowed upon me by my father, Estel Dale Hayes Sr., a career U.S. Marine, and a great father and husband. The source of the name is lost to the mists of history. By the way, my dad went by Gus.
It is also with a sense of pride and uniqueness to have researched the name and to find, as far as I have been able, that there are only three people with this name grouping in the world. Who is the third you ask? Yup, he goes by DJ Hayes, a young gentleman which I am proud to call my son.
The only question that remains, will there be a fourth and how will we get his attention?
I was born in Charleston, South Carolina, December 8th, 1949, and about 3 years later relocated to Camp Pendleton in Southern California following my father's career placements. Except for a couple of moves to Barstow and Stockton, CA, I, my three younger sisters, mom (Joyce Hayes) and dad lived in the San Diego area.
I graduated from Vista High School in 1968 and immediately joined the U.S. Navy as a Sonar Technician at San Diego. I served two tours in Viet Nam waters and was honorably discharged as STG3 in 1972. I married my first wife, Clara Lungren, during this time period. She passed away after a year and a half from Hodgkins disease.
I married my second, and present, wife Sally Lungren in March of 1975. We lived in Poway, CA and had 2 great kids. DJ Hayes, our son, born December 18th, 1980, and Crystal Hayes, our daughter, born October 4th, 1982.
We decided to relocate to the beautiful Northwest in 1990 and have loved every minute of it. We purchased a home in Venersborg and until recently lived and raised our kids there in the Battle Ground community.
DJ graduated from Battle Ground High School, is an Eagle Scout and is presently working as an apartment complex assistant manager in Portland, OR and occasionally as my part time assistant.
Crystal also graduated from Battle Ground High and graduated from Whitworth College in Spokane with a BA in Music Instuction. She is an accomplished jazz & classical trombonist attributing much of her love of music to Greg McKelvey at Battle Ground High School. She was highered as the Music Director at a Spokane area High School. She is presently playing her trombone for the customers of the Carnival cruise line based in Long Beach, CA.
My wife and I are very proud of them both.
My wife of 30+ years, Sally Hayes, has worked for Hewlett-Packard for over 32 years. She has unselfishly supported me every step of the way. She is the reason I do what I do and she deserves much more.
My work life has revolved around the electronics manufacturing industry. I have also worked in Marketing and have studied Architecture, home manufacturing and repair. I finally (2002) achieved my BS in Business.
I am at home with technology and it's effects on our lives and how business is accomplished today and in the future. Real Estate is a prime example. It is said that over 70% of all buyers research the web first. As a home buyer you want information, as a home seller you want to be seen by as many buyers as possible.
I have been in real estate 4 years now working for Sundin Realty and have found that, although it is challenging hard work, I really enjoy real estate as a career. I love meeting people and helping buyers find what they want and help protect their interests in what is probably the biggest investment of their lives. I also enjoy helping home sellers realize their options and get the best price for their homes.
I hope you've liked what you've read. I also hope to be able to meet and help you when you're ready,
