Find Your Home on Orcas Island

Teri Williams

Northstar Navigator

Owner / Managing Broker Office : 360-376-8374 Mobile : 360-319-6256 teri@twilliamsrealty.com
When I left my banking job on the mainland in 1989 and settled in the San Juans with my three young sons, I had no idea what the future would hold, only that Orcas spoke to my nature and I knew I had found my place in the world.

Through jobs as a title examiner and permit coordinator, I learned the ropes as San Juan County land use regulations became more complex. Eventually, people began to call me the local guru of permitting! So, in 1998, I started my own business, Permit Resources. I never intended to get my real estate license, but a year later, someone “dared” me – a challenge I couldn’t resist. It turned out to be a natural fit as I love the interaction with people and the complexity of each transaction.

Working in local real estate, it was clear my permitting expertise enhanced my ability to assist real estate clients. This prompted me to begin a new venture in 2006, opening T Williams Realty, a full service real estate brokerage in Eastsound on Orcas Island.

My family settled in the San Juan Islands in the early 1960s. After 30+ years on Orcas, there is no other place in the world where I would rather be. With a deep appreciation for and connection to our island, I welcome opportunities to support our community through volunteering and board service on non-profits. You also can find me gardening, laughing with grandchildren, and venturing out on the water in my tug boat, exploring the nature that surrounds us.

My passion is to share my love of island life, listen to stories of how others found their way to Orcas and what they enjoy most about the island.

I’ve found my place here on Orcas Island and I hope to help you find your place here, too.

Teri has earned the trust of these clients

Professionalism and Dedication

Philip and Ana

Teri Williams was an exceptional real estate agent who represented us during our recent home purchase. Her expertise and knowledge of the market were evident from the start. She was attentive to our needs, always available to answer our questions, and provide guidance that made the buying process smooth and stress-free. Teri’s professionalism and dedication were remarkable, and we couldn’t be happier with the outcome. We highly recommend her services to anyone looking to buy a home. She truly went above and beyond for us!

Focused, professional services

Christina Bollinger and Steve Seward

Teri Williams provided us with focused, professional services when we wanted to sell our property. Her firm also skillfully handled its rental until such time as an acceptable offer was received. Her style is straightforward, providing clear feedback to a client.

ALWAYS open, and honest! ... extremely adept at looking at all perspectives.

Jodi and Daniel

If you are considering buying or selling your property, we HIGHLY recommend Teri Williams of Twilliams Reality. We had the pleasure of working with Teri on both selling and purchasing homes here on Orcas Island. She is by far the best agent with whom we have had the opportunity to work. She is extremely knowledgable, an expert in the field, ALWAYS in integrity, open, and honest! Teri is willing to take extra time for support and assistance. She understands the emotional part of selling and buying a home and is extremely adept at looking at ALL perspectives and problem solving on the spot. She is very quick to respond to inquiries and concerns and was so thorough in walking us through both processes as well as being there in person as needed. We felt so supported the whole time! Aside from the top business qualities she possesses, Teri is warm, engaging, a pleasure to be with, and has a wonderful sense of humor, which is so important! We thoroughly enjoyed developing a relationship with Teri that we treasure and know will be long lasting. Thank you, Teri Williams for helping us to land in our “forever home” on Orcas Island!

All the encouragement, advice, and sound experience ... gave me a sense of calm...

E. King

All the encouragement, advice, and sound experience you shared with me gave me a sense of calm in a time that could easily have felt very disruptive e and mind-rattling. Your pure competence is a thing of beauty. I have so much admiration for you. Thank you thank you for the smooth sail!

Teri found us the perfect buyer

Lisa and Pat

We have known Teri Williams both personally and professionally for close to 30 years. After living on Orcas for 40 years we made the difficult decision to move and start a new adventure exploring the US with our base in Arizona. Teri found us the perfect buyer, who was moving back to Orcas. She and her team made this happen as only they can do with care, integrity and honesty. The added bonus for Orcas is the entire team invests in the community with volunteer service and fundraising efforts for many local organizations. Who knows – maybe Teri will help us move back to Orcas again someday?

You made things clear

Heather Vierthaler

Hello, sweet lady! I just wanted to convey to you I appreciate your time and help. You made things clear and helped us through a procedure that can be very nerve wracking and confusing. You are such a beautiful, smart, funny woman! I’m very happy to be working with you, and that we’re friends. Thank you!

What an experience this has been!

Harlene

Teri, you made it an adventure where I never felt discouraged or threatened. You successfully and gently guided me through the foreign worlds of vista pruning and septic design…extraordinary. You have a manner when working with people that cannot be taught at any business or charm school. How I was blessed to have found you remains a wonderful mystery that happens few times in our lives and for which I cannot fully express my gratitude. Thank you, thank you. With love and deep appreciation, Harlene

Positive persistence to make real estate dreams happen

Bruce Tippery

Teri, I’ve watched you do whatever it takes to make things happen for your clients. First, you do your homework, which is how you can out-negotiate competitors to get your client the price they want to pay. You never overlook unresolved issues and future pitfalls just to get the deal done – instead you make sure there is as much certainty as humanly possible so there are no surprises down the road. And then there’s your extensive knowledge of County regulations, who’s who on the island, your business experience, and your comfortable ability in talking to everyone from the most accomplished and wealthy to new families just starting out. And let’s not forget your intangible but absolutely magic ingredient of positive persistence that brings everyone together – surveyors, attorneys, title company, county, contractors and more – to make real estate dreams happen.

Undying gratitude

Ruth Vandestraat

It was above and beyond – the things you did for me. I will never forget. You have my undying gratitude.

We never could have done this without you

Libby and Jerry Sullivan

Great news, Teri! There were times we didn’t think it would happen but you went above and beyond so many times we’ve lost count. In spite of us being 3,000 miles away, you definitely were there for us throughout the process. From finding contractors and even a home for the piano, we could never have done this without you. Our only regret is not being able to meet you in person. We wish you all the best and are happy to provide an exceptional review. Thanks again so very, very much!

Focused, professional services

Christina Bollinger and Steve Seward

Teri Williams provided us with focused, professional services when we wanted to sell our property. Her firm also skillfully handled its rental until such time as an acceptable offer was received. Her style is straightforward, providing clear feedback to a client.

Knowledge and Islaand smarts helped us close in short time frame!

Brian and Karen

After 12 years on Orcas we made the hard decision to leave. Our neighbors had told us what a great realtor Teri had been, so we listed with her. One month later Teri and her team were helping us close on the deal. We appreciated Teri’s knowledge of the real-estate market on Orcas and her straight forward approach to negotiation process,
plus she has a ton of resources and connections within the community.

We HIGHLY recommend Teri Williams of Twilliams Reality

Jodi Spitalli and Daniel Marty

If you are considering buying or selling your property, we HIGHLY recommend Teri Williams of Twilliams Reality. We had the pleasure of working with Teri on both selling and purchasing homes here on Orcas Island. She is by far the best agent with whom we have had the opportunity to work. She is extremely knowledgable, an expert in the field, ALWAYS in integrity, open, and honest! Teri is willing to take extra time for support and assistance. She understands the emotional part of selling and buying a home and is extremely adept at looking at ALL perspectives and problem solving on the spot. She is very quick to respond to inquiries and concerns and was so thorough in walking us through both processes as well as being there in person as needed. We felt so supported the whole time! Aside from the top business qualities she possesses, Teri is warm, engaging, a pleasure to be with, and has a wonderful sense of humor, which is so important! We thoroughly enjoyed developing a relationship with Teri that we treasure and know will be long lasting. Thank you, Teri Williams for helping us to land in our “forever home” on Orcas Island!

I appreciate your skill in navigating the waters of Orcas - Covid era real estate.

Jeff

Mandy and Teri, Thanks for all the work on this. I appreciate your skill in navigating the waters of Orcas – Covid era real estate. It feels like we have been asking Teri about properties forever.  Nice to have found such a good fit – both the property and the T Williams office. Mary says that I cannot ever again claim that I should reduce the complexities of my life.

Thank you for all of your hard work and steadfast guidance

Dan

T Rex: Thank you for all of your hard work and steadfast guidance these past months. Not once did Linda or I feel anything other than peace and a resolute confidence that we had the best help in selling our house or that our personal interest was foremost in your mind. A difficult job well done!! Your Friend, Dan

Knowledge and creativity

Nancy K.

The team at T Williams Realty works together with a base of knowledge that covers every aspect of buying and selling a home seamlessly. I was expecting stress and anxiety. Instead, I received the knowledge and creativity of a winning team.

Extremely knowledgeable about all facets of real estate.

JJ

Teri Williams did an outstanding job of representing and managing the sale of my property. She was always readily available for questions, extremely knowledgeable about all facets of real estate, and conducted herself in a very professional manner. I really appreciated her organization and record keeping which proved to be vital in my real estate transaction. I would not hesitate to utilize Teri in any of my future real estate endeavors on Orcas Island.

Broker to broker

Janis McHarg, Broker, John L Scott Real Estate, Anacortes

Teri, it has been such a pleasure working with you. I appreciate your professionalism throughout!

Above and beyond

Mindy Sonshine

A huge thank you to Teri Williams for going above and beyond in every way, including greeting us when we arrived with a full shopping trip worth of gourmet amazing groceries so we were well fed as we unpacked. You are amazing! ♥

She has become family

Leon and Stephanie Rosenblatt

Making the commitment to move to Orcas Island was challenging, but it would never have happened if Teri Williams had not been such a reliable and trusted source. Not only did she understand what we wanted in our new home, but she was invaluable in helping us to find just the right spot on the island for our needs. Her integrity and local knowledge were key factors in our being able to make the right choice, but more importantly, she steered us away from properties that she knew would not work for us. She has gone beyond what we thought a real estate agent should be … she has become family!

A strong mind and determination

Pat and Roy Blay

What can you not say about Teri Williams? Quite simply, she is the ultimate Real Estate Broker. About three years ago, we were selling some property and running into more than our share of problems. Teri took over, both expertly and expeditiously, whether it was concerned with the property itself, the related paperwork, or human relations. She takes everything in stride and solves it, no matter what. And she does this with a smile, which can be disconcerting to the uninitiated, for behind that smile is a strong mind and determination.

A gem on the island

Don and Maria

We are very lucky and thankful to have you on our team. Words like “professional”, “tenacity”, “straight shooter” along with “great sense of humor” make you a gem on the island and a good friend to boot. Truly a deal with twists and turns to the final recording. Thank you!

Outstanding job of representing and managing the sale of my property

JJ

Teri Williams did an outstanding job of representing and managing the sale of my property. She was always readily available for questions, extremely knowledgeable about all facets of real estate, and conducted herself in a very professional manner. I really appreciated her organization and record keeping which proved to be vital in my real estate transaction. I would not hesitate to utilize Teri in any of my future real estate endeavors on Orcas Island.

Integrity, energy and professionalism

Eric Paerels and Laurie St. Aubin

Our utmost respect and admiration go to Teri and Sandi at T Williams Realty for helping us realize the purchase of a spectacular lot on Orcas Island. The purchase of raw land is not easy and particularly so if it is done long distance; we reside on the opposite side of the world, in Australia. The integrity, energy and professionalism at T Williams Realty gave us the confidence and comfort that nothing will be left to chance. T Williams Realty followed the letter of the Sale Agreement and worked tirelessly to insure that the selling agent did not deviate; there were plenty of opportunities to take the “easy” road. Teri’s depth of experience in real estate transactions combined with her many years of construction permitting gives her an edge in the real estate market that not many can match. Her experience in this combined arena allowed us to ask the right questions and request the necessary documentation to insure we can build our future home per our expectations. Congratulations to a superb team!

Truly one of the most knowledgeable realtors we’ve been lucky enough to work.

TP and JH

We have bought and sold several homes over the years. When it came time to list our Eastsound home for sale, we turned to Teri Williams based on her record of success and the recommendations we received from multiple trusted sources. Teri’s professional marketing analysis and strategy resulted in a multiple offer situation that allowed us to close the sale at well above list price and quickly reinvest the proceeds in a new residence. Teri is truly is one of the most knowledgeable realtors we’ve been lucky enough to work with anywhere and her love for Orcas Island and island life is second to none. T. P. and J. H.

Revel in your good mind, good pricing, and real estate skills.

Linda

No other agent brings garden flowers to plant in the spring, shares homemade cookies, treasured book, and final night dinner.  We are so lucky we met you.  And no other agent’s husband comes to ferry line in the dark, bearing gifts, to see us get away safely. Wow! Bye for now, Linda

Admiration and respect

Jack and Wendy Rawls

Teri, it was a privilege to meet you. You gained our admiration and respect for the way you conduct your business, and especially enjoyed your enthusiasm and forthright manner – leaving no available stone unturned. We will recommend you without reservation and look forward to seeing you around Orcas.

The dream team

Bob and Janis Maddox

Wow, wow, wow. Thank you for a very thoughtful evening – fancy hors d’oeuvres, fancy drinks and a lovely dinner! We did not give our rehearsed toast for THE DREAM TEAM, but certainly feel you all did a great job for us. We truly do and always will appreciate your representing our home.

Invaluable support

Jill

Thank you Teri! Your work and support throughout this long distance venture was invaluable. This is a dream come true for me; now I have to be patient for the time I may be on Orcas full-time. I am deeply grateful for all your efforts in making this dream come true.

For energy, call Teri

Tom T.

I was asking around about whom to use as a Realtor, and many said if you want someone to put some energy into it, call Teri!

Your expertise is unsurpassed

Sharon Harvey

The best team EVER – thank you to you all and to Miss T, who had the first vision to open this successful real estate company. Teri, you are really precise and brilliant. Your expertise is unsurpassed. Love from another delighted customer. And the short of it: Teri you make dreams come true!

Highly recommended

Steve Kastelitz

I recommend this firm to anyone considering selling or buying real estate in the San Juan Islands.

Integrity, energy and professionalism

Eric Paerels and Laurie St. Aubin

Our utmost respect and admiration go to Teri and Sandi at T Williams Realty for helping us realize the purchase of a spectacular lot on Orcas Island. The purchase of raw land is not easy and particularly so if it is done long distance; we reside on the opposite side of the world, in Australia. The integrity, energy and professionalism at T Williams Realty gave us the confidence and comfort that nothing will be left to chance. T Williams Realty followed the letter of the Sale Agreement and worked tirelessly to insure that the selling agent did not deviate; there were plenty of opportunities to take the “easy” road. Teri’s depth of experience in real estate transactions combined with her many years of construction permitting gives her an edge in the real estate market that not many can match. Her experience in this combined arena allowed us to ask the right questions and request the necessary documentation to insure we can build our future home per our expectations. Congratulations to a superb team!