Fontanez Laing Team

Julie.

Julie Fontanez brings more than fifteen years of combined real estate and banking experience to Engel & Völkers after nine successful years at Windermere Real Estate. Julie believes that choosing a Realtor® is not just about one transaction, but about building a long-term relationship. Julie’s goal is to provide sound, honest advice to her clients while helping them navigate the real estate process with as little stress as possible. Julie understands the home buying and home selling process is very personal to each client. Whether it is a starter home or a mansion, for a client, that home is THEIR castle.

For clients selling a home, Julie will focus on ensuring a seamless selling process. Whether a client is selling for the first time or has been through many sales, every sale is unique, and Julie works with each seller to craft a unique plan that allows the seller to concentrate on what is next after the sale. For buyers, whether they are first-time or experienced, Julie will ascertain their specific goals, explain any nuances in the process and work with them to locate that home (or castle :D) of their dreams.

Julie is a Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist and holds the SRES - Senior Real Estate Specialist designation to assist seniors transition to their next home. For those looking for assistance with investment property purchases, including multi-family homes or other commercial real estate transactions, Julie’s Fontanez Laing Team has the business experience, knowledge and resources to help you analyze and complete those complex transactions.

Julie is fluent in Spanish and grew up in Puerto Rico and New York. As someone who relocated from New York to Seattle more than 25 years ago, Julie enjoys introducing the Northwest to clients relocating to the area.

In her spare time, Julie loves to travel, spend time with her family and hit all the best foodie spots where she lives and travels. Let’s chat today!

Robert.

Robert Laing, J.D. advises clients on real estate transactions as a member of the Fontanez Laing Team. Robert has more than thirty years of experience as a finance, legal and contracts and technology professional. His experience outside of real estate includes mergers & acquisitions, legal, licensing, contract negotiation, corporate development and corporate financing.

Robert ensures that he understands each client’s real estate goals and then provides a bespoke service experience to help achieve those goals. Whether it is finding that perfect new home, the right commercial property to lease or purchase or the right investment property, Robert uses his broad business skills to help clients analyze transactions and anticipate and address potential issues before they develop.

Robert is a licensed Washington State Managing Broker, a member of the Commercial Brokers Association and a certified ADU Specialist. He is also fluent in Spanish and has lived in the Seattle area since relocating here from New York more than 25 years ago.

In his spare time, Robert attempts to play his guitar, enjoys geeky sci-fi television shows and movies and keeps up with the latest developments in technology.

Clyde & Pierre.

Clyde (5 years young) and Pierre (3 years old) are our unofficial "four-legged" French Bulldog assistants.

They consider themselves "pawfessionals" when it comes to perky ears and napping in sunlit corners.

While they may not excel at paperwork or negotiation tactics, they firmly believe being irresistably cute is an artform.

Clyde, born May 2019, is the more serious of the duo, preferring to bask by the window and snuggle up with his beloved "love pillow" (yes, he REALLY loves it).

Pierre, born on March 2021, is the charismatic clown of the duo, always ready to entertain with his playful antics and endless collection of toys. His mischievous nature shines as he eagerly brings his treasures, inviting everyone to join in the fun.

Together, Clyde and Pierre create a harmonious balance, with Clyde as the seriously chill companion and Pierre as the jovial, watchful guardian of their cozy abode.

Their boundless energy and unconditional love remind us that real estate is about finding not just a house, but a forever home where tails wag and memories are made.

Community and Philanthropy

We work with and promote the work of nonprofit clients or partners such as Casa Latina, Mujer al Volante, RVC Seattle, Fair Work Center, Working Washington, AGEUP (All Girl Everything Ultimate Program), DiscNW, Collective Justice and Nepantla Cultural Arts Gallery.

Robert and Julie are Founding Members of the Welcome Committee of the Seattle Chamber of Connection.

We believe in working with our communities outside of real estate. We support the West Seattle Art Walk as members of the West Seattle Arts Council and as West Seattle Art Walk Coordinators.

We have also supported Seattle Children's Hospital and the Seattle Archdiocese Respite Team assisting with newly arrived immigrants.

Robert is a Board member and Vice President of the Board of Delegates of Homestead Community Land Trust and a member of the Homestead Real Estate Development Committee. He is also an Adviror to the Cultural Space Agency and has been a commercial leasing coach at events for Seattle Restored.

Robert is a past member of the Tacoma Permit Advisory Group.

And Engel & Völkers are partners with the Special Olympics, who strive to create a better world by fostering the acceptance and inclusion of all people.