About Me
As a full-time Realtor, I have successfully completed extensive training and licensing and have attained accreditations that include the ABR (Accredited Buyer's Representative) designation and the PMN (Performance Management Network) designation. I am committed to taking advantage of continuing education and ongoing training in order to gain as much knowledge and experience as possible to best serve my clients. Past experience and expertise also include:
- Owner/president of a marketing firm for the past 15 years
- Over 20 years of professional experience in marketing, written and verbal communications, PR, & research
- Women's Council of Realtors, member
- Historic Homes Specialist (HSS) designation
- Working with Diversity designation
I have always found that over and above all the experience, titles, etc., people want to do business with someone they trust; someone they know will be there for them no matter what. For me, it’s always been more about building relationships than building business. Once you have proven yourself to your clients, once they trust you, they tell their friends and associates about the good job you have done for them; then the business naturally follows.
BUYING FOR THE FIRST TIME?
I’ve been there, and it can be intimidating if you approach the process without proper guidance and knowledge. My goal is to ensure that all of my clients, not just the first-time buyers, have that guidance and knowledge so they will feel confident and secure throughout the process. Of course, communication is always key to any successful transaction.
Once clients feels secure, they are free to enjoy the unique experience of finding that home that is just right for them.
I’ll always go the extra mile in an effort to exceed expectations and to make selling or buying property the exhilarating experience it should be!
When I was interviewed soon after becoming a Realtor, a report asked a couple of pertinent questions whose answers will hopefully supply some insight as to my "arrival" to real estate at this point in my life . . .
What do you enjoy most about this profession?
This may sound a little cheesy, and I am sorry for that, but honestly, more so than in any other field I have worked in, including my 15 years as owner of my own marketing firm, I feel that in real estate, I am really performing a service. Helping someone buy that first home, or helping a couple downsize into that perfect condo so they can spend their time traveling, or with their grandchildren, their friends (anything but yard work and building maintenance!) ; or helping a family sell a home so they can move into that area they have always wanted. It is just a good feeling to be a part of seeing someone realize a dream, which in most cases, is what buying and selling real estate is all about.
Do you have any tips for someone buying or selling a home? Yes! Arm yourself with as much knowledge as possible (preferably with the help of a full-service REALTOR, who is equipped to pull together all of the information you will need and walk with you every step of the way). In this business, knowledge is truly power. Whether you are pricing a home or looking for a home or property, you need to know the market; know whether the price you are asking or the price of a property you are looking at is a fair one. You don’t want to sell yourself short, and you certainly don’t want your property to sit on the market for months because it is overpriced. Nor do you want to pay more than you should for property.
Buying or selling a home should be a great, rewarding experience. Not a stressful one. I recommend securing a REALTOR who can negotiate for you; who can set you up with an appropriate lender, and who can explain all of the documentation and paperwork you will be required to read and sign.
Don’t attempt to go it alone.
Who helped you get started in real estate and whom do you admire most in this business? Bob and Sally Sparks, owners of the Century 21 Select Properties franchise. They are the best of friends and the best of brokers. They work hard and due to that, are extremely successful; but more than that, they are respected and truly loved throughout the area due to their great spirit, their professionalism, and their love of life. I can think of no other place I would rather be in the real estate community than working at Century 21 Select Properties with two of our dearest friends, Bob and Sally.
