Why Being "A Little Different" is a Good Thing (some personal thoughts)

Finding a Realtor® to help you buy or sell a home isn't much of a challenge. There seems to be one around every corner. What matters to me are all the little (or big) things that will come up along the way, and finding a Realtor® that, from experience, knows what to look for and how to deal with them. As a consumer I want and expect personal attention, detailed communications, and a Realtor® with a true passion for doing whatever it takes.

As a Licensed Realtor® and Broker it's not appropriate for me to give a professional opinion about something that's outside of my responsibilities. But, I am allowed to ask leading questions, point out things I've observed, dig into my memory for past experiences, and work closely with the various professional inspectors to be sure that nothing slips through the cracks. A Realtor®'s job is to protect their clients. Let's just say I take it to the next level. I don't just "go through the motions". I think I bring a passion, experience, and attention to detail to this industry...something that is often lacking. And I'm very much aware there really isn't anything I can write here that will prove that to you. So I'll do my best to share my thoughts and personal experiences, and let you know that "I've been in your shoes". The rest is up to you. All I ask is to be given an opportunity to prove it.

What keeps me up at night?

  • Real estate websites that advertise “free” information…but they make you register to get to what you are looking for. It’s their way of getting your contact information so someone in the office can get you as a “sales lead” and sell you a home. I’m sure it works, but I personally don’t care for it. And no Realtor® should ever “sell you” a house anyway. I figure if I give you full access to all the Homes For Sale in the Raleigh/Cary NC Area, and other information & tools you might be looking for, you’ll hopefully remember me and ask me to contact you! At least that’s the way I’d like to be treated if I was in the market to buy or sell a home.
  • Agents that advertise how many millions they've sold or how many awards they’ve won. It’s supposed to be about you, not them! I'm not new to this, but if you think about it even rookie can bring an energy, personal attention, and hunger that's often lacking with some of the more seasoned agents. Being the biggest doesn't make you the best. This is personal for me. 
  • Signing up with a “big name” Realtor only to end up spending the rest of the time being processed by “team members” who do all the work. I can understand why…it’s the sheer volume of transactions! That pretty much explains itself and is why I personally prefer quality over quantity.

So what makes me different?

My passion for Customer Service, attention to detail, and truly doing whatever it takes. It’s not just talk…I lived this stuff for over 30 years. I’ll do what I say I’m going to do, I’ll always put you first, and I’ll work tirelessly to guide you and represent you throughout the entire buying and selling process. And when it comes to communications…well let’s just say I raise the bar on that one. I’m not saying I’m the best. What I am saying is I’m very good at what I do, I’m proud of what I do and who I am, and no one will work harder for you than I will. And when I represent you to help you find and purchase your new home, or to sell your current home…you will be working with me, not someone from an administrative staff or “Team”. This is personal for me because it’s personal for you! That may sound rather obvious, but believe me not all Realtors® are created equal. You’ll just have to trust me on that.

Helping you find & purchase a new home…

These days there seems to be a Realtor® around every corner wanting to represent you in the purchase of a new home. But there's a lot more to the home buying process than simply selecting a Realtor®. It’s a personal relationship based on trust, experience, listening, understanding, communicating, and patience. And, in my opinion, no Realtor® should ever "sell you a house" anyway! Their market knowledge, negotiating skills, and experience with older homes and new construction also varies greatly.

In 1999 I designed and was my own general contractor in the construction of my personal home. Just imagine the things I learned in that process! I think that experience helps me bring a different perspective to the home buying process. I often see things that others might not see, I can better explain the various home construction techniques and products used, and I think my experience also helps my clients make a more informed decision. In the past I've been called "MacGyver" because I seem to know a lot about some things, and a little about almost everything else.

As your Buyer's Agent I’ll use all the tools I have available to help you select the right area and the perfect home, work closely with you to negotiate the best price, and steer you through the minefield of inspections and forms. And I’m very experienced with New Construction and Older Homes, so I know what questions to ask and what to look for. One last comment: Don’t just call the real estate agent that's on the yard sign. They were hired to represent the seller!

Helping you sell your current home…

To me it's all about the details. The more time, effort, marketing, and detailed information you put into it the better the result. Check out my Featured Listing's Custom Property Websites to get an idea of what I'm talking about. My property listings are professionally photographed, include CirclePix.com virtual tours, are given their own Agency Logic  Websites, are highlighted as Showcase Listings on Realtor.com, as Featured Listings on Trulia.com, and are displayed on RE/MAX.com as well as our RE/MAX Integrity office Website on a rotating basis. They are also submitted to a host of other Real Estate Websites and Search Engines. I personally research property information, have the home professionally measured (which provides me with a detailed floorplan with all room measurements) and I assemble everything (including school info., aerial views, property surveys, disclosures, HOA info., etc) into a comprehensive PDF file which I print in full color and glue bind into a unique hard plastic cover brochure (see a sample brochure PDF file). I believe the more time, effort, and financial investment I put into the marketing of a home, the sooner it will sell…and the happier you'll be with me! I’d like to say I raise the bar with listings as well.

The ending…

If you made it to the end of this you most likely have a very good idea of what makes me…me. And I truly don’t want to make this about me, but I have to use this opportunity to express to you that there is someone out there that’s actually trying to make a difference. I would be honored to have the opportunity to meet with you. With me what you see is what you get, and I literally put it all out there every minute of every day. Even my photo looks like me!