There are very few things that make me more uncomfortable, or that I dislike more than selling myself. I don’t know why it makes me so uncomfortable, but even writing this first paragraph makes my stomach hurt. I don’t want to play the “pick me” game that real estate agents have to play. It makes things awkward, for everyone. So, in my 17 year plus career as a real estate agent I have pretty much avoided it. Has it cost me business? Sure, but it has helped me maintain my mental health.
My avoidance of this game is unfortunately not working as well since I relocated here as it did in Arizona. It is easy to know why. I don’t have established long term relationships here, the fact that I am new to the area might make some people nervous, and mostly it is because my kids have been rude enough to grow up. Yes, my kids helped me sell houses. Did they sell my services? No, they just allowed me to meet a lot of people are form trusting relationships pretty quickly. I sold homes to their teachers, their teacher’s children, their friend’s parents, their sport team’s other parents, their coaches, their tutors, and my own neighbors who my daughter babysat for. Kids are the key to a thriving real estate business. Plus I also had the co-workers and other teachers from when I was a school teacher, the parents of the kids I taught, and even the people I went to ASU with and lifeguarded with. Getting clients was easy…and I didn’t have to pay Zillow thousands of dollars a month for my clients.
I can’t recreate decades of living in a location and building relationships overnight. Or can I? Maybe I know enough people, but these people forget that I am a real estate agent because I never mention it! In an effort to not be annoying, I haven’t promoted myself. This blog is an effort to put all of my “pick me” reasons in one place so I don’t have to mention it often, but I can refer people to the list looking for a real estate agent easily.
Reasons to Hire Me
- I am actually really fun, AND hilarious. I will keep you laughing while holding your hand throughout the process.
- I lived through the major real estate crash of 2008 as a full time agent/single mom in Phoenix, Arizona…one of the very worst hit locations. I had to support myself and my children with my sales, and those sales were often for less than $100,000….seriously. I have sold hundreds of homes.
- I have been selling real estate as my full time career since 2002. I was a top agent in 2005, but after the real estate crash I decided being a top agent wasn’t what I wanted. I decided to take more time with both sellers and buyers so they make the right decisions for themselves and their families. What does that mean? I educate my clients about why some homes may resell better than others, or what updates they can do to get top market value for their home. I try to take away the fear of making a huge mistake or leaving a lot of money on the table.
- If I think you aren’t making the best decision, I will tell you. Many agents don’t advise their clients when they are making decisions, they just help move things forward. I will make sure clients understand the full picture, so all choices are informed. When the market crashed I worried that I should have known, and warned my clients. Rational? No. But I still worried that I somehow could have educated my clients to be prepared for it and to make smart choices. So, I will share things even if it means you won’t list your house for another six months, (while you paint the walls and replace the avocado green kitchen appliances) or if it means you will pass on this house that is “perfect” (because it is too close to a busy road and in a buyer’s market this house will not sell) and I have to keep showing you homes for the next month. I put YOU first, because it is the only way I can sleep at night.
- I will enjoy working with you. I love real estate, and I am good at it. If you have a million questions I will answer them. If you are afraid and get cold feet I will support any decision you make. Even if I don’t make money from working with you, I will enjoy working with you. It isn’t about the money to me. Maybe it used to be, but not any more. Now it is about you, the clients. Money didn’t make me happy. Doing my job well and making real friends does. It is as simple as that.
- I will go to bat for you. One complaint that I have heard often here in Bellingham is that people feel their agent maintained their friendship and relationship with the other agent, at their expense. I believe I can do both. And I am not afraid to stir the pot, or upset the cherry cart in order to represent you completely. Now, I won’t do this if WE decide it isn’t the best decision for the transaction, but if we want what is right, I am your gal. I’m not afraid to stand up for my clients.
- I’m still there for you after the transaction. Sometimes it will become apparent that title didn’t pay the seller’s property taxes, and now the county is trying to collect from you. I will clear that up for you. If you can’t figure out why your wood burning stove won’t keep a fire burning, I will help you figure it out. I am your partner, and I will not forget about you once your transaction has closed.
- I have lots of extra certifications, and extra training. I enjoy education, so I am always learning more so I can do a better job. I know agents all over the nation and in Canada and I go to conferences to learn more regularly. I have written several articles for REALTOR magazine and Inman News, both national publications for real estate agents. I have sat on boards and listened to issues of other agents and helped decide if they behaved ethically and correctly. My standards for my profession are high, and I believe everything we do should be in the best interest of our clients.
- I may not have grown up here in Bellingham, but I love Bellingham. I have put my feet on the ground in every neighborhood in town, and lots outside of town. I have explored the parks, the trails, the events, the politics, and the lifestyles. I have volunteered and I have gotten involved in an effort to really understand my home. By looking at things as an outsider I have been able to see things without prejudices. I also love the homes, and I have real passion for them. I will help you see what is special about the neighborhood, the home, the possibility. I am also endlessly curious, so if I don’t know an answer, I will be on a mission to find it out for both of us.
- I am going to do my very best job for you. You will be very important to me, and you won’t be lost in the shuffle. I don’t have a lot of other business, my kids are grown up, and I need to focus on my business, so that will mean YOU. I will not mind showing you that house again, taking your phone call, or responding to your email. I will be as available as you’d like me to be.
Please feel free to call, message me on Facebook or Instagram, ask to go to coffee. I am more than happy to answer any questions you might have. I hope to hear from you soon!
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