I’ve been selling real estate in Sherwood Park and Edmonton for over 11 years now, and a question I often get asked is, “What sets you apart from the rest?” Now, I can tell you how great I am, but I am sure that would come across as being pretty cheesy, not to mention immodest. So, what is it like to work with me? Thanks to my wonderful clients over the years, they have provided me with feedback, both verbal and written, as to why they work with me again and again.  Here are some of the things they have said:

1.) I’m straight and to the point.  When I work with clients, I put honesty front and center. I don’t tell you what you want to hear, but I do tell you what you need to hear.  Sometimes it’s an ugly job, and sometimes people don’t like it.  My clients know that I will always be honest and back up what I say with facts, not emotion.  At the end of the day I build my reputation on honesty, because I want clients that value honesty as well.

2.) I truly love my job and the people I meet.  For me, selling homes is a career I am very passionate about.  With passion, you enjoy what you do and have a good attitude and energy even when the going gets tough.  I left a 13-year teaching career because after about the 10th year I lost my passion.  Not so with real estate! Every day is different, and there is always something new to learn, which is exciting for me. I can’t think of anything more satisfying than helping people with their real estate goals.

3.) I am loyal and look out for your best interests.  If you are buying, I make sure to help you get all the information you need even if it means losing a sale. Getting you a good deal that makes you happy makes me happy and leads to future business with you.  Selling your home for top dollar means you know I work hard to market your property and get great results, no matter what shape the market is in. I am not about getting the deal done, but the deal you want. That’s what really counts in the end.

4.) I’m patient and hardworking.  They say that patience is a virtue and in real estate, this can mean showing multiple properties, and preparing a listing for sale involving additional steps.  I understand that purchasing or selling IS kind of a big deal, so I take the time to do what is needed in each particular transaction to make sure the job is done right. Because of this, I sell a larger-than average percentage of what I list.

5.) When you work with me, you gain a Realtor you can TRUST. I often say, I don’t sell houses, I build trust. Making a house purchase or selling one is a big financial decision. You want to hire someone who is knowledgeable, experienced and skilled. Furthermore, you want someone who engages in ethical practices and does what is promised, and more.  I am proud to say that I don’t distribute flyers, ads, or bus benches about how great I am or that I am number 1.  I am not number 1, YOU are.

Want to work with a trusted professional in Sherwood Park or Edmonton? Contact me, and let’s get to know one another.  I promise to not be pushy and I will be happy to answer any questions you may have!

A lot has changed in the last 20 years or so in Real Estate. It used to be that Realtors were the Gatekeepers of Information. Back then, in order to find out which house was for sale, and the details involving that property. the only way to get information on a property was to contact a Realtor!

Today, the Public has access to a tremendous amount of information on Real Estate.  What was previously considered private information is now public, thanks to technology and websites.  Furthermore, almost all of it is free!

So, why use a Realtor, you ask? There are plenty of reasons why a knowledgeable and experienced Realtor won’t be replaced by a technological tool or widget any time soon.  Here are some to consider:

1.) Buying and Selling is an Emotional Process  Think about it: buying or selling a house involves a great deal of emotions. In most cases, a home is your most valuable monetary asset. In other cases, your reasons for buying or selling could be emotional too.  Perhaps you are expecting a baby, getting a divorce, or facing a job loss. Or maybe you have spent a long time raising your family in your home and have become quite attached to it. In any event, this transaction becomes an emotional one due to the high stakes involved or by the circumstances you find yourself in.  An experienced and compassionate Realtor can help you sort through your feelings and emotions and help you make the best decisions possible in a stressful time, by helping you consider BOTH the pros and cons of a decision.

2.) Face-to-Face Contact is Important  When I sit down with clients and discuss their Real Estate goals, a lot of communication involves body language. What we express with the way we hold our bodies, facial expression, intonation, and  interaction with others holds a lot of meaning in the overall message we convey. So, while texting and emailing are time-saving measures, the face-to-face interaction can often provide more information in the communication process.  Communication is key! This is why Realtors often prefer a face-to-face meeting with clients, particularly for the first time.  It also establishes trust, another key component in any relationship. And that is something you cannot get from technology!

3.) Interpretation of the Facts  There is a plethora of information available to buyers and sellers alike on the internet, and it can sometimes be overwhelming.  However, information alone is not enough.  How that information is interpreted is even more important.  For example, you may read that your area has 4.5 months of inventory, but what does this mean? How does this affect you as a Buyer? As a Seller? A Realtor can explain facts and how they pertain to you in a certain area, and in a certain market.

4.) Other Tools  A Realtor can also assist with other things, such as recommend a local expert to replace your counter top, or suggest a qualified and certified house inspector.  In most case, this Realtor has either used this person, or know someone who has, and was happy with the results.  This can save you time, money, and frustration.

5.) A Relationship to Last a Lifetime.  Relationships are built on trust and good experiences, so it is no surprise that when you find a great Realtor you have also found a friend!  This person will be your “go-to” person between homes and will be referred time and time again by you to your family, friends and colleagues.  A good Realtor will also stay in touch and provide you with valuable information along the way and be ready to help you whenever you need it!

Looking for that Personal Touch? Contact me today and allow me to provide you with the Service You Deserve!

Now, more than ever, Home Sellers are interviewing agents – sometimes as many as 4- before choosing to list their home. Many agents offer similar services, but what sets apart the excellent from the good? Here are some questions you should ask your prospective Listing Agent BEFORE hiring!
1.) What is your Sales-to-Listing Ratio?
Simply put, this is the percentage of homes sold that were listed by that agent last year. Your Realtor should also be able to tell you how that percentage compares to the local Real Estate Board average. You want the agent you hire to be BETTER than average!

2.) What is the Average Days on Market (DOM) for Listings Sold?
Again, you want this number compared to the Board average. Fewer days on market means the Agent is pricing the home to sell under current market conditions. Overpricing a home means more time on market and less money for the Seller.

3.) Are You Familiar With My Neighborhood?
Hiring your cousin or uncle isn’t necessarily a good thing. Whether an Agent is the neighborhood “expert” or not, that person should be familiar enough to answer questions that a potential buyer may ask, such as: Which schools are nearby? Where are the nearest bus stops? What is the dominant demographic in this area? Remember, the agent is selling the neighborhood, not just your home. Research is a must!

4.) Marketing Plan
Your Realtor should be able to predict the kind of Buyer who is most likely to buy your home, and tailor the Marketing Plan accordingly. The Marketing Plan should also highlight Special features of your home to make it stand out from the competition, and attempt to eliminate possible objections in the eyes of the Buyer. The Plan should also accentuate the positive so that Buyers see the value of your home, want it, and be willing to pay top dollar for it as well.

5.) Do I Like This Person?
This is based on your gut instincts. You must be able to trust that person and have confidence that he or she will do the best job possible.  Is this person approachable and friendly? Easy to communicate with? Does this person pay attention to details? Is this person a good listener and considers what you are looking for in a Realtor? Asking lots of questions and hearing the response will often give you a good feel for the person you want to hire. Also, make sure there is a written guarantee that if you are not completely satisfied, you can terminate the listing Contract. Very few Realtors offer this, but a true professional will want to make sure you are happy! It is, after all, your home!

Selling your greatest asset is a big task. No matter who you choose, make sure to ask lots of questions to make sure the Realtor you hire is a right fit for YOU! Contact me, and get the answers to these questions and more when you are selling your Sherwood Park and Edmonton home!