Years in real estate
This is my second time around, so seven years this time but I originally took the real estate exam just out of college in 1980.
Why St. Pete?
My husband and I moved here in 2004 because our goal was to live where we could walk to work, and we fell in love with the beautiful parks, Straub Park, and the waterfront, and we lived here before St. Pete was considered cool, and we still love it.
What’s your speciality or favorite kind of transaction to be involved in?
I typically get involved with the higher-end residential. I work mostly in the downtown condo market, also the Old Northeast, and on Tiera Verde because I believe that you sell what you know and love. I’ve lived in these areas, and I know the history, so it is easy for me to share information with buyers.
What’s a unique perspective you have on real estate that others may not have?
I always operate from a service above self mentality. It is important for me to have a smooth transaction and a positive experience for both parties. I work to make sure that the property is a good fit for both the buyer and the seller, and that makes for an easier transaction too. Most importantly is confidentiality for the typical buyer or seller that I represent. They don’t want publicity, so you’re rarely going to see me on a post with my transactions.
What is one piece of insight - a book, methodology or practice that you would share with our readers?
I love the book The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz because they are easy to read and understand: be impeccable with your word, so always tell the truth; don’t take anything personally because it’s not about me; don’t assume anything, and always do your best. Another book that I reread all the time is the old 20 years old book by Stephen Covey called The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, and two of those habits would be to be proactive and also to have a win-win mentality.
What is one thing you wish you knew about your work 3 years ago?
I wish I knew how advanced digital technology was going to get. The one positive thing about last year for me was it forced me to learn more about technology, but it’s a constant evolution, and I am recognizing how important it is in this field currently.
What’s one thing you wish buyers or sellers knew in advance, to optimize their real estate experience?
For buyers Plan Ahead, get your finances in order. Whether you are paying cash or you’re financing, it’s important to have the ability to pay. That will ensure a smooth transaction. For sellers, when you decide to sell, getting back to the four agreements, don’t take anything personally; take your personal items out of your home. Declutter, depersonalize in order for the buyer to envision the home or the condo as theirs. You need to neutralize, so remove the family photos, the stuffed animals, remove excessive wall art, highlight your beautiful floors by rolling up and putting away your rugs. You want to show the home, not your personal belongings.
What’s next?
That’s a good question. I love what I do; it doesn’t feel like work to me. I love helping others, and this is a big decision for people. This is one of the top three decisions that families make in their lives, where to move to and what to buy. So I’ll keep doing what I am doing and striving to be the best that I can be.
