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7 Tips for a Successful Open House
Open House
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Owning a home is the ultimate catalyst for building generational wealth. And despite the constantly changing market that we are currently facing, there are still buyers and sellers entering the market daily. Therefore, it is imperative if you are an agent to capture the interest of clients to keep your sales moving. One key way to drive up interest in a property, meet potential new clients, AND successfully close a deal is to hold an open house.
How Does an Open House Help?
An open house allows potential buyers to tour the property. They’ll interact first-hand with the house and see the work and care the sellers put into it. Additionally, when clients visit the property in person, they can visualize themselves living in the home.
With the recent spike in interest rates, it’s inevitable that buyers have reduced. This market shift has yielded competition among agents as one of the main real estate market trends of 2022. Therefore, as an agent, it is essential to make your listing stand out. With this strategy, you’ll:
● Attract the right clients
● Make a lasting impression
● Appeal to the buyers’ needs and interests
● Build a bigger pipeline
● Achieve more client conversion rate
To ensure your open house is successful, follow these tips:
Tips for a Successful Open House
1. Offer Virtual Open Houses
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, real estate markets experienced a hit. For example, the North Bay area was in limbo, with fewer purchases initially, and even now, many people are still hesitant to attend in-person events.
You can mitigate this challenge by offering a virtual open house for clients to view your property from the safety of their homes. You can use many different platforms to host your virtual open house based on what works best for you.
This strategy also allows time flexibility, catering to all schedules, preferences, and geographical locations. Consequently, you’ll have more views as clients can attend at their convenience and not get locked out due to time or place.
2. Allow Natural Light
One of the best ways to make your property look its best is by taking advantage of natural light. Here are a few tips to bring in natural light:
● Ask your clients to clean their windows thoroughly to let in maximum light.
● Move any furniture that’s blocking windows or creating shadows.
● Open up all the curtains and blinds in the home.
3. Use Food & Drinks
Offering food and drink will increase foot traffic at your open house while also encouraging visitors to stay longer in the home. Effortless strategies like serving simple finger foods can make potential buyers feel more welcome. This is also an excellent strategy if you are showcasing a home with a beautiful kitchen design or strong entertainment value!
A bonus of being an agent in Wine Country? Wine of course! Research the location of your property before your open house event. Is there a winery nearby? Try offering the local choices at the open house! This will help give your clients more of a feel of their future neighborhood and the amenities that await them!
4. Advertise Online & Offline
Ensure you advertise the home online and offline. Start by putting up signs in the neighborhood and leaving flyers. Then, list your open house on all major real estate websites. You can also share it in a local newspaper ad and should definitely post it on social media; remember to use relevant real estate hashtags to attract the right audience.
And don’t forget your fellow agents! Cross promotion and referrals are also helpful in promoting your open house. Share your open house details with your fellow agents and ask them to promote it to their spheres. Give them all the details like photos, videos, links, and any other relevant property info.
5. Use a Digital Open House Sign-in
A digital open house sign-in, such as a QR Code, will allow you to collect information from visitors for later follow-up and pipeline tracking. Plus, it’s a great way to know who visited and what niche is more attracted to the property.
6. Host an Event
You’re more likely to attract many potential buyers by incorporating creative, fun, and unique activities at your open houses. The events will make it more memorable and entertaining. For example, you could hold a raffle with giveaways like gift cards to local restaurants, wineries, or shops!
Events like these will give potential homebuyers a reason to linger, allowing you to strike up a conversation, give a more intimate tour, show off the property, and collect contacts.
Conclusion
No matter the type of property you’re selling, an open house is a great way to attract potential buyers and show it off. To make your open house more successful, follow the above tips and tricks!
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Tips To Create The Ultimate Homework Station
Little boy doing his assignment using a laptop at his homework station
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Homework time can be a delicate yet overwhelming time for both parents and kids. Kids can come home and decide they’d rather do pretty much anything else than sit down and do more school work. Or maybe your kids want to get their homework done right away, but also run the risk of getting distracted by their friends or siblings. To help combat the homework blues, we’ve put together some tips to help you create the perfect homework station, so your children can feel comfortable focusing and successfully complete their work each day!
Create a Designated Space Away From Distractions
Step one to set your kids up for homework success is to create a designated space for them to work! Choose a quiet area of the house where they can focus, whether it’s their bedroom or another spare room/area in your house that has fewer distractions. Make sure this area is comfortable and cozy so that they feel welcomed in to sit down and get started on their homework.
Get Creative with Desk Placement
Consider setting up the desk in an area with plenty of windows or natural light. This will provide a good balance of light for studying and allow for enjoying views of the outdoors as well when they need to take a break!
If you don’t have a lot of space, try a multi-functional setup. There are plenty of options and inspiration for fold-away desks that allow you to use a space for studying, and then tuck away all the supplies when you’re done! You can also get creative when customizing your kids space. Instead of just setting up a desk and being done with it, try adding in shelves to allow them to set up their materials in a way that best helps them concentrate and keep their desk free of clutter!
Install Sufficient Lighting
A vital step in setting up your homework station is to make sure that there is enough lighting and that it’s the right kind of light. This is going to be different for every person and their room setup, but here are some basics:
● You want a good overhead lamp and at least one other lamp (either on your desk or on the floor). Ideally, they should be adjustable so you can adjust the brightness depending on where you’re working in your room.
● Ensure that both lamps are not overly bright or dim—you want a good balance, so it doesn’t cause eye strain while studying. Also, avoid harsh overhead bulbs like fluorescent lights; go with soft incandescent lamps instead!
Keep Supplies Close By
To keep your supplies organized and easy to find, create a homework station with the following supplies:
● A basket or bin to hold pencils and pens.
● A container for paper clips, staples, and glue sticks.
● A plastic pencil box for erasers, highlighters, and markers.
Once you have a place for everything, ensure everything is in its place! If you need help keeping things neat, consider using labels or stickers as reminders, so nothing gets lost in the shuffle (or desk). This style of organization is especially important for your younger students!
Display Their Special Work
Find a place for your child to display their favorite artwork and successful assignments as well. This will help them feel good about the time they spend doing homework. You can hang up paintings or drawings on the wall with some simple pushpins and then maybe put up a few shelves above it where they can display their favorite books as well.
Another great place for displaying artwork is by using magnetic frames that are easily movable. This way, if there’s something new that they want to show off, it’s easy enough for them just pick up and move into place without having any trouble!
Conclusion
Whether it’s the dining room table, a desk in a quiet corner of your home, or a dedicated space in your child’s bedroom, creating the perfect homework station is all about setting up an environment that’s conducive to learning. By taking these few steps and creating this space in your home, not only are you helping your kids start the school year off right, you are showing your children that you are invested in their scholastic success!
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Owning a Home: The Ultimate Catalyst for Building Your Generational Wealth
Homeowners in the neighbourhood of their dreams
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The concept of the “American Dream” traditionally equates to the achievement of homeownership. It is a status symbol for many people, signifying stability, financial success, and the potential to contribute to one’s community positively. As proof, 63% of the net wealth of 80%
of Americans comes from their primary homes.
The continual increase in the number of people who own their own homes in the United States is a direct result of the numerous advantages of home ownership, ranging from social to financial aspects. Owning a home is a catalyst for building your generational wealth. Check out the following points to see how.
You Save on Housing and Invest the Money Elsewhere
North Bay realtors would tell you that clients with their own homes typically use less of their disposable income on housing-related expenses, freeing up more funds for other purposes and investments. This advantage explains why homeownership makes your net worth 80 times greater than renting. Therefore, owning your own home is a key to securing your wealth and your family’s future.
Further, monthly rent can be expensive. For example, according to different sources, renting a two-bedroom apartment in San Francisco is between $200 and $13,766 monthly, depending on the location. This price is still relatively high as a monthly expense. But when you own your own home, you forget about monthly rent. With that cost out of the way, you will save money and direct the savings towards profit-making investments, increasing your generational wealth.
The table below shows the Median monthly rent by the number of bedrooms in Ukiah as an example.
Number of Bedrooms Rent per Month
One-bedroom 908 USD
Two bedrooms 1185 USD
Three bedrooms 1645 USD
Four bedrooms 2028 USD
A Chance to Build Equity
Your share of the property that you own corresponds to the amount of equity that you have. It increases either when there is an increase in the current appraised value of your house or when you make additional payments on your mortgage. If you own a home, you should educate
yourself on how to compute your home’s equity.
Homeownership also gives you the freedom to potentially borrow on your home equity, refinance your mortgage, or redraw your loan to access it.
These funds can subsequently fulfill various purposes; you can opt to buy a rental apartment to improve your cash flow. You can also start different businesses that will increase your net worth and build wealth that will stay on for generations.
Home Value Appreciation
As a homeowner, you have a chance to raise your home value. For example, Mendocino County ranks as among California’s best places to buy a home. This rating is because of its tremendous home appreciation, 12% in the last 12 months and 7.2% over the previous ten years. You can capitalize on such advantages and sell your homes in the future to earn money, upgrade to a superior home, or make it your retirement residence.
When the value of your home appreciates, your net worth also increases, improving your generational wealth. There are a good number of factors that can speed up your home value and build wealth. Below are the main ones:
Upgrades and Updates
Home improvements can increase the value of your property, particularly in older houses that may include components that are no longer in use. An upgrade project’s impact differs according to the market and your home’s value at the time of the project.
Also, a home’s value can increase significantly due to particular renovations, such as installing a swimming pool or wood floors. On the other hand, a home’s value can increase considerably due to a kitchen remodel or the addition of a full bathroom.
Location
Your home value will appreciate when your location is suitable. Your locality should have:
● Availability of learning institutions.
● Ease in accessing jobs.
● Easy to access shopping centers and recreational centers.
● Proximity to medical care facilities.
When determining a home’s value, its location can be even more significant than its dimensions and current condition combined. For instance, closeness to roads, power lines, and public transit can affect the total value of a home in that location. In particular, North Bay has some of the best universities and transport systems. It is also home to leading tech companies like Adobe and eBay, making it an area of opportunities and growth. Hence, buying a home in this location guarantees value appreciation.
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Real Estate Market Predictions For The Second Half of 2022
Real estate market stock
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Whether you’re looking to buy a home to live in yourself or you’re a real estate investor looking for an income property, it’s important to know what to expect from the housing market during the second half of 2022. For many buyers, higher mortgage rates so far mean they can no longer afford homes in specific ranges. The challenge is that even modest single-family homes cost as much as lavish pads did a few years ago, so buyers are struck either waiting for more inventory to come online or moving to a more affordable area.
Here are the real estate market predictions for the second half of 2022.
Rapid Shifts in Economic Landscape Will Affect Real Estate
The rapid shifts in the economic landscape have some silver lining when it comes to housing affordability. With the unemployment rate near 50-year lows, employers are feeling the pressure to compete for talent, driving wage growth upwards from earlier year-over-year predictions (+3.8% vs. +3.3%). The labor market recovery continued with a net 390,000 jobs added to payrolls in May as the Fed ratcheted up its monetary normalization, consumer confidence dipped, and inflation remained a top concern.
The competitive labor market may also give some buyers more negotiating power on workplace flexibility, creating more opportunities to relocate to relatively affordable housing markets. Data from the first quarter of 2022 showed about 40.5% of Realtor.com home shoppers viewed listings that were located outside their current state, up from 33.4% in 2020.
Home Prices Will Remain High
Since the housing inventory isn’t expected to pick up all that much during the second half of the year, home prices are likely to remain elevated. Essentially, this means many buyers, especially first-time buyers, are apt to struggle to break into the market, especially in light of higher borrowing rates. As of May, the national median existing home price for all housing types was $407,600, with sales declining in three out of four regions of the US.
Home Sellers Face More Competition, but Buyers Get More Options
Homeowners continue to be in an advantageous position, especially those who have owned for longer periods of time and accumulated significant equity in their homes. This is likely to bring out more sellers hoping to capitalize on favorable market conditions which will ultimately mean more competition. There will be a re-balancing of the housing market away from the very seller-friendly tilt it has recently had.
This will bond particularly well for seller-buyers who have been more frustrated with the lack of buying options. Seller-buyers are not immune from the challenges all buyers face, such as higher home prices and mortgage rates, but home equity insulates them from some of the impacts, particularly those who have lived in their homes for longer periods.
Rising Rents Hurting First-Time Buyers
First-time buyers aren’t seeing equity and wealth grow due to the rising cost of everyday essentials. For these buyers, the challenging housing market is compounded by the fact that rising rents are making it difficult to save up for a down payment. The rise in rent is making it difficult for first-time buyers because in some months they have paid double digits for a studio to two-bedroom properties. Currently, there is an increased motivation to get into a home and lock in housing costs to prevent having to pay higher future rents.
Generally, 2022 reflects a housing market that is charting a path toward sustainability. Buyers will have to be patient and prepare to be flexible at a time when homes are hard to come by, prices are way up, and borrowing is no longer as affordable as it was in 2021. Home sales are still projected to hit a near record-high despite trailing 2021 levels.
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Agent of the Month – Tiffany Knef
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Congratulations to our June Agent of the Month, Tiffany Knef! For Tiffany, there’s no place quite like Northern California. She loves where she lives, and that passion for her home translates into a passion for helping others find their homes here as well! Whether it’s a first-time transaction, or expert home buyers looking to get back into the market, Tiffany is their expert to turn to. Keep reading to learn more about Tiffany, her passion for properties, and how when she’s not doing deals you can find her jet-setting all over the globe!
What routines do you have in place to start your day off right?:
I am up and out of bed at 6:00 a.m., make tea, exercise daily, study Spanish an hour a day, then time block to meet with clients, prospect, and work on active listings, buyers, paperwork, etc.
To what do you attribute your success most?:
Hard work & focus, working by referral, dedication to my clients, education and professional coaching, networking with local agents and agents throughout the world, gratitude, giving back/making a positive contribution to the world, positive attitude, patience, being calm & solutions-oriented, systems in place for a smooth process, a dedicated team to assist, a love for my career, celebrating making the dreams of my clients come true, live/work balance. Passionate about my clients, listen carefully to understand the goals and needs of my clients, and make those happen!
What was the most difficult thing you had to overcome when first starting your real estate career? Or that still challenges you to this day?:
Learning that there is plenty of business for all of us and that the clients we do get to work with are blessed, as are we.
What’s the transaction you are most proud of so far?:
Oh, that is a tough one. There have been so many wonderful experiences…….It is always exciting to give first-time home buyers the keys to their first property. And, it is satisfying to help long-time home owners transition out of their homes to the next phase of their lives. I have worked with multiple clients who live out of the country purchase or sell property while remaining out of the country. Ensuring that all the details are in place to create a smooth experience creates an exceptional outcome.
What is a unique aspect of the Sonoma/Mendocino/SF County Residential real estate market?:
We are an all seasons market – meaning that we get the opportunity to work with clients all year long, regardless of the weather. Our attractive weather patterns are a large part of the allure of the Northern Bay Area. In addition, the people who reside here are generally friendly, warm, and welcoming, which embodies a true sense of community. Our local farmer’s markets, cultural events, festivals, wineries, hiking & biking opportunities, and beautiful views (shoreline, forests, vineyards, fields, golden hills) are good for the soul.
If work-life balance is important to you how can you tell if you’re are getting it right?:
Work-life balance is critical in my formula for happiness. Time blocking as a daily routine helps me make sure I am on track. Time spent with family and friends is just as important as time spent with real estate activities. For the most part, I feel as if I live a full life, with plenty of time to work and play.
What was the best vacation you ever had?:
The last three vacations I took were all spectacular. Two weeks in Australia visiting family and friends and touring all over Melbourne; Two weeks in Italy, France, and Spain; Three weeks in Prague, Hungary, Germany, Italy, and Spain. This Fall: Three weeks in Spain, Northern Africa, and Portugal!
If you had one piece of advice for someone just starting out in real estate, what would it be?:
Don’t wait to buy real estate. Buy real estate and wait!
Agent to Watch – Kelly Sullivan
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Congratulations to Kelly Sullivan! One thing to know about Kelly – she is an incredibly hard worker with a deep-rooted passion for real estate. From the moment she built her own home at 26, Kelly knew this was the business for her. She hustled to get her real estate license, all while working full time and raising her two sons, and she hasn’t stopped hustling since. Keep reading to learn more about Kelly!
What was the first thing you wrote on your to-do list for today?:
No LACK thinking.. in a Flow Manifestation class currently and that was the theme yesterday 🙂
Why did you decide to pursue a career in real estate?:
I built a home when I was 26 years old while creating two young Sons. After I designed, contracted, and built a sweet home on 6.68 acres in West Petaluma I decided I would give Real Estate a go! I took my Real Estate Courses between babies, and worked in Marin as a Caterer all while having my Sons and building a home. It was the longest Real Estate license obtained ever, took 3 years to get it as I was a bit busy:) Once I passed, I never looked back! I have been full-time, full throttle for the past 32 years! I did cater the first 3 years of my career to support my REAL ESTATE habit:)))
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?:
My best client and Career Guidance teacher Mr. Barnacle at Novato High School told me,
“I LIKE TO DO REAL ESTATE WITH MY SUSPENDERS ON, thank you! “
He was my mentor and biggest cheerleader and made me always get out of my comfort zone. I always listened to him with all ears.
If you could go anywhere in the world right now where would you go?:
My 60th Birthday is Jan 2023 and I am percolating a chunk of time off, I have never taken more than 12 days off at a time. I want a big OL chunk of time to see and experience other cultures.
Thailand? Kayaking
Greece? Sailing
Puerto Rico and head out to the Virgin Islands to island hop?
What is something most people would never guess about you?:
I come from nothing, I lost my Mom when I was 15, and I raised my siblings. Very much a survivor, but also my heart is just so big, once I feel comfortable as I do not let too many really IN, life is golden.
You’re stranded on a deserted island. What three things do you have with you?:
My guy, a boat and a big smile!
What does a perfect day in Sonoma/Mendocino/SF County look like for you?:
No phones, no technology, an awesome hike, delish crab or shrimp ending up on the Coast watching whales and running with my Grandkiddos and Pups:)
What’s your favorite local restaurant?:
Discovered ” Willi’s ” an awesome local Red and Freshly created tapas are pretty perfect, as I am living in Santa Rosa now and checking places out
Agent to Watch – Elsie Richardson
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Congratulations to Elsie Richardson, an April Agent to Watch! A third-generation real estate agent, Elsie feels a deep dedication to her craft. She knows that for each of her clients buying a home is a huge step in their lives, and she takes it upon herself that they have the most seamless transaction, from first introductions to the moment she hands over their keys. Keep reading to learn more about Elsie!
What was the first thing you wrote on your to-do list for today?:
I take time for myself and exercise every morning. This helps to clear my mind and relieve stress, so I can be a better agent for my clients.
Why did you decide to pursue a career in real estate?:
I am a third-generation real estate agent. My dad and grandfather were both Cloverdale Real Estate Brokers. I love working with first time home buyers and seeing the excitement on their faces as I hand them their keys gives me great satisfaction. I enjoy people, not knowing what challenges the day might bring and competitive aspect the real estate world presents. I do like to win!
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?:
Never a failure, always a lesson!
If you could go anywhere in the world right now where would you go?:
Hawaii for sure!
What is something most people would never guess about you?:
I love mayonnaise on French Bread! I own 150 pairs of shoes. I also have three goats; Ginger, Pepper, and Olivia.
You’re stranded on a deserted island. What three things do you have with you?:
Rosie (my corgi), chocolate, and a good pair of shoes.
What does a perfect day in Sonoma/Mendocino/SF County look like for you?:
Home, cool, a burn day in Sonoma County.
What’s your favorite local restaurant?:
Catelli’s
5 Tips On How To Prepare Your Home For Summer
Spring Cleaning
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The sound of summer is pleasant to the ears. It’s the time to plan a vacation and spend a lot of time outdoors enjoying the beautiful weather. As you look forward to the season, you also need to prepare your home. The cold season that’s almost ending can take a toll on your home, and it’s only imperative that you get it back in shape for summer.
This post guides you on what to do by May 1st to ensure your space cools more efficiently during summer.
Do Your Spring Cleaning
You have a long list of things to do during spring cleaning when your energy levels are up, and there’s extra sunlight to make the tasks enjoyable. While your actual spring-cleaning checklist may vary, it should entail freshening up those things you don’t usually get to during routine cleaning. Examples include:
- Washing the windows inside and out
- Vacuuming the curtains and upholstery
- Dusting the light fixtures, inside and outside
- Disinfecting the cabinet hardware, light switches, and stair rail.
- Cleaning out the dryer vent
- Pressure-washing the walkway and replacing damaged bricks or pavers
- Sprucing up the front door
- Cleaning the gutters
As a tip, ensure you first dust and vacuum the house. Sweeping should come last so that you pick up whatever falls off.
Check the Condition of the HVAC Systems
The HVAC system should be in perfect condition for summer, so you want to do some maintenance in advance to prepare your home. Summer is the prime time for all seasonal allergies, and the air filter should be clean and ready to go. You can check the type of filter you have and the last time you swapped it to determine if it’s time for a complete replacement. Most air filters need a replacement every 90 days.
Other pre-summer HVAC maintenance steps include ensuring the visible areas around the indoor and outdoor components of the system are free from debris and clutter. As a tip, leave about two feet of free space around each element. Remember to switch off the water to the furnace humidifier until fall, when you’ll switch it back on.
Inspect the Drainage System
If you have a large house, it’s understandable that it’s common to overlook minor issues. You probably haven’t checked the drainage system in a long while, and this is the perfect time to do so. To prepare your home, inspect it for any leakages and have the flaws repaired in good time. Enlist professional assistance to get rid of blocked water pipes and other nuances in the house. Drainage issues can become hazardous if left unattended for a long time.
Rotate the Ceiling Fans Counterclockwise
Running your ceiling fans counterclockwise allows them to push down cool air instead of vice versa. When you rotate them in this direction, you’ll draw moisture out of the air, which is crucial if you live in high humidity areas.
It’s generally recommendable to run your fans counterclockwise when running the air conditioning unit. Doing so is more efficient in cooling the home, including turning the AC a few degrees up. Keep the fans running at low speed for a comfortable downdraft to redistribute cool air throughout the room.
Inspect the Roof
A quick look at the roof can reveal problems that may have begun in the winter. Take steps to repair them before they get out of hand. Misaligned, missing, or cracked shingles are problems that can let water in, leading to more problems. You also must check the flashing for rust and inspect the caulk for cracks.
Final Thoughts
Ready or not, summer is on its way. These tips and tricks will enable you to get ahead of the game and prepare your home for the changing season. With only a few more days remaining, ensure you get started by May 1st to remain ahead of the game!
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Agents to Watch – Jina Marie & Jerry Ellsworth
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Congratulations to Jina Marie and Jerry Ellsworth, some of our newest agents, and April Agents to Watch! The Ellsworth team brings dynamic backgrounds and a passion for a good challenge to their new careers in real estate. With a positive attitude and a deep passion for their home of Sonoma County, Jina Marie and Jerry have hit the ground running with W. Keep reading to learn more about this husband and wife duo!
What was the first thing you wrote on your to-do list for today?:
Check the MLS.
Why did you decide to pursue a career in real estate?:
Real Estate is a fun, challenging, and a continually changing career path. Coming from a career where people aren’t generally happy to see you, it is quite the breath of fresh air working with people to make their dreams come true.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?:
Always keep a positive attitude and good things will come your way.
If you could go anywhere in the world right now where would you go?:
We absolutely love Sonoma County and really enjoy everything it has to offer, although Jina may say she would go to Italy.
What is something most people would never guess about you?:
Jerry – I have 24 years of Law Enforcement experience.
Jina – Avid equestrian and can’t help but rescue an animal every chance she gets.
You’re stranded on a deserted island. What three things do you have with you?:
Each other, our “bug out” bag, and laptop to keep our deals going.
What does a perfect day in Sonoma/Mendocino/SF County look like for you?:
A day of outdoor activity, like horseback riding at one of our local parks, followed by a nice dinner at one of the great local restaurants.
What’s your favorite local restaurant?:
Hazel Hill at Montage.
Agent of the Month – Ellen Crusoe
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Congratulations to our April Agent of the Month, Ellen Crusoe! For Ellen, her clients are at the center of every move she makes in the Real Estate industry. Whether it’s something as simple as promptly replying to an email, or adapting to the newest technologies she makes sure she’s at the top of her game for their benefit. Keep reading to learn more about our incredible team member Ellen!
What routines do you have in place to start your day off right?:
Every morning I get my coffee and open my computer. Usually way earlier than most of my clients. My clients have grown accustomed to waking up to emails from me. And they like it!
To what do you attribute your success most?:
Real Estate is not a job to me. My clients are important to me and I know that each and every one of them will be living in a new house that will become a home to them. The house that they leave is now a home they will miss and remember the memories made there. It is an honor and a big responsibility to help each of them make their personal transition as smoothly as possible.
What was the most difficult thing you had to overcome when first starting your real estate career? Or that still challenges you to this day?:
The most difficult thing? My answer would have to be nothing. I truly love my career and my clients. It is rewarding and fulfilling!
What’s the transaction you are most proud of so far?:
Each transaction has its own unique challenges. I look forward to the learning experiences from each one. The more obstacles and roadblocks we can learn to overcome, the better skilled we become for our clients.
What is a unique aspect of the Sonoma/Mendocino/SF County Residential real estate market?:
The North Bay Area is the most beautiful area to live in. I love where I work and all the different exciting areas I get to show a property. I can start the morning in town and then end up at the coast or in the mountains. I am blessed to call Sonoma County and Napa County my home!
If work-life balance is important to you how can you tell if you’re are getting it right?:
I have advanced my technical skills enough that not being in the office is not an issue. I have written contracts in the car on I-5, while in Mexico and I answer my clients even on the treadmill. I manage to stay organized and start my days off early so I can balance my personal life with my client’s needs.
What was the best vacation you ever had?:
The best vacation I have ever had was actually given to me by a client whose home I sold. It was a 5 day trip to Puerto Vallarta for me and 9 of my closest friends. My client owns vacation homes in Puerto Vallarta and gifted me this trip with a fully staffed villa on the ocean. That was an amazing trip!
If you had one piece of advice for someone just starting out in real estate, what would it be?:
Remember your clients are important. The most important part of our job. Make your decisions with them in mind. The paychecks will follow and your clients will return the next time they need your services. Always put your clients first they are entrusting you with one of the biggest decisions of their lives.
