Do you work full-time as a real estate agent/broker?
Yes, this has been my primary profession for decades. I love everything about the process, the interaction with consumers, and respect the time commitment necessary to satisfy my pledge to you as a homeowner.
How long have you been a real estate agent and how much education have you received?
I was first licensed in 2001. I started with real estate finance and progressed into a branch sales manager. I then transitioned into being a volume real estate agent assisting others in buying and selling their homes. Then rising to the level of an active real estate Broker since 2012. Education- I am dedicated to constant t learning, annual refresher courses, certifications for specific skills, negotiation training, marketing, and efficiency tactics. I have a duty to be well educated and experienced in a variety of related skills that benefit the homeowners I serve.
How many homes have you sold? How many have you sold past year or two?
At last count I have sold over 430 properties. I prefer to work with 12 to 18 homeowners a year as that seems to be a healthy balance of focused attention and personalized service. Yes, I have a solid track record of success with buyers and sellers which reflects my full-time status as a producing broker.
How many sellers are you representing now?
This is a good question. We are working with a variety of families at any one time. Each family’s timeline seems to be a bit different as will your desired timeline. When we sit down to discuss your specific goals and needs, I will verify and adjust our schedule as necessary to ensure that I can dedicate all the time needed to prepare, market, and sell your home for the most. I always focus on going as fast or as slow as you desire or need.
How often will you communicate with me?
Often usually but as much or as little as you want. I schedule my conversations around your schedule. It could be at 6am or 9pm once I learn what is best for you. I’ll share the transaction timeline with you so that you can see each stage in the process and know what is happening on any given day. I use email for the important details, phone calls for clarifications and discussions, and text for check-ins and updates. Bottom-line, I’m available whenever you have feelings or question along the way.
Have you sold homes in my area?
This use to be a big one. But since all the information is online and readily available, it isn’t as important of a question as it used to be. Today, you can find out everything they need to about a neighborhood. When I say everything, I mean everything…
Shopping / Proximity to freeways / Crime / Recreation / Schools 
But there are still many details about a neighborhood that buyers can’t find online. And that’s where an experienced Realtor comes in. Knowing how to sift through the data and to research the right questions; identify the specific selling points, why homeowners love the area, and what can justify a higher offer price from the buyers coming in. And lastly, if you found this article that’s because you’re in an area I either have sold previously or have a love for the community because of similar reasons you may have.
Whom will I be working with?
I’ll be your main point of contact so that we are always on the same page. You actually have a team of people working on your transaction who may contact you about a particular item or document from time to time. But the timeline will reflect when and I’ll usually know before they reach out so that you’re ready. My goal is to make it all seem easy for you.
What aspects of the transaction will you, the Realtor, handle and which will be delegated to others?
Yes, I do delegate some regular tasks, but it isn’t a negative. Being in the industry for so long I tend to focus on efficiency so that I can dedicate extra time on the marketing and negotiations stages. I also enjoy the personal interactions along the way so that we are always in communication and on the same page for the direction of the process. Yea, I am personally involved…
At what price do you think my house will sell in the current market? And why?
Yes, I will recite the data as an indicator and a glimpse at the market trends (houses sold, prices, average sale to list price ratio, average days on the market, etc.), and I am confident about sharing how this can affect the sale of your home. On the spot, the best I can do is give you a range to consider. And even that is a moving target because the same house can have a variance depending on when the home will be available for sale. But, where I can shine is my professional opinion about timing, buyer trends, and the specific features of your home that will draw in a higher sales price on any given weekend.
How did you arrive at your suggested list price?
Yes, I know, this is the focus, and we all want definitive answers. It is the HOW which makes an experienced Realtor like me perform. We want a price that is appealing to attract potential buyers while being high enough to ensure getting the most the market will bear. My goal is to market and create a large enough buyer pool so that I can negotiate the highest price someone will be willing to pay for your home today.
Do I have to complete repairs or upgrades?
Yes and No. It really depends on the home’s current condition, your desired timeline, and the net financial benefit to spending any money to prepare for sale. I will usually present several options so that you can review and make an informed decision. Focusing on the result of you having the most in YOUR pocket when the sale is completed and you’re off to your new location.
Should I stage my home for marketing?
Home staging, in my opinion, is always worth the investment for several situations. To fill in an empty home where the staging will complement the homes interior condition. When it will assist the buyers visual spacing of furniture in specific rooms. And to add color and to spruce up areas within the home. The goal is to improve the salability of your home – we’ll discuss options for your kitchen and baths and the common areas of buyer interest. Staging is another tool to maximize the sales price obtained for the sale.
Is your real estate license in good standing and have you ever been subject to a client complaint?
I am an active Realtor and have a Broker license in both California and Missouri. And have been no client filings in all the years I have served. Our real estate licenses are public and can be seen online at the state’s websites; California Dept. of Real Estate License Consumer Search and Missouri Real Estate Commission License Search.
Can you provide me with some past clients as references?
Definitely, and I am glad you asked. I get to spend quality time during a transaction that it feels like being part of the family. It would be an honor for you to contact other homeowners and ask questions about their experience in the selling process. Thank you
Why should I hire you over your competition?
I provide a more personal sales transaction. I love what I do and enjoy teaching others along the way as they wish. And for the details, others have confirmed that I am a good communicator, experienced in the market, an excellent negotiator, and get things done.