Realtor

Q. Describe the most common types of jobs you do for your clients.

A. I consider myself a strong buyer's agent. So many of today's home buyers have the all the listings available to them via all the real estate websites, so in most cases I will show them properties they have all ready picked out and then help them write up an offer they are happy with and that will also stand a good chance with the seller of being accepted. Sometimes though, buyers don't have time to drive around looking at properties, so I will do that for them. I will preview homes in their price range with the types of amenities they want, select the best, and when the clients have time, we go look at them. With sellers, I do my homework to make sure the homeowner lists at a price that will net them the most profit and still attract potential buyers. With both buyers and sellers, I protect them to ensure there as few problems as possible during the sale process, and to help them over whatever possible bumps in the road that may pop up.

Q. Describe three recent jobs you've completed.

A. I recently helped a buyer with a condo she purchased in the downtown Long Beach area. The other agent and escrow company were a bit questionable, and I was able to save my buyer hundreds of dollars in unnecessary costs they were trying to pass onto her. She also got an incredible deal in a very upcoming area.
I am getting ready to close a short sale representing the buyer on a triplex in the Alamitos Beach area. Because I have been in business awhile and am known to many of the local agents, the listing agent decided to go with me and my client's offer because she knows the quality of my work and that I get the job done. Needless to say, this escrow has been challenging, but it does look like we will finally close this week after working on this since the end of last year!!
I am also getting close to closing on a town home I have listed on the market, another short sale with three loans. Everything has been approved and we are now waiting for the buyer's loan to be funded and we can finally close this one too. The seller is very happy that we are about to finish this one up and that his credit won't be as damaged as compared to a foreclosure.

Q. What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?

A. Please meet with me first, in person, and let's talk about what your needs are. Let me educate you with the current market and get you familiar with how the how process works. I am also open to Skype if a customer's schedule is too hectic.

Q. If you were a customer, what do you wish you knew about your trade? Any inside secrets to share?

A. What is important to a person who wants to buy or sell a home and he/she is not sure how it is done, is to be sure your real estate agent explains the process to you before you even start to look at homes. Once you have the basic knowledge, then the rest will go much more easily. I always make sure my clients understand what to expect and they always seem so much more at ease with the whole process once they have this information.
As important as it is to meet clients face to face for that initial consultation, I realize how limited time can be. I will be more than happy to "Skype" if this makes it easier for you!

Q. Why does your work stand out from others who do what you do?

A. Being a licensed realtor since 1999 has helped me gain the experience and wisdom to handle all aspects of the real estate business. I also consider myself a patient person and a good listener. This helps greatly by realizing what is most important to my clients.

Q. What do you like most about your job?

A. What I like most about being a realtor is how the industry is always changing, so no two days are ever alike! Laws change, the technology is always advancing, contracts are constantly updated, and I know it is important to stay in touch with the times. I love meeting and working with new people, yet, am happy to see repeat clients come back for their next home!

Q. What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?

A. The questions customers most commonly ask me are how long I have been in business and what areas do I cover?
I have been involved in real estate sales since 1999 and the cities I specialize in are Long Beach, Lakewood and Signal Hill. I sell condos, single family homes and residential income properties.

Q. Do you do any sort of continuing education to stay up on the latest developments in your field?

A. I take classes that come available that I feel will help me to help my clients. I recently took a HomePath financing class which was extremely helpful. Select foreclosure properties are available with this type of very desirable financing, so it is very important to me as a realtor to know how to help any potential buyer take advantage of this if they want.
So, in answer to the question, I stay on top of the current trends in the market, by attending all my office meetings which are loaded with real estate updates and taking classes at various locations throughout the area that keep me informed on any changes I need to know and that will benefit me and the buyers and sellers I work with.

Q. What are the latest developments in your field? Are there any exciting things coming in the next few years or decade that will change your line of business?

A. I love the IPhone. I have instant access now to the MLS and can drive up to any house, condo, etc. for sale on the market, point my phone at it, and all the data on that listing streams to my phone. Contracts can now be filled out anywhere, I recently wrote the contract here in Long Beach, emailed it to my buyer and Indiana, and then when I got it back, forward via email to the seller's agent. Technology has helped the real estate process to be much speedier with much less money spent on gasoline!!

Q. What is your greatest strength?

A. My greatest strength is my calmness. This comes from the number of years I've been in the business and experience from it.

Q. What are you currently working on improving?

A. I need to work on my social media!