Broker Associate

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

A. Do your homework. Get recommendations and references from someone who has used their services as you would your doctor, accountant or lawyer. Remember, you will be making one of the largest expenditures, if not the largest, of your adult life so do not go about it lightly.

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

A. As a layman, I would have no idea as to the amount of time, energy and education it takes to become an expert in my field. I also would not comprehend that my income, although respectable, is not nearly what it seems after I remove the costs associated since I am totally self employed and must pay for everything from that gross. Nor would I realize that any retirement is funded 100% by myself if there is to be one.

Q. What important information should buyers have thought through before seeking you out?

A. My recommendation would be not to do anything that involves additional monetary investment until I have a chance to see the home and make recommendations that will net you a positive return. However, a coat of neutral paint will never hurt you!

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

A. After having owned and managed several companies, I pride myself on my attention to detail and "can do" attitude. There are 2 types of agents in my business-problem makers and problem solvers. I am a problem solver. If I don't readily have the answer you need from my 26 years experience, I will find a professional to get it for you.

Q. What do you like most about your job?

A. I enjoy seeing the satisfaction on clients' faces after their offer is accepted and they are realizing that through their hard work, they are going to accomplish the American Dream in a home they can call their own or after years of caring for their treasured home, they have reaped the rewards and someone else appreciates what they have done as much as they do.

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

A. How much can I afford? Of course, there are several factors involved--income, credit, job tenure and stability and down payment. By knowing all of these, we can then make a good decision on the type of financing and the amount they qualify for compared to their comfortable payment range.

Q. Do you have a favorite story from your work?

A. Every day is as different as the people involved in the sale are different.

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

A. Our continuing education is ongoing. To retain my Pennsylvania license, I must take 14 hours of prescribed courses every 2 years and for my Delaware license, I must take 15 hours every 2 years. The National Association of Realtors also mandates additional education requirements required of each licensee.

Q. If you were advising someone who wanted to get into your profession, what would you suggest?

A. Prepare yourself for an uphill battle, both emotionally and financially. Most Realtors get their business from ongoing referrals based on previous service, so it can be very difficult when starting out.