Buying or selling a home can be a very emotional time for all involved. As your Realtor®, it’s my job to make the process as easy and, ideally, as rewarding for you as possible. Every situation is unique, but I’ve found the process works best–for all involved–when the following are applied:

• When looking for a home, tell me what you want. Before you start looking, make a realistic list of what you want in a home, and what you can’t live without. Your list may change as you see what’s available, but without one, you’ll be quickly overwhelmed by the choices you’ll have. Bring pictures from newspapers or Real Estate magazines. Even if what you show me isn’t in your desired area or price range, I’ll be able to get a good sense of what you have in mind. If I know and can visualize what you’re looking for–if it’s out there–we’ll find it.

• Know your limitations. Be frank about your specific needs and price range. It’s a waste of our time to look at three bedroom houses when only a four-bedroom home will do. Also, there’s nothing worse than falling in love with a house that's out of your current price range or in an area too far from where you work.

• Be wary of so-called "experts." Your friends and business associates will make many suggestions about where to live and which house to buy. They mean well, but if they haven’t bought a home recently - and even if they have - they’re not likely to be aware of all the options you now have. You’ll find that everybody’s an expert about what you "should" need and want. The only real experts here are you and me, as your agent. Keep in mind, as your Buyer’s Agent it’s my job to see that we consider all your options, not just the ones other folks think you should.

• Just do it, please. If you’re selling a home, and I'm acting as your selling agent, I may suggest that you make some improvements or repairs. I see dozens of houses each week, and I see what turns-off my clients. The suggestions I make are intended to help your house compete with the best and are not meant to offend your decorating style.

• Keep time on your side. Buying or selling a home is a process made up of many individual steps. The process involves a number of people (lenders, inspectors, etc.) each working on his or her own timetable. A transaction can be completed in a few weeks or many months depending on the needs of the parties involved. If you’re being transferred to the area, I specialize in Quick-start relocation which may save you the time and expense of renting until you find your ideal home. Or, if you’re a first-time buyer we can set up a plan to get you into your home.

• Open, honest communication. You can trust my thorough knowledge of the process and of the area. If I don’t have the info you want I’ll either get it or tell you directly that I can’t. Similarly, as questions or even problems arise it’s important that we keep the lines of communication open.

• A word of caution. A Realtor® is not a tour guide. If you’re in the area on business and you decide to bring your spouse you may think spending the day looking at houses is a great way to see the area (you’d be surprised at how often this happens!) but looking without intending to buy isn’t the best use of time when there’s so much to do and see here. I invite you to visit our Recreation section. And, if you email me in advance, I would be happy to send you a map or list of attractions!

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