"You Make It Home, I Make It Happen."

Q: Sheila, would you talk about your values and your business philosophy for just a minute?

A: That's a really good question and something that must be considered in deciding if you want to do business with me.

There are several principles that are important.

First I believe that honesty and integrity are the foundation of any successful relationship. No amount of experience, or even hard work, can replace these attributes.

Second, I know that each person is unique and must be treated as an individual. My clients have specific needs and objectives in buying a home. I spend as much time as necessary listening, so that I understand their personal tastes and preferences and what they are searching for.

Third, I know that they want someone who is up speed on technology and can use it well, whether they are selling or buying, the information and accuracy in handling even small details is crucial in real estate. The best outcome with the minimum amount of worry and stress is important.

Finally, I understand that my clients have plenty of choices of where to do business, but they do business with me because of my exceptional service I provide and the value I add to our relationship. This is evidenced by the tremendous number of my clients that refer me to their friends, family members and business associates.

Q: It's obvious that you have been very successful in helping clients buy and sell property, what would you attribute your success to?

A: Well, let me put it this way, it's easy to be successful when you really like what you do every day. I've been very fortunate in that a lot of people I've helped have been gracious enough to say some very flattering things about me and my service. But to answer you more specifically, I attribute my success to consistency, honesty and integrity.

Since 1979 I've been helping sellers get the top dollar out of their properties, and buyers reach their goals of homeownership. I stay on top of things and I help people reach their goals.

Q: How do you go about negotiating the best deal for us?

A: This is where my experience comes in.

The negotiating process requires skill, experience and complete objectivity. I can provide the expertise you need while sticking to the facts. When I go to the negotiating table I go fully prepared, armed with the right information, keeping your best interests in mind. In addition to negotiating the best deal, I'll also walk you through the entire closing process from recommending inspectors and lenders, to coordinating seller disclosures and title searches. I'll ensure your transaction closes smoothly and without unnecessary costs. Even after the transaction is complete, I'm at your service. My commitment to you is life long. Consumers today have an almost unlimited number of real estate agents from which to choose.

Q: What separates you from the others?

A: Well without question, the biggest difference is my business philosophy. You see, I work as a consultant rather than from the prospective of a traditional salesperson. This means that my approach to both the process and the relationship runs counter to the industry standards. Typically, once you hire a salesperson, they immediately focus their time and energy looking for the next client and devoting all that time and energy seeking new business results in a poor level of service and, at best, a mediocre relationship with their current clients.

However, as a consultant, my focus is on service and on fostering relationships with my current clients and then working from their referrals be cause my clients are extremely satisfied with my service, they send me a steady stream of referrals. By having a referral based business, I don't have to spend time and energy looking for new business. Instead, I can devote my full attention to my current clients and their referrals. In short, my service oriented philosophy is what really separates me from others in my industry.

Q: In closing, Sheila, is there anything you'd like to add for our readers, any final thoughts?

A: Yes, I would like to leave them with something John Galbrath said in the 1930's, He said buy real estate and wait.

Don't wait to buy real estate.

Almost everyone dreams of being a homeowner. If they're first time buyers, they're tired of paying rent with nothing to show for it and frustrated with the restrictions that landlords put on them.

More space and more control over their living environment are probably foremost in their desires, but investing is a strong second reason. A home is the largest investment most people have. It can become part of their retirement savings and a big part of their legacy to their heirs.

And, of course, the money you save by not having to pay taxes on what you put into mortgage payments helps you accumulate that nest egg even faster. I think everybody needs to diversify their assets and one asset should be real estate. It's one of the smartest, safest investments I know.

Plus, all that time you are putting money into the investment, it's giving you shelter and enjoyment. What Gabrath said was true back in his day and it's even truer today, now is the best time to buy. Interest rates are low and prices are good.

So, people need to buy now, not wait, whether it's their first home, their dream home or their investment property.