**How has real estate changed in your opinion, since 2008?
2008 was probably the beginning of some of the worst years that I have seen in real estate. When I got into the Real Estate business, back in the 80’s, it was kind of the premise naivety – ignorance is bliss. Interest rates were almost 17% however banks were much more willing and able and creative about putting deals together. In 2008, we saw the decline of what was a very strong market and people losing their jobs, people losing their savings, people losing their investments, and loss, loss, loss was all you heard about. And to top it off, banks weren’t lending. So trying to incentivize people to invest in a market that had gone below ZERO on the charts was very, very difficult.
**You mentioned about what a tough market it was, what about people who are in foreclosure or behind on their payments, can you help them?
Well, yes I can. I’ve worked with a lot of people
in short sale situation. I have a CDPE Designation, which is Certified Distressed Property Expert. Designations are great, but I also possess the knowledge and skills to be able to help people thru the process.
**So if someone’s going through that, it’s not a completely hopeless situation.
It doesn’t have to be, the important thing is to get started early. You do not want to be like a deer in the headlights, feeling paralyzed that you cannot do anything.. That’s the worst thing you can do. Pick up the phone and give us a call. Know that you do not have to handle this on your own.
**When someone is looking to buy or sell their house and they work with you, what is the experience like?
From my standpoint or from theirs?
**From theirs.
Well I can only go by what my past clients have said. I think that at first they are wowed by my ‘do whatever it takes effort’. I have the “212” philosophy in everything I do– if you go that extra degree, it makes all the difference. One degree extra from 211 makes water boil!
When people work with us, they see the water boil!
**And by that you mean, you have successfully sold and closed their home, either selling it or helping them buy the home of their dreams.
Correct. We find their house, we negotiate a strong contract, we work with our clients every step of the way…negotiating and facilitating is a very strong part of the process. If not done properly and articulated well you can lose the deal. I would say that in the end, my buyers and my sellers have all expressed how happy they are with the results of my strong negotiating skills.. It is very important as I have seen through the years, for a negotiator to create a win-win situation, and I know I do!