Q and A with Allison

What sets you apart from other agents?

I have always loved looking at buildings so I never get tired of doing what I do. I studied architectural history, urban planning and historic preservation and worked as a project engineer in construction management. This background has served me really well as an agent in being able to understand the value of a home, to identify potential issues with a property, to discuss plans for improvements with clients and to manage the many details of the transaction process seamlessly.

What makes your business unique?

Having been a stay at home mom for many years gave me an incredible drive to prove that I could be successful in real estate. Earning great client testimonials from buyers and sellers is at the core of what makes me tick. It is the most rewarding part of what I do.

When you list and sell homes every day it’s easy to forget how important each client’s transaction is to them, and I never to lose sight of that. Buying and selling a home is a BIG deal. When a buyer or seller puts their trust in me I handle their transaction as if it were my own. I treat each client, no matter what the size of their transaction, like friends and family.

What is the history and background of your business? What led you to a real estate career?

I chose real estate because it has allowed me to combine my interest in architecture, my passion for our towns and my commitment to helping people. I truly believe that the towns in my marketplace are special places that add value to the homes here. As a local market expert, when I list a home I am presenting that property as part of the neighborhood and community. When I sell a home I am helping buyers connect to their new community as well.

Why are you passionate about being an agent?

You can’t be a successful agent unless you come from a place of service. Real estate is about helping people through life transitions. I’ve been through transitions in my own life and so I know that having a trusted advisor to help you through things is so important. Most of my clients are really nice, smart and interesting people, and I honestly love getting to know them and working with them to get them where they want to be.

What direct benefits or value do you offer clients?

Being in a service business it’s so important to be responsive to your clients, and I know that getting back to people reliably and in a timely manner is fundamental. Communication is key for our clients and we keep our buyers and sellers in the loop every step of the way.

For sellers, I think that the fact that our listings typically sell for more money and in fewer days than market averages is very important. We also take extra steps before listing a home and after receiving an offer to make sure our deals go smoothly.

We promise our sellers expert advice on pricing their home correctly and preparing it so it shows its best. Our marketing plan is focused on targeting the most buyers in the places that buyers are looking for homes.

For buyers, it’s the fact that we get to know them well and we value their time. We sit down with every buyer for an initial consultation. This way we understand their tastes, needs, and budget from the beginning. It helps us find them a house faster and enables us to educate them about the market and home buying process.

We know our buyers value our ability to quickly find them that nearly perfect home including looking for off market properties, the strategies we offer them for being successful in bidding on homes, and access to our list of tried and true vendors.

Are there any tips or secrets that you could offer to clients?

For buyers I would say that you should pick a community first and then focus on finding a great house in that town. You are buying more than a house– you are buying the lifestyle and vibe that a particular town offers, and every town is different.

For sellers I would say that you never get a second chance to make a first impression. Make sure that you are working with an agent who gives you the best advice about pricing, preparation and delivers an effective marketing plan so that when you hit the market you capitalize on that excitement. This way you will net the most for your sale.