When you work with The Barker Team, you can expect an outstanding experience, we really know real estate. Ann and Colin Barker and their family have lived on four continents; bought, sold or leased properties in 6 countries and moved 22 times mostly with 3 small children!  Experiencing the challenges of moving both locally and internationally has given them insight into the processes involved and empathy for their clients' concerns.

Originally from the U.K. we had always thought of ouselves as British until March 2005 when we became American citizens.  Although our children sound Texan, we still speak "British English" which is why ...

OUR ACCENT IS ON SERVICE!

Colin brings years of experience  to our team in remodeling, having sold his company, Neighborhood Handyman & Remodeling as a going concern.  Colin is able to help Buyers with the practicalities and costs of remodeling the homes they're considering.  Investors also find his knowledge invaluable in evaluating an investment property.  If you need recommendations to plumbers, painters and other trades people then Colin keeps lists of service providers who've either worked for us or our clients.

Ann works directly with buyers and sellers, helping buyers find the right house at the right price and aiding sellers so that they get the best price in the shortest possible time.  She is always available for consultation on what improvements will enhance the value of a house and how to prepare your home for sale.  Ann has attained several real estate designations:

CRS - Certified Residential Specialist - Realtors® who receive the CRS Designation have completed advanced courses and have demonstrated professional expertise in the field of residential real estate. Fewer than  38,000 Realtors nationwide have earned the credential. Home buyers and sellers can be assured that CRS Designees subscribe to the strict Realtor code of ethics, have access to the latest technology and are specialists in helping clients maximize profits and minimize costs when buying or selling a home.

ABR - Accredited Buyer Representative - The ABR designation is the benchmark of excellence in buyer representation, awarded following the successful completion of both comprehensive educational courses and pertinent personal experience.  It provides proof to prospective clients of the Realtor's® proficiency at servicing the special needs of buyers

We live in The Estates of Forest Creek in Plano, Texas and particularly enjoy selling homes in the surrounding area but we place no geographic limits on our services - to us the people are always more important than the place! 

On the listing side we specialize in

First-time sellers - if you've never sold a house (or not for a long time) then you are at a disadvantage in the market place.  It's so easy to be drawn in by real estate agents who say they can get a super-high price for your house or those who promise to "sell your house in X days or it's free!".  We can help you identify what's real, what's possible  and what's too good to be true.

Hard-to sell homes - if you've tried to sell your house in the past year without success then we need to talk!  We can identify the problems and suggest possible solutions.  But beware, we are both honest and forthright in our comments - only call if you're prepared to hear it "like it is"

On the buying side our strength lies in

New construction - builders are ready to make deals and we love to negotiate!  We regularly help our buyers get a better deal than if they'd worked directly with a builder plus, our buyers get excellent representation throughout the process.  Builders routinely offer bonuses to real estate agents when they sell a home (up to $10,000 currently) we ALWAYS give the bonus to our clients so they get an even better price!

Out-of-area buyers - people relocating to this area need extra help in identifying the right house, the right price, the right schools etc.  We have personal experience of moving to a new area, of not knowing anyone, of not knowing where to live and of not knowing what questions to ask so we know how it feels.  We love to help you find your way through the confusion and keep the stress on you to a minimum while you're in transition.  Our contacts with lenders, home inspectors, title companies etc. ensure that you get the best possible service at reasonable prices so that your transaction is as smooth as possible.

Good morning Ann,
 
Yes, we are in our new home and loving it!!!  Everything is great and we couldn't be happier. Kat and I feel as if we are living in a castle! We couldn't have been any happier with your service. You were always so prompt and professional. Being a first time home buyer, it was nice to have you hold our hand throughout the whole process. I really appreciated your honesty in evaluating the houses that we looked at. You didn't hesitate to point out things which looked suspicious, and that confirmed to me that you were after our best interest.
 
I have already recommended your services to another couple I know who is ready to begin looking for a house. I would expect that you will hear from them soon. Thanks so much Ann, and please don't hesitate to come visit us and the house if you like. 
 
Thank you!
 
Scott C.

Re:         Outstanding Agent

ANN BARKER

RE/MAX Dallas Suburbs

Gentlemen,

I have waited several months to write this letter so you would clearly understand that this is a statement of fact, not just the excitement of moving into our dream home where we will spend our retirement.

The Purchase:            

I first contacted Ann by e-mail regarding an Internet listing.  It was a weekend and I expected no response until sometime Monday, if at all.  Within hours I had a response to all my questions and in addition she asked questions of me regarding my needs and desires in a newer home.

Throughout the process of finding and buying our home Ann never failed to respond promptly to my calls and e-mails. Further, during the contract stage she would call us with updates even when the only news was "no news" yet.  What a comfort to be included "in the loop" rather than chasing the realtor or guessing what was going on with the purchase.  She was careful to show us homes that were within our parameters and never any pressure to "buy this one before in gets away".  She was with us all through the process including a contract on a home that failed inspection.  She never let us lose hope of finding the right house.  She was our guide through the entire process and never missed a step.

The Sale:     

Our prior home was 34 years old and we had lived in it 24 years.  It had served us well and that service was evident.  Our house was in a dead market.  No one was even looking at houses sitting vacant within shouting distance.  Ann offered her guidance in preparing the house for sale.  Using her ideas we prepared the house for sale.  We priced the house at $125,000.00, the highest priced house for sale in our area.  We closed the sale, in a reasonable length of time, at $121,250.00.  A closing price higher than the asking price of any house for sale in our area.  However the house did not sell itself.  Ann focused her efforts in getting traffic to the house, including giving two of her Sunday afternoons to hold open houses.  Monday morning after the second open house we had our first offer and the sale was closed.

I have used restraint to not go into great detail about our experience.  Ann is a very pleasant lady and we count her as a friend.  I take every opportunity to recommend Ann.

Sincerely,

Bill and Shirley Blanton

Wylie, Texas