I have been selling Real Estate in the Cedar Rapids market for close to 10 years.  Two years ago, I added Real Estate Instructor to my resume and began teaching Prelicense and Continuing Ed classes throughout the State of Iowa for the Iowa Association of Realtors.  Late in 2006, I opened my own brokerage (Voyager Realty) and Real Estate School (Voyager Real Estate School -- original, huh?) in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.  Due in large part because of my traveling throughout the state and talking to consumers and other Realtors, I felt that things should change in the level of service that the "traditional" Real Estate service model offered to clients.  Being on my own, I was able to implement some of the changes that I felt to be imperative.  Unfortunately, I underestimated my ability to provide good service while traveling around the State of Iowa so I joined with Iowa Realty and let them take over the management portion of my business.

I try to meet with all of my clients, whether buying or selling, in person for a consultation to discuss their needs before anyone commits to hiring me (or I agree to work with them).  I want clients to understand what agency means and what services they can expect. I specialize in residential Real Estate and want to work with clients that have the same goals as I do:  to sell and/or buy a house. After our consultation and prior to entering into a contract, I will make sure that we are on the same page as a potential client and, most importantly, that I am going to be able to meet their needs and expectations.

I am very proud of what I have accomplished so far and the tools that have been implemented to provide consistent, superior service to every one of my clients.  We all know someone who had a bad Real Estate transaction and I do what I can to prevent that with better communication systems and consistent (and better) services.  I have continued to teach throughout the state of Iowa and get my greatest pleasure from knowing that I have played a part in someone elses success.  It is because of this satisfaction that I have also taken on coaching for a few newer agents in the state. 

In 2005, Governor (and former 2008 presidential candidate) Vilsack, appointed me to the Iowa Finance Authority Board.  We are a self-supporting public agency whose mission is to "finance, administer, advance and preserve affordable housing and to promote community and economic development"  The office is in Des Moines (the capital of Iowa) and it is an organization that I am very proud to represent.  This month, I was reappointed to the Board by our new Governor and am honored to say that I will serve until April, 2013.

I am a big city girl at heart that was born and raised in a small town in Iowa.  As I've grown up (a little), and especially now that I'm able to be more mobile, I appreciate my roots and the ability to be able to "go home".  It's peaceful here:  people are kind and considerate, education is important and the words "it takes a village" really do apply.  I love travel and the education and experiences that it brings, but I don't know that I would ever live anywhere else.  I have three children who are each bright, caring and amazing.  I can't imagine raising them anywhere else but a community that believes in taking care of each other.

While I don't work out, I love to bike for so many reasons.  I find that because I am so busy in my daily life, it gives me an opportunity to reflect and meditate, I am able to get fresh air and exercise and I can go alone or with others depending on how I feel.  Iowa is host every year to RAGBRAI which stands for "Register's Annual Great Bike Ride Across Iowa", which is literally a week-long bike ride across the state of Iowa.  I have been participating off and on since I was 14 and it has become my one consistent yearly vacation.  Last year I took my 6 year old daughter for a day and this year she and my youngest (son, 4) will both go (not on the same day, I'm not crazy!!!!).  My teenager is not very interested for now....not sure if it's me or the biking!  If you have an interest in biking at all, you should check it out because you won't find anything like it!  And, if you want more information, let me know and I'll try to find out.

I am spiritual, but not religious.  I would describe myself as progressive, open-minded, hard-working, fun, self-aware and extremely independent.  I believe in the power of attitude and working for a higher purpose, whether spiritual, personal, or humanitarian.  You would never describe me as a conformist, and most times I would drive you crazy in always wanting to look at the other person's view.  I won't make excuses for myself or anyone else because I believe in accountability.  I'm not the person that will always tell you what you want to hear, but I will NEVER lie to you either.

"Heather's service cannot be beat!  Not only was our ultimate goal of selling our home accomplished, but all the extra services were unexpected and extremely appreciated!  We would reccommend her to anyone in the local Real Estate market"  Terrie & Andy

"Having weekly updates from Heather was invaluable.  We have used other agents in the past and felt as if there were times that they forgot about us.  With Heather, we knew that she was doing everything that she could to sell our house and it sold! We will suggest her to anyone we know in the market for a Real Estate agent"  Aaron & Holly