East West Realty represents eight different builders in The Riverfront at Harbour View, a waterfront master planned community located in the northern part of Suffolk, Virginia. The Riverfront is a highly unique master planned community where our on-site community representatives help potential homebuyers consider all homebuying choices and demonstrate the wonderful lifestyle to be found there.
Today, we're going to get to know Tina Manrique (pictured in both photos beow), a REALTOR® with East West Realty at The Riverfront at Harbour View. Tina has done a phenomenal job representing our eight different builders, selling resales within the community, and providing excellent customer service to the new homeowners.
Here's our Q & A with Tina Manrique...
1. What do you love the most about working at The Riverfront at Harbour View?
I love working most with the customers that express excitement and enthusiasm about finding their dream home in The Riverfront and living in a beautiful resort style community. The “euphoria” that families feel when they find the right home at the right price in the "right neighborhood” is rewarding to be a part of.
2. How many years have you been in the real estate business?
I have been selling real estate with East West Realty since 1999. I was a site agent for Gatling Pointe, a waterfront community located in Smithfield, VA where I live. In 2002, I joined the East West Realty sales team at The Riverfront at Harbour View. Prior to real estate, I was in the travel industry for 15 years, where I planned adventure and dream vacations for others. I joined CI Travel in 1989 and started managing a CI office in 1991. In 1994/1995 CI Travel opened an office in Smithfield and I continued with them until I changed careers and jumped into real estate. Prior to moving to Smithfield I worked with USAir, Piedmont Airlines, and Sunbird Airlines; and was a travel consultant for a Travel Company.
3. What prompted you to begin a career in real estate?
I was enjoying selling travel with CI Travel in Smithfield when I was approached by East West to join the sales team at Gatling Pointe. I had always wanted to get involved in real estate, and working in a quality development like Gatling Pointe was the perfect opportunity. I love helping others find their dream home. It's the biggest investment people make in their life, and it's not only exciting, but it's a very rewarding profession.
4. Describe a typical day for you at The Riverfront...
I start my day with a ride through The Riverfront neighborhood to keep me posted with the progress of our new homes and status of development in our new section. It's an energizing way to start my day off with the beauty of our neighborhood. I love to drive up our lots just to image what it's like living on the golf course, lake, or river. I can usually find our builders on-site early and I try to walk through their homes to learn something new about new construction and the home they're working on. I enjoy taking pictures of the homes under construction and sending them to my customers so they can see the progress of their new home. By noon, I’m off showing property, demonstrating the community, and reviewing new home designs. It’s always a great day in The Riverfront- a wonderful place to work and live!
5. What’s your favorite experience working at The Riverfront?
One of my favorite experiences while working at The Riverfront was when a couple came in to the Sales Center looking for a home to rent. One of our guiding principles is to always treat everyone who comes into our office with VIP service and always go above an beyond their expectations in our everyday course of business. After I gave them a five minute overview of the neighborhood, after sharing the community concept, I offered to show them their new home options so they could compare to just renting. There happened to be a new home under construction by one of our builders that offered main floor living, and the model had many of the custom features they wanted. Three months later, the couple were moving into their brand new home and ended up as a happy new homeowner.
6. Why are so many people deciding to move to the Riverfront?
There are many reasons why so many people are moving to The Riverfront. One is, of course, the central location. The Riverfront is located in the heart of Hampton Roads, where the Nansemond and James Rivers meet. Second is our overall community concept that offers quality new homes in a neighborhood that offers resort style amenities. Right outside our entrance we have great restaurants, shopping, a movie theater, medical facilities, new employment centers, etc. A third reason people are falling in love with The Riverfront is our quality homes that offer the best in home designs and the flexibility in choices people find with our 8 different custom builders. We're fortunate to have a group of builders who cater to their needs, wants, and desires and help them achieve their goal of building their dream home.
7. What's the best part about selling new homes in The Riverfront at Harbour View?
The best part of selling new homes in The Riverfront are our builders as they have been building with us for many years and are the best at what they do. They are very flexible and creative, and they become your friend while building. They take care of their customers and are here for the long haul. They have great customer service and make the entire process enjoyable...building quality homes with happy customers, that' what it's all about.
8. Why is it a good time to be in real estate?
It’s a great time to be in real estate right now because there are many people re-entering the homebuying marketplace as they've been waiting to do something for years. Now's the time as the interest rates are still low, but the market has changed. With the low supply of homes dwindling, it's enabling people to sell their existing homes possible so they can get that brand new home they've been waiting for.
9. Why is it a good time to buy a home?
Builders are exceeding our customers expectations and offering more quality features and the latest in new home technology- more practical floor plans, more energy efficient, and better overall design. As interest rates begin to increase and as prices begin to rise, it's a smart time to take advantage of the moment. We're also in the last phase of The Riverfront and people realize the unique opportunity they have right now.
Discover the best in lifestyle communities at Founders Pointe, Liberty Ridge, and The Riverfront at Harbour View. East West is also celebrating its 25th anniversary of the Gatling Pointe Yacht Club (photo above), a riverfront club/restaurant and pool complex with a 68 slip marina adjacent to the town of Smithfield, Virginia. Visit an East West Realty Sales Center today.
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