Who Ya Gonna Call? Stress Buster: Carol Williams*

"Whatever you're doing, make it fun."
-Carol Williams motto

This month's Challenge, hosted by Kathy Streib  and Debe Maxwell, CRS , CRS, invites us to share what sets us apart in our field. Why should a prospect choose us over all of our competitors when there are plenty of other options? Since I have been retired for nearly 13 years, my post will be written in the past tense. Over the years, I did figure out why buyers and sellers chose me to represent them in a real estate transaction.

When it comes to buying or selling a home, choosing the right real estate agent can make all the difference. In the unique community of Wenatchee, being the rebel that I am, it wasn't that hard to "be different". I guess it wasn't so much the things that I did but the twist I put on those things that made the difference.

Expert in the Wenatchee Area Market
I had lived in the Wenatchee area for 40 years at the time of my retirement and for 10 years before getting my real estate license. Wenatchee’s real estate market has many unique characteristics. There are large acreage orchard (and other farm) properties, small residential homes on city lots, hillside lots, flat lots, and everything in between. Having an expert local guide can save any buyer or seller time, money, and stress.

My expertise in the Wenatchee market included knowledge of the history, economy, neighborhoods, property values, and market trends. Whether a buyer was looking for a home in a country setting or a home in town, I knew the available inventory at all times.  I wrote daily on my blog about everything real estate in the area. It clearly established me as a local expert. There might have been others who knew as much as I did, but they didn't write about it every day to let the world know. I always asked people how they found me. It was interesting to discover that 75% of my new business came as a result of my website and blog. Who knew all that late-night writing in my pajamas would be so profitable?

Communication was even more important to guarantee loyalty for those out-of-town buyers relocating to the area and those considering relocation. One of the things I did when they were not physically in town was to send them a daily email or text, sharing a local picture and some interesting tidbits of information about the area. This was always appreciated and enhanced my reputation as a local expert.

One set of out-of-town buyers wanted to build a new construction home before they moved to Wenatchee. I helped them find and purchase a lot, find a builder and follow the process from beginning to end. Because they were out of town during the week, I set up a dedicated blog called "Birth of a House" that chronicled the whole process from beginning to end. They loved checking in daily on the progress of construction.

Three Decades of Experience
Experience matters in real estate, and I brought 30 years of it to the table. Of course, I didn't always have 30 years of experience. Like everyone else, I started out as a rookie. However, I already had excellent sales skills, communication skills, and was a good listener, so even my first clients didn't know I was a rookie until I told them later. That usually resulted in a "Really?".

My extensive experience meant I saw the market’s ups and downs, understood the intricacies of property transactions, and knew how to navigate any challenges that may arise.

Having lived in Wenatchee for so long also allowed me to build trusted relationships with my peers and local vendors. I found that very beneficial when I needed to pull a few favors from the vault.

Attention to Detail
Another one of my qualities was attention to detail. Real estate transactions involve a lot of paperwork, deadlines, and coordination, and missing a single detail can lead to significant issues. My commitment to thoroughness ensured that every aspect of the home purchase or sale was handled properly.

Making the Process Fun
Buying or selling a home is often seen as a stressful endeavor, but it doesn’t have to be. I was able to make the process fun and enjoyable. My clients frequently commented that the process was fun and more memorable than stressful.

Personalized Service
One of my favorite words in business is "customize." Everyone is unique, and I believe in providing personalized service tailored to each client’s wants and needs. I took the time to understand each client's preferences, lifestyle, and goals, ensuring that I wasn't wasting their time or mine by showing them homes that didn't meet their needs.

I once had a client tell me she made her last REALTOR® show her 60 properties. I promptly and confidently told her I would not need to show her 60 properties because, after her feedback from the first few, I could hone in on exactly what she wanted. There is more to that story, but suffice it to say I was right.

Strong Negotiation Skills
Negotiation is a critical part of any real estate transaction, and my decades of experience honed my skills in this area. I once had a buyer interested in the home of a local judge. His listing agent made it clear they were firm on their price. I sat down to present an offer in front of the Judge, his wife, and their listing agent. The judge did not have his robe on, so I didn't feel intimidated. Anyway, the offer was below list price. I explained exactly why based on its uniqueness, comparables, and market conditions. When the listing agent called me to tell me our offer was accepted, she said the sellers asked her to tell me they had never heard a presentation like that before.

I won my case.

And there you have it. That's why my clients ended up choosing me.