Why did you choose real estate?
It was 1991 in Maui, Hawaii, the market was booming and EVERYONE was getting into real estate. I was managing vacation homes, and it was a natural progression. After 3 years with a big franchise company I earned my broker’s license and have spent most of my career as broker/owner of my own firm. Getting in is easy, surviving long term is not.
Describe your ideal home.
There is a cook and a maid in it! Floor to ceiling windows frame a sweeping view of Lake Travis. There are large open spaces and lots of light. Colorful art painted by friends adorn the walls.
What is the most interesting feature you have seen in a home?
A huge hot tub at the front door and a “party shower” in a 1970’s home. If walls could talk…. Also a 10,000 sq.ft., one bedroom, 3 million dollar house. It was the ultimate bachelor pad with a bar and big screen TV (back when they were really expensive) in every room.
What advice would you give buyers?
Don’t worry about timing the market as much as finding the right property. Value can be found in any market. The greater risk is in waiting too long and your dream becoming out of reach. Being a broker in three different states has taught me insight into market cycles and signals, and now is a great time to buy in Austin. We are poised for healthy appreciation largely based on new residents relocating to improve their quality of life. When investing- Don’t buy anything you wouldn’t live in. Chances are no one else will want to, either.
What do you like most about your line of work?
Meeting people from all over the world. Realizing that we all want the same things-security for our families, good health, good friends and prosperity. A home is much more than bricks and mortar, and I take the responsibility to protect my clients’ interest very seriously. As a small independent firm, I can focus all my energy on my clients and am free to make decisions based on what’s best for them.
Tell us about your first home sale?
I sold my friend’s house and being inexperienced, did not foresee the enormous moving job they had ahead of them. On closing day I was there packing boxes as the buyers waited to move in. Then they moved in with us for months while their new house was being finished. Full Service Realtor had a whole new meaning.
What do you do in your spare time?
My husband Dave and I enjoy all types of hot and spicy food, and we make our own hot sauce. We are starting a dinner group for other chiliheads. Traveling- especially to Australia and New Zealand where we lived for a year and to Canada to ski. This year I will learn to play golf. Lazy time at the lake with friends. Building outrageous houses in the Sims 2 (computer game) with my son, John, age 12. I never get tired of looking at houses!