About:
I’ve been involved in the real estate business for most of my life. My grandfather, James Sullivan, is the reason I entered the real estate profession. He ran a small real estate and insurance business out of the same building where my office is currently located. As a young child I would ride with my grandfather to look at properties, install for sale signs, and help with grass cutting and property maintenance. I watched him develop waterfront communities, buy and sell properties, and build spec-homes. He even got me a summer job working with a builder for one of the spec homes he and my mother were involved in. I’ve seen the ups and downs of the real estate business, from the 1980s until now. I became licensed to sell real estate in 1993. Since then, I’ve experienced recessions, major interest rate fluctuations, lender collapses, fluctuations in property values, and changes in government regulations (federal, state, and local). Technology has completely changed the way real estate sales are conducted. When I started in the real estate brokerage business, the Internet was just getting started with practically no one using it as a tool to search for properties. Today more than 90% of all buyers begin their search for real estate using the Internet. And, the Internet itself continues to evolve – within the online community, social media sites have started to dominate how people communicate and shop. Video, panoramic photography, virtual tours, interactive mapping, and satellite imagery allow people from around the globe to not only see an inventory of what’s being offered for sale, but also obtain unlimited amounts of information about each property, up close, without leaving the comfort of their own chair! For over 15 years I was affiliated with United Country Real Estate, the only national real estate franchise specializing in rural and small-town communities. During this period of time I met some of the brightest people in the real estate industry – brokers, auctioneers, and trainers. I also had the opportunity to work with national marketing and technology experts who helped grow my business. During my time with United Country, I was recognized by the National Association of Realtors as one of the top Realtors in America – in the 2003 issue of REALTOR magazine. I was also awarded the top sales awards in my state, division, and nationally – ranking as high as the #3 office within United Country for 2005. In June of 2013 I made the decision to be an independent broker. I continue to provide my clients with outstanding service, state-of-the-art marketing, and proven negotiating and problem-solving skills. While each transaction is different, and some have more than a few obstacles, I always give my clients honest answers (even if it’s not what they want to hear) and strive to make the transaction as smooth as possible. I am not a part-time real estate broker, nor have I ever been a “part-timer”. Real estate sales requires a full-time effort from someone with the experience to navigate the many challenges that may arise. In the interest of full-disclosure I want you to know that I do have a life outside of real estate. While I take my career very seriously, it is #3 on my list of priorities – which happen to be God, family, then work. I’m also involved in our community with various organizations, which usually fall just under my priority of work. I’m a real person, not just a “real estate robot”! I’d love the opportunity to meet with you, without obligation, to determine if and how I may be of help. Thanks for your consideration!