I have been a REALTOR since 1989. I am also a Certified Residential Appraiser, obtaining that designation in 1991. Once becoming a Certified Appraiser, my Real Estate career was focused on building that business, which over the years has kept me very busy. I have survived the housing crisis in the early 2000s, and seen many changes as far as appraising residential properties is concerned. Early on appraisers were allowed to form relationships with their clients/lenders. I acknowledge that this was part of the problem at that caused the housing crisis. But I always maintained my integrity and honesty, sometimes at the cost of losing clients. I had to sleep at night.
My focus as a REALTOR is the same as the Buyers and Sellers that I represent. Why do anything that could compromise a relationship just to get a commission? I do not operate that way. I treat my clients like I want to be treated. Honesty, forthrightness, and LISTENING to their needs, wants, and desires when it comes to buying or selling a home. Of late, I have represented a number of first time homebuyers. I get great satisfaction at having made their experiences very positive, with a focus on breaking down every aspect of the adventure in to terms where they are comfortable with the process. I believe that my appraisal experience allows me to give my clients a different dimension to the overall experience as well. My Sellers need to maximize sales price. My Buyers do not want to overpay. Who better to turn to than an Agent/Appraiser?
Outside of Real Estate my wife Lynda and I love spending time with our 3 children, all of whom live within 5 – 25 minutes from our home in Alpharetta. We also cherish the many moments spent with our two grandchildren. They are a blessing. Beach trips, Plays at the Fox Theater and spending time with friends are important times for us as well. SEC Football season is also big. My allegiance is to the two time defending National Champs Georgia Bulldawgs. Although the rest of my family, except my daughter-in-law (also UGA) are Carolina Gamecocks fans! Nobody's perfect I guess!