When buyers and sellers team up with Savvy + Co. Real Estate agent Susan Wright, they get a true professional with experience in both real estate and the corporate world. Susan has a degree in marketing and worked in the banking industry which she says gave her a solid foundation for relationship building and business management skills.
She got a taste of real estate in 1987 through her mother-in-law and father-in-law who owned two local real estate offices in Gaston County. “My mother-in-law is still going strong with the industry with over 50 years experience,” says Susan. She was inspired watching them grow their business and interact with clients and knew real estate was the career for her.
After several decades in the business, Susan prides herself on helping clients achieve their homeownership goals no matter the market. In today’s fast-moving world with multiple offers and low inventory, she suggests a few tips and tricks to help buyers stand out. “If you are in a multiple offer situation, consider offering the exact close date the sellers want or writing a personal note on why you want this home,” she says. “Sellers appreciate being reminded that the home they are selling is going to buyers that truly love and value the property.”
When not working with buyers and sellers, Susan enjoys spending time with her husband, two daughters, three dogs and perfecting her game on the tennis court.
Savvy + Co. Real Estate sat down with Susan to learn more about how she works with buyers and sellers to make dreams come true.
Savvy: What makes working with buyers so special?
SW: Buyers are fun to work with because I really get to know them as we spend a lot of time looking for that perfect home. These relationships become so close that it’s always a little sad at the closing table knowing we will not be interacting on a daily basis.
Savvy: As we head into 2020, what challenges are ahead for buyers?
SW: Lack of inventory and property values on the rise may frustrate some buyers as they may be priced out of the market or find themselves in a bidding war.
Savvy: What advice do you have for buyers trying to break into this market?
SW: If inventory is low in the areas that you are looking to buy, working with a Realtor means having access to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) which will notify you the second a property in your desired area goes on the market so you can view it and make an offer on the property quickly.
Savvy: How do you help sellers get the best return on their investment?
SW: I love helping sellers discover the potential profits of selling by discussing how to best showcase and market their property for the highest and best results. It’s important to work with a Realtor who has the know-how to see the potential of a home and understand market data to price a home correctly for a successful sale.
Savvy: What challenges are ahead for sellers?
SW: Sellers may see the market shift depending on many factors including how much new construction is available in the area. Buyers might look at the options of paying top dollar for an existing home or purchasing a new one if prices are similar.
Savvy: How can sellers make their home stand out to potential buyers?
SW: When I work with buyers, they list “move-in ready” as one of the top things they want in a home. I work with a team of professionals that can help my sellers achieve this and in the end, get their home sold for the highest dollar.
Savvy: What is the most important lesson you’ve learned as an agent?
SW: I have learned how important active listening is to know exactly what my clients need from me. Sometimes they need a home buying or selling education, sometimes they need a voice of calm in a stressful situation and other times clients need me to go to battle for them in the negotiating process. Leading the way through a smooth transaction is an invaluable service, but that means different things to every client.
Savvy: Negotiation has become commonplace in our market, how do you stay calm and keep the process on track?
SW: Purchasing or selling a home is usually one of the most costly investments most people make in their lifetime so stress is a given factor. I find that remaining calm and being the voice reason keeps the pressure down and allows my clients to remain focused on the task at hand.
Looking to buy or sell a home in Charlotte or want more tips on how to get your home ready to sell? Contact Susan Wright and Savvy + Co. Real Estate’s experienced team to get it done in 2020.