A boutique realty firm servicing the greater Triangle area with an emphasis on Chapel Hill, Carrboro, Pittsboro, and Hillsborough
WHY DID I GET INTO REAL ESTATE?
I certainly didn’t start out with this in mind! I have held various positions over the years, from an efficiency and utilization analyst to a biotech facility manager, to working in equity research at an investment banking firm to French cooking. Little did I know at the time, all of these positions were stepping stones leading me to the point I am at today owning my own real estate company!
I think my past analytical experience has given me the ability to look at a property, know what needs to be done in order for it to sell and not stagnate on the market, and at what price point to list at. For buyers, looking at a property with a trained eye to see beyond the surface for what may become an issue. For either side of the transaction, negotiation is key.
My experience as a French cooking instructor in France, teaching many people from all cultures, has led me to a better understanding of interpersonal dynamics and communication. I believe all the skill and “expertise” means nothing if you are not a good communicator and truly enjoy working with people.
Providing my clients a service which they are happy with is my number one priority. I strive to make your real estate experience of buying and/or selling a home a positive one.
A little recent history…………
Before moving to North Carolina, I lived in southwestern France where I taught French cooking. I still hold this passion true to my heart.
When we first moved to France, I spoke hardly a word of French. I could utter “bonjour, c’est combien?, and ou est le toilette?” I soon learned in order to communicate and make the most of my French experience I had to learn the language. Well, as some of you know, learning a language when you are young is one thing, but learning it when you’re 35 is another! I can now say I am fluent in French and it all started with translating French recipes!
We bought an old house which was a former inn on the route to Santiago de Compostella dating back to the mid-17th century, with origins in the 10th century. The house was in poor shape when we bought it. But, with my love of houses, and specifically period houses, I knew we could create a fantastic home, which propelled me toward taking on this huge project. (Think under the Tuscan Sun!) By the time we moved, our house had been completely renovated and restored to its original beauty. Quite a feat given the local artisans were not used to dealing with an American much less a woman! This was accomplished through sheer determination and perseverance!
My son, Alex, who was 2 years old at the time we started renovation on Lieu Dit Amades. Hard to tell from this picture, but the fields behind often had sunflowers. Also the view on a clear day showed the Pyrenees Mountain ridge view.
When we decided to relocate to the States, determining where we would live was like looking at a large menu and trying to decide what to order. We were fortunate that with my husband's work as an engineering consultant we could live anywhere, as long as it was near an airport. Well, it’s a double edged sword as there were too many choices!
We ultimately decided to live in Chapel Hill based on quality of life, great schools (our son Alex was a rising 6th grader), and a strong sense of community. These are things that seem to have gone by the wayside in many areas. It doesn’t hurt that there is a local farmer’s market in Carrboro , a Whole Foods, and many restaurants use ingredients from our local farms. All things that attract a foodie like me!
I've been known to be a contrarian, and in the case of choosing a real estate career, it was certainly true! When I first got my real estate license in 2010, it was the worst year in history for real estate. My feet hit the ground running! I got to know the local market and worked hard, determined that I would be a success. Each year I successfully completed more transactions and increased my production winning numerous awards.
Once again, I took a risk and decided to open my own real estate company. I didn't want it to mimic all the other firms that were around. I really wanted to provide what I believed to be a niche in the market - a boutique firm for Chapel Hill and it's environs while providing the highest level of customer service.