Welcome to my Website
As a Realtor since 1992, I have enjoyed a wide range of clients: from first time buyers to sophisticated buyers and sellers of high end property. I have also represented both buyers and sellers in the purchase or sale of vacant land, income and resort property.
A newcomer myself to Grand Rapids in 1989, I am empathetic to the many issues involved in making a family's relocation to a new area as seamless as possible! After nearly 18 years I am knowledgeable about neighborhoods, schools, and the many amenities unique to Grand Rapids and surrounding areas.
Whether buying a new home or selling your present one, my objective is to make your transaction as enjoyable as possible. I believe the relationship between Realtor and Client should be a partnership based on mutual respect and trust - key ingredients for the successful conclusion to a search for a new home or sale of the present one. I pride myself on developing lasting one on one relationships with my clients. My goal is not sales volume, but the satisfaction of repeat business and word of mouth referrals.
Professional Background
I've been a Realtor with Coldwell Banker AJS-Schmidt (formerly Coldwell Banker Schmidt) since 1992. I've seen our industry change from "no tech" where we actually hand delivered offers to one where we often don't meet the "other" Realtor until closing.
There are great things to be said for progress, especially from the public's perspective where once closely guarded sale information is now available to everyone with internet access. The down side can be the de-personalization of the home buying process to one of simply numbers and the bottom line. I prefer to keep a balance between the extremes; employing the great time-saving communication and educational aspects of the internet while keeping the personal touch necessary to make a real estate transaction as smooth as possible.
In my pre-real estate life, I was a paralegal in addition to working for various non profits including the sadly now defunct Attic Theatre in Detroit, and WGVU, our local PBS station.
Some Personal Background
Although I grew up in western Pennsylvania about 60 miles north of Pittsburgh (GO STEELERS!), with the exception of college in Ohio and 3 years in Chicago, I've lived in Michigan since 1977. We spent 12 years in the Detroit area, and have been in Grand Rapids since 1989.
My husband and I have been married for nearly 34 years, which makes us dinosaurs of sorts. Let's just say it turned out to be a pretty good blind date. We have two children, if you can call a 27 and 30 year old "children". Our empty nest is largly occupied by a rescued mutt of indeterminate origin (see below). I'm not very athletic, but have enjoyed horseback riding, skiing, and golf to various degrees over the years.
Toby and friend
Resources Information & Entertainment
The links below will give you up to date information both local and statewide, to everything from the weather to upcoming concerts and events. The Right Place is a wonderful resource for anyone considering relocating to West Michigan. Be sure to click the "Live Vibrantly" link in the center of their home page. If you have never visited Frederick Meijer Gardens, you don't want to miss this fantastic place. The Kent County Intermediate School District link provides important details regarding area schools.
