Email  Print

Rae Lord, Sales Associate

"Business is being done differently today than it was even just five years ago, and if you are not constantly evolving along with it, you will no longer be relevant."

451 Manhattan Beach Blvd. Suite D220 in Manhattan Beach | 310-947-1667 | raelordsells.com

Last year, Realtor Rae Lord closed 30 South Bay transactions, ranging from high-end beach homes to foreclosures. She even negotiated a $2.5 million dollar short sale on the Esplanade. In 2011, more than 97% of her listings sold and closed, within a very reasonable market time—even short sales and REOs. “If a property is competitively priced, properly prepared for the market and is given the exposure that I provide, it will sell,” says Rae, who has been working in the real estate business for eight years.

What’s your forecast for the 2012 real estate market?
“Although the market has been challenging, I am still very bullish on the prospects for this year. As a listing agent, I know there are tons of buyers out there just waiting for the right home at the right price. I advise my buying clients, regardless of their price range, that as long as their job prospects are good, they should absolutely take advantage of the opportunity to buy at an affordable price and get fantastic terms with the low interest rates. If you are a seller interested in moving up, now is the ideal time to do it as well; you may not get as much as you had hoped for your existing home, but you can certainly take advantage of current conditions on the new one, including killer interest rates. So at the end of the day, you are way ahead of the game.”

What does it take to be the best in the real estate business?
“Total commitment to keeping abreast of all aspects of today’s market. You need to be constantly attuned to changes in the contract, the technology and your client’s expectations and needs.”

What is the biggest challenge facing your clients today?
“Sellers wrapping their heads around the current market value of their homes. As their advisor, it is my responsibility to be truthful with them so they can make informed decisions based on reality, not fantasy. This can be a difficult thing to do, but it is imperative as part of my value proposition.”