June 16, 2022
The market is in flux and I find that my role in the lives of my clients becomes more important than ever. I have no doubt that the inner East Bay Area market will continue to thrive as it adjusts to the evolving economy. As I become more laser focused on differentiating my listings for my sellers and on illuminating the circuitous path to accepted offers for my buyers, I have been thinking quite a bit about this job of mine.
There are thousands upon thousands of realtors in the Bay Area. A small percentage of agents sell the vast majority of homes. It is a highly competitive industry with realtors vying to represent a sophisticated clientele. There is no oversight committee who labels us as "Top Producers" (even the caps are mine to add). I remember when I began to add this descriptor to my signature line. It was the year that I was in the top 120 of all the agents in my MLS. Last year, with over $58.5 million sold and in the top 30 agents in my market, I began to understand that I was in my calling. I have had several unique careers that have culminated in this one. My previous work experience most certainly feels prescient. Like many successful Realtors I have had a wide breadth of experiences in my work and personal life, these have enabled me to bring tremendous value to my clients.
Being an asset who continues to provide information, assistance and comfort to my clients is why I love this job. As I have parlayed my work experiences to where I am now I have found that being of service makes me happy. Doing well, being recognized by my colleagues and clients, that is nice too, of course. But the satisfaction has come from the texts I receive years after a closing asking for advice and input. That said, I was pretty pleased to hear this week that we at District Homes, as an office - and taken as a whole (ie a "team" of agents) are in the top 20 in the country and the top 10 in the state! I simply could not believe it - and to think that 4 years ago it was just me and our founder, Anna Bellomo who struck out. We brought on a 3rd agent immediately and then slowly but surely Anna interviewed and attracted more and more stellar, epic agents. We are now 22 strong. Although we do not function as a team of agents we are unique in the way we operate. We do not simply collect agents - in fact it is quite the opposite. It is my opinion that joining us at District is a privilege and simultaneously, I am honored to be part of this group. We collaborate, educate, invigorate and compel each other to be smarter, dig deeper, provide more. As agents who excel at what we do we must wear many proverbial hats - no one comes into this industry excelling in all the various knowledge streams so it behooves us to find our weak spots and to get stronger, and fast. And this is what makes us special at District. Because of the way in which we collaborate we really are the culmination of all our skills, knowledge and talents. And because of the unique structure of District Homes, humility and honesty being foremost, we knowledge-share at light speed. The whole is greater than the sum of the parts.
If you are on the fence about buying, I strongly encourage you to reach out - I have been helping buyers into contract over the last month at a rapid pace - there are some interesting opportunities happening right now. In terms of selling a home, I am here to discuss how to differentiate your home so that you do not make the mistakes I witness some agents making with their client's largest asset (another story for another time on that front). I always have time for your referrals. All in, Always!
Sarah Ridge - Realtor - 510-860-3435 - Lic#01990459 [email protected] www.sarahridgerealtor.com
1577 Solano Ave,
Berkeley, CA 94707
