What do you think of when you think of a Realtor? A lot of people think of the slick salesman, with tacky clothes and pasted on smile trying to sell you any house they can stuff you into. Or the ones you see on the reality house hunter shows who are ditzy and lazy. And sure. Some of them are like that. Stereotypes exist because theres always a small nugget of truth there. But in reality, the vast majority of Realtors I know, are just folks who have come to this job because they really deeply believe that owning your own home can change the course of your life. For…

My first home purchase was as a single woman in 1997. I remember being in the Title Company office on closing day, the Title Officer laughing a little nervously as she handed me the official papers to sign. "Rhonda Spencer, Spinster" read my description. "SPINSTER??" I laughed. "Yeah. They'll get around to changing that when they've figured out that we no longer wear bloomers and need smelling salts" she laughed. I signed the papers and was then legally a "Spinster", and the proud owner of my very first home. Since that time I have gone on to purchase two more homes on my own, and finally another couple after my…

What is the definition of "intimacy"? It is close familiarity or friendship; closeness. Some synonyms would be: affinity, repore, confidentiality, and understanding. When entering into a transaction with a real estate agent, whether you are buying or selling a home, you should be looking for someone that you can feel safe sharing your fears, your anxieties, your hopes and your dreams regarding your transaction. In turn, the agent should handle that information with the highest level of care, and use that information to help you make the best decisions possible. Buying or selling a home is one of the most important decisions you will ever make.  It involves not only good…