Joanne Patience

First is to meet with a Realtor to learn about the process of home buying. There are so many variables to the process and types of transactions that each one is unique in itself. Next step, it's important to meet with a lender for pre-approval. You want to know what type of loan you can get approved for, terms and maximum loan amount. This is important to know before viewing homes and later finding out that you can't qualify.

Important to meet with a professional Realtor to understand the selling process, understand the current market, competition and what needs to be done to your home in order to stand out from your competition. Define your goals and expectations. Your professional Realtor will be able to educate you on the market, interest rates, how to showcase your home and more.

Every client is unique. I have worked with first-time home buyers, move-up buyers, relocation buyers and sellers, foreclosures, short-sales to name a few.

I am fond of all my transactions. Working with a buyer and/or seller is very rewarding knowing that I have been a key component to reaching their real estate goals. Educating and staying in communication with all parties of the transaction minimizes the stress so my client's experience is a positive one.

Left corporate world after by second child was born. While home enjoying and watching my children grow and explore, I started to look at an industry(ies) that will enable to have flex time and have the opportunity to raise my children. Received my license in 2003, started learning the real estate business, building relationships and more. When the market shifted, I was fortunate to be hire on with a Foreclosure Team. This was an eye-opening experience. My role on the team was to provide repair advise, valuation and then see the property from contract to close. Negotiate directly with the asset manager/litigation attorney. The last three years, have to work with buyers and sellers in a traditional setting.

My corporate background was in meeting planning and executive assistant. In both roles, one has to be able to multi-task, good follow-up and time management skills. Very people-oriented skill. Received certification in Pricing Strategy to price and position a home for current market conditions. Foreclosure experience as well as short-sales.