Utaw Zakrzewski

The biggest advice I would give a buyer is don’t rush and don’t get emotionally attached too early. Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll make, so take the time to understand your budget, ask questions, and make sure the home truly fits your long-term needs — not just what looks good in photos. I’d also tell buyers to get pre-approved before they start shopping. It helps you know exactly what you can afford and makes your offer stronger when you find the right place. Another big thing is to think beyond the house itself. Pay attention to the area, school districts, commute, future growth, and resale value. You can change a lot about a house, but you can’t change its location. And finally, work with people you trust — a good realtor, lender, and inspector can save you a lot of stress, money, and surprises during the process.

The biggest advice I would give a seller is to remember that first impressions matter. Buyers usually decide how they feel about a home within minutes, so making sure the house is clean, well-maintained, and properly staged can make a huge difference. I’d also tell sellers to price the home realistically from the start. Overpricing can actually hurt you by causing the home to sit on the market too long, which can make buyers wonder if something is wrong with it. A well-priced home typically creates more interest and stronger offers. Another important thing is to be flexible and prepared. Keeping the home show-ready and being open to showings can help you reach more buyers quickly. And finally, trust the process and work with a realtor who knows the market, communicates well, and will market your property the right way. Good photos, strong online presence, and local connections can go a long way in getting your home sold.

I’ve worked with a wide variety of clients, from first-time homebuyers and growing families to investors, land buyers, and people looking to sell their current homes. I enjoy helping clients at every stage, whether they’re purchasing their very first property, upgrading to something larger, downsizing, or searching for hunting land or acreage. I’ve also worked with clients who are relocating, looking for investment opportunities, or trying to better understand the real estate process for the first time. Every client’s situation is different, and I believe communication, honesty, and understanding their goals are the most important parts of helping them make the right decision.

One transaction I’m especially fond of was helping a client find a property that checked both the practical boxes and their long-term goals. They weren’t just looking for a house — they wanted land, privacy, and something they could truly make their own over time. The process had a few bumps along the way with negotiations, inspections, and making sure everything stayed on schedule, but we stayed patient and kept communication open the whole time. In the end, we were able to get the deal closed smoothly and on terms everyone felt good about. What made it memorable for me was seeing how excited they were at closing knowing they had found a place they could build memories on for years to come. That’s one of the best parts of real estate — helping people reach a goal that’s genuinely meaningful to them.

I got started in real estate because I’ve always enjoyed meeting people, building relationships, and learning about property and land. Over time, I realized I wanted a career where I could help people make big decisions while also building something for myself and my family long term. I started by learning as much as I could about the industry, taking courses, studying the market, and getting hands-on experience wherever possible. While I’m beginning in residential real estate, my long-term goal is to specialize in hunting property, farmland, and recreational land because that’s where my personal interests and passion really are. What drew me to real estate the most is that no two days are the same. Every client, property, and deal is different, and I enjoy the challenge and opportunity that comes with that.

Yes. I’ve been investing time into continuing education and specialized training to better serve my clients, especially in land and rural property sales. I’ve taken courses through the Realtors Land Institute to build a strong foundation in land transactions, property evaluation, and understanding the unique aspects of farm, hunting, and recreational land. Beyond formal training, I’m also focused on learning the business from experienced professionals, studying the market, and building relationships within the industry. I believe real estate is something you should never stop learning, and I want my clients to feel confident knowing I’m committed to growing my knowledge and providing honest guidance throughout the process.