REAL ESTATE HAS BEEN MY LIFE
I was held captive to the idea of creating a career that benefited so many individuals.
It seems that the stars aligned in determining my future path would run through the world of real estate. After finishing my business education, my first job was with an investment firm that specialized in creating Limited Partnerships for ownership of apartment houses. Those years whet my appetite and confirmed in me the knowledge that real estate is a fertile arena for building wealth, for everyone involved.
After a few years at that firm, I left to become the accountant for a chain of residential real estate offices owned by a woman. She was not only an inspiration to me, but she guided me into my first experience of home ownership. She was a visionary, and I was held captive to the idea of creating a career that benefited so many individuals. I saw her clients served well, her employees empowered, and her own life profited.
After buying my first home it was inevitable that I entertained the thought of obtaining my own real estate license. In 1983, I gained my California real estate license and spent the next few years enjoying some success in the San Ramon Valley area. After my third child was born, I stopped active sales but continued in new and exciting ways by helping with the leasing of commercial properties for business purposes. By this time, real estate became a favorite pastime for the family. We visited open houses, and we found ourselves looking at real estate on every family vacation.
In 1992, I went back into full time real estate working as an REO (real estate owned, or bank owned foreclosed) expert. The REO field, born of a glut of foreclosures, taught me the importance of presentation. These REO properties sold slower, for less money, and incurred little interest due to one reason – they were not presented well.
The REO field, born of a glut of foreclosures, taught me the importance of presentation. These REO properties sold slower, for less money, and incurred little interest due to one reason – they were not presented well.
From a background in interior and landscape design, to working in a commercial real estate investment firm, my expertise perfectly positions me to help you sell your house quickly for the highest price, or buy the home of your dreams in the Bay Area.
Buyers
Not all buyers can find just what they want at the price that matches their budget. Think outside the box! Find a great value and infuse it with new life. Issues that lower the market price of a home can be turned into goldmines if addressed thoughtfully and prudently. That is my specialty.
Sellers
Deferred maintenance and an outdated look shed dollars from a sales price. Investing properly into updates will attracted a bigger pool of buyers and inspire top prices. But it must been done carefully so it makes financial sense and appeals to the largest audience. I have my finger on the pulse of both.
Real Estate Partners
It is always exciting to get that call to come and list a home but a real disappointment when you walk into a property that is really not market ready. My understanding of the current real estate market as well as design market trends can be another resource for you. I can work through you to ready the property.
With active real estate licenses in both California and Arizona, I am happy to call the Bay Area home. I am a part of a team that currently services Contra Costa, Alameda, San Mateo, Santa Clara, and Santa Cruz Counties. Having lived in three of those counties and spent much time in a fourth, I have gained an appreciation for the different areas and an understanding of what is important to those that call each area home.
Mary is a wealth of knowledge and she knows the right people and contacts in this industry. She went above and beyond her way to stay in contact, answer any and all questions and always made my offer a priority. We saw the property that I wanted and Mary worked extremely hard to conduct the appropriate market research so that I didn’t overpay, she very strategically and tactfully negotiated on my behalf with the seller and their agent so that I could get a quick response and decision and bought the house at its fair market value.
If you are looking for a realtor who not only knows the area, and also as an eye for design, I highly recommend Mary Hawley. Mary listens to what you want. She will not waste your time. And your relationship with Mary will go beyond the signing of the contracts. She will make sure you are moved in and loving your new home.