Ask McEnearney: How do you juggle your work duties and personal priorities?

This week’s Q&A column is sponsored and written by Lisa Groover of McEnearney Associates Realtors®, the leading real estate firm in Alexandria. To learn more about this article and relevant Alexandria market news, contact Lisa at 703-919-4426 or email [email protected]. You may also submit your questions to McEnearney Associates via email for response in future columns.

Question: I have often wondered how real estate agents juggle multiple listings, numerous buyers, pre-listing updates and their personal priorities all at the same time. Would you mind sharing your strategy?

Answer: During this season of thanks, I value the occasion to recognize those who have truly helped me throughout the year. Whether in my business or my personal life, surrounding myself with amazing contractors, terrific service providers, wonderful clients, great friends, collaborative agents, supportive brokers, lovely neighbors and of course my fabulous golden retrievers, makes all the difference in my fast-paced lifestyle.

In 2021, I had the pleasure (and sometimes challenging) opportunity to list a number of homes for sellers who did not live in the area. In every situation, quite a bit of work was required prior to initiating the marketing plan. Over the years, I have accumulated an outstanding team of like-minded and dependable service professionals to take the pressure off me. My general contractors, painters, hardwood floor experts, carpet companies, electricians, plumbers, mold and water remediation specialists, cleaners, fireplace pros and landscapers have saved the day more times than I can count.

I would also like to extend my sincere gratitude to my preferred lenders, settlement companies, inspectors and real estate attorneys. Knowing you can count on this group of real estate professionals for the many details associated with a transaction makes all the difference in a sometimes stressful situation.

Whether the sellers are living in the home or not, during the time that a house or condo is getting ready to go on the market, I have the privilege of working with McEnearney’s excellent marketing team to create my print ads and brochures, mailings and social media. Once the repairs are complete, my stager adds the finishing touches and my photographer takes professional photos, and produces a 3D Tour and video.

It always amazes me how so many moving parts come together according to a predetermined timeline. Hitting the market in time for the listing to be syndicated to hundreds of websites prior to the weekend so that open houses are publicized in order to attract the most buyers is always a top priority.

As my fourth career, I give credit for my success in real estate to the skills I acquired in my previous lives. My experiences in sales and marketing, as well as my problem-solving background and people skills, allowed for a natural transition into this industry. I am still working on getting my personal list of priorities in order but have made big headway over the last few years thanks to another team of professionals.

Many thanks to my accountant, bookkeeper, financial advisor, insurance professionals, and overall support team for your expert advice and service. Based upon your guidance, I was able to check quite a few things off my to-do list in 2021 and look forward to continuing to do so in the year to come!

Whether you are thinking of buying or selling, or just need suggestions for updating your home, I am happy to provide ideas, or recommend contractors for your specific projects. I am a resource for the duration of home ownership, not just the buying or selling process. Feel free to reach out anytime!

Lisa Groover is a licensed real estate agent with McEnearney Associates, Inc. in Old Town Alexandria, VA. As an active member of the community since 1989, Lisa specializes in Alexandria, and is thrilled to have the opportunity to work closely with her friends, neighbors, former clients and their referrals.

In addition to enjoying the Old Town lifestyle and the art related events and activities, she is a member of a number of volunteer organizations. Having had nine Golden Retrievers, she is dedicated to helping other dog owners through the challenges of renting, buying and selling their home.

If you would like a question answered in our weekly column or to set up an appointment with one of our Associates, please email: [email protected] or call 703-549-9292.

McEnearney Associates Realtors®, 109 S. Pitt Street, Alexandria, VA 22314. www.McEnearney.com Equal Housing Opportunity. #WeAreAlexandria