Charnell Havens, REALTOR®

THE GO-TO GAL FOR OUTSTANDING SERVICE

If you're reading this page, then you've probably already been perusing the public web sites that feature properties for sale. After all, more than 90% of all buyers now begin their home searches on the internet.

If you're a buyer, then you've been looking for that just-right home at a bargain price. If you're a seller, you've been hoping to find evidence that similar homes sold for the price you want for your home. You may even have looked for marketing techniques that led to those coveted "sold" signs.

In either case, if you're serious about buying or selling, you'll need a REALTOR® by your side to help you achieve your real estate goals with optimum results and minimum hassle.  These are the guys and gals who know the pitfalls, as well as the required steps, of moving through the buying/selling process and who can guide you through to a successful settlement.

Currently, there are well over 1000 real estate agents in the Hampton Roads area, so how can you find one who will be an effective helpmate for you?  I'd suggest that your selection criteria should include at least the following:

• Qualifications
• Effectiveness
• Market Focus
• Personality

Qualifications should include certifications, as well as general business and real estate experience. They collectively provide a window into how easily an agent can navigate through special situations that can crop up at every stage of the buying/selling experience. Additionally, certifications attest to the time and effort an agent was willing to invest in order to attain advanced skills in specific disciplines. This will be especially important to you if you have special needs such as being: a first-time buyer; relocated; a downsizing senior; so distant geographically that all document signing has to be electronic.

Effectiveness includes specific honors, special recognition and -- very importantly -- testimonials. The volume of business the agent moved may not be not as important to you as how well the agent performed on each transaction. There are many stakeholders in a given sale of a home (buyer/seller, loan officer, settlement agent, appraiser, inspectors, the other real estate agent, etc.) and your agent will need to interact with most of them. His (or in my case, her) ability to meet their requirements and manage expectations is critical to avoiding false steps and minimizing the hassle factor.

Market focus is important to you because you need an agent who knows the geographic area(s) of interest to you. 

Personality means you need to take stock of the agent's attitudes and values, communication style, and behavioral traits that may be important to you. You can gain insights into these dimensions by talking to or emailing the agent, and through his/her testimonials.  Considerations such as the ability to listen to your needs, responsiveness, service orientation and ethical behavior can be critical to enjoying a good relationship with your agent.

So here's where I stand in each of those four categories.

Qualifications

Real estate is my second career. For more than forty years, I was an executive in Corporate America and a management consultant in the area of knowledge management. Having had global responsibilities for the last fifteen of those years, I am experienced in communicating and collaborating with people of many cultures. My hallmarks were innovation and service orientation, and I have brought that same level of professionalism to my 7-year career as a Hampton Roads REALTOR®. Also, to make certain that I could deliver outstanding service to my targeted real estate clients, I am now certified as a(n):

Effectiveness

I was selected by the Virginia Peninsula Association of Realtors® for the Outstanding Salesmanship Club 2006, 2007, 2008 and was chosen as a Hampton Roads FIVE STAR Real Estate Agent SM in both 2011 and 2012 . The latter honor is significant for two reasons: fewer than 3% of Hampton Roads agents are selected; and these honorees are selected by their clients, loan officers they worked with, and settlement agents handling their closings.  In other words, they are selected by their real estate stakeholders. What an honor!  By the way, you can get more insights into my effectiveness by reading my testimonials.

Market Focus

My primary geographic focus is in Carrollton and Smithfield, both in the north portion of Isle of Wight County, and in Hampton and Newport News.  I am also the undisputed go-to gal for upscale condominiums in the Eagle Harbor community.

Personality

You'll find me to be detail oriented, an open and frequent communicator, responsive to questions and concerns, collaborative in nature, and a person of high moral values and ethical standards.  Again, check my testimonials.

So, after reading this, if you think I'm the one you want as a helpmate, then let me know.  I'd be delighted to help you achieve your real estate goals! 

     Whether you buy or whether you sell,      

For outstanding service,

     …THE CHOICE IS CHARNELL