Thanks for taking the time to learn more about me. I know there are literally thousands of Realtors out there to choose from and how am I different than anyone else? Well, it is a fact that 10% of the Realtors do 90% of the business. Thankfully, I am a part of the 10%. Why is this? There are plenty of good hearted, honest Realtors, but there are few who work FULL TIME and who have the "right stuff" when it comes to representing clients, negotiating the tough sales, and putting in the long hours on nights and weekends. It's easy to get a real estate license, but it's very difficult to actually make a good living with it.
My philosophy is summed up in my Mission Statement: "To positively affect the lives of my clients by doing my best to provide exceptional service through integrity and professionalism which will make me their Realtor of choice for themselves and their family and friends while maintaining a balanced lifestyle focused on family, spirituality, and service to community."
I very strongly believe in fully educating my clients about the real estate market and all aspects of the transaction. This puts them at ease as they are not left wondering what's happening, therefore creating uncertainty and fear. I strive to provide personal, caring service as well, while at the same using technology to it's fullest.
On a personal level, I am originally from Bruce Crossing in the Western Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Bruce Crossing is a community of about 500 people, it's definitely "small town USA"! I love the outdoors and am very passionate about Bow Hunting for Deer. I also rifle hunt and look forward each year to Deer Camp with my family and friends. We have a great tradition that I hope to pass down to my own children. I will do anything outdoors including camping, fishing, hiking, bird watching, you name it.
I graduated from Ewen Trout Creek High School in 1985 and attended Michigan Tech University from 1985-87. In 1987 I moved to Grand Rapids and attended Grand Valley State University from 1987-1990 majoring in Accounting. I then worked for United Parcel Service (UPS) for 10 years. In 1998 I took classes, passed the State Real Estate exam and received my real estate salesperson license. I joined and worked for Greenridge Realty for 8 1/2 years and was presented with a great opportunity to join Avalar GR Real Estate in December of 2006, where I currently am operating my business.
Of course, most importantly, I married Kathy Wilcox on May 29th, 1993 and we have two very active children, Tommy and Anna and a beloved Beagle named Skeeter. We reside in Jenison, Michigan, a suburb of Grand Rapids. We attend, and are active in Holy Cross Lutheran church. My faith in Jesus Christ is my main strength in this wonderful, yet tumultuous world.
I have been very Blessed in my life to have met so many good people, many of whom I have the privelege of calling friend. My real estate business has done better than I could ever have imagined and I give all the credit to my clientelle. Without them, I am out of business and their referrals and support are incredible. Literally 95% of the business I do comes directly by referral. I can't express enough how much value I put on my clients and how I will "go to bat" for them whenever needed. I encourage them to call me anytime not only for real estate advice, but even for a helping hand as a good neighbor should do. Many of them have become my friends. I wish I could be good friends with all of them, but it's difficult as time does not allow it.
I hope I will have a chance to meet you someday and share with you my knowledge and even a good hunting story or two. Who knows, maybe we'll become friends!
Experience:
-Licensed Realtor since 1998 in the State of Michigan
-300+ transactions in the past 10 years
-Have average 30-40 families served each year for the past 5 years
-Experienced in both Residential and Income Property sales
-I can act very effectively as both a Buyers and Sellers Agent
Affiliations:
-National Association of Realtors
-Michigan Association of Realtors
-Grand Rapids Association of Realtors
-Member of REBAC (Real Estate Buyers Agency Council)
Education:
-Attended Michigan Tech University and Grand Valley State University from 1985-1990 majoring in Accounting
-Completed 80 hours of sales training in 1998
-Each year I complete 6 hours of Continuing Education through the State of Michigan
-Acquired the ABR (Accredited Buyer Representative) designation in 2002
-Have taken and passed the Realtor Code of Ethics training and test required every 4 years
-I am very close to attaining the CRS (Certified Residential Specialist) designation
Personal:
-To learn more about me personally, see the section "About Me".