Mary Braaten

My story is pretty simple. I grew up in a large, close knit family, met and married my knight in shining armor (who happened to be wearing an Air Force uniform) at a young age, traveled across country and across the world while raising 2 daughters and landed in Sumter, South Carolina (Shaw Air Force Base) in 1989. I've had part-time and full- time jobs I've enjoyed throughout the years, but it wasn't until I became a full time agent in 2005 that I finally had a career. As a 3rd generation Realtor, I have been steeped in real estate all of my life. This is something I do because I love it. Buying or selling a home is such a big event in a persons' life, I consider it a real honor to be asked to participate. And I take that participation personally! My clients become like family to me. We develop relationships that last long past the closing table! What a great way to make a living - by making friends!

I could include a boring list of 'yay me' moments as my qualifications, but what do they really matter? I believe my personal experiences in life make me qualified in many ways that designations and titles cannot!

I am a former Air Force wife. I have been through military moves and understand the lingo, the pressures, the details. I know how the system works and use that experience to make my client's moves as smooth as possible! I have assisted many, many military families make the transition into Shaw. My experience as a longtime Sumter resident, military wife and Realtor work together in helping my clients

I grew up in a retirement community in Southern Arizona. That upbringing gave me an inside look at what retirees need and want in a new home or community, and their special needs when it comes to selling their home.

My husband and I bought our first home less than 10 years ago! I can easily remember the confusion, anxiety, excitement and (sometimes) complete fear! Fortunately, we had a wonderful agent who walked us through the entire process and made it seem so easy. "I want to be her when I grow up!"

What it all boils down to is that I see my job as more of a people agent than a real estate agent. For sellers, if the home is priced aggressively, staged nicely and marketed correctly, it will sell itself. My focus is on you and your well being! For buyers, I listen closely to what you say you want and need, but I also watch you closely! Sometimes your body language says something completely different than what your words say, and it's my job to pick up on that. I also believe that you will know 'your' house the minute you cross the threshold. Once you say 'this is the one', I get to work making it happen for you.

Relax- I'll handle it!