Spotlight on Liz Richards

How long have you been a realtor and how did you get started? I have been a realtor for 3 ½ year. Some days it feels like I have been in the business for 20 years (depending on the week and depending on the deal). I do a decent amount of volume. I will have closed my 97th transaction next week.

What’s challenging about being a realtor in Denver? I love the Denver market because it has never been a cake walk. When I began my career it was considered a “down market” so it is all that I have know. I think a tougher market makes you a better realtor if you survive it. In an “up market” everyone and their sister decides to sell real estate . . .the market gets saturated with dilettantes. The ease or struggle with which a real estate deal comes together is proportionally related to the professionalism and knowledge of the agents involved.

What do you like most about your job? I enjoy the art of the deal. The process of negotiation is fascinating. I suppose that it’s the arm chair psychologist in me. The home buying and selling process is an emotional one for many of the buyers and sellers I deal with. It’s surprising when you are dealing with a savvy business person and they start a pissing match over a cracked pane of glass or caulking that needs to be done. I like the challenge in “talking people off the emotional ledge” and bringing them back to the business logistics of the transaction. I enjoy the challenge

What’s the least favorite thing about your job? The “cheese factor”. . .the lack of professionalism I sometimes see is frustrating.

What’s the funniest experience you’ve had on the job? I haven’t walked in on any one naked . . . yet. Thank god. It’s bound to happen. The more properties you show the bigger likelihood of catching someone with their pants down. . .literally. I guess I don’t have a super funny experience but more strange ones. I was showing properties in Park Hill and my client and I walked into a seemingly benign bungalow. There was a mannequin sitting at the kitchen table. Strange but we continued viewing the house. Then we went down stairs and the had 6 naked mannequins arranged in a simulated orgy. Beyond strange to creepy. . .I guess some people have too much time on their hands.

Coffee or cocktails? Do I have to choose? Definitely both.

The Sopranos or John From Cincinnati? The Sopranos. I’m bummed that it is over.

MySpace or Facebook? I think that I missed the boat on both of these. From what I hear myspace is a good tool for getting laid. . . . .not that there is anything wrong with that. I’m engaged and have been with my fiance’ for 5 years. . . .so no myspace profile.

What’s your most valuable personal attribute as it relates to your job? Can I say 2? I think sense of humor and an insane drive to take over the world.

How much impact does the Internet and related technologies have on your business? The internet is key. I use it regularly to market to my clients and business sphere, my website has been integral in capturing business, and I couldn’t deal with life without my blackberry.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years? On the beach in St. Croix cutting deals in between surfing and sailing

Whose brain would you pick if you could? Bill Clinton’s. I would ask him “why Monica?”

If you weren’t a realtor, you’d be a…? a stand up comedian or a sitcom actress.