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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.
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