In everything I do, my goal is to make a difference. It’s how I approach real estate, it’s how I approach my volunteer activities, it’s how I live my life. Having spent almost 30 years as a reporter, it should be no surprise that I take a journalist’s approach to real estate.

In fact, every real estate transaction begins with a story and before I begin any transaction I need to know the story behind it. The starting point is why? Why do you want to buy? Why do you want to sell? I have been known to counsel my clients that buying or selling – at this moment – doesn’t make sense. Real estate is doing what's best for my clients.

What I love about what I do is the true difference between journalism and real estate.

I’ve interviewed more people than I can count over the years, I’ve written hundreds of articles that have appeared in newspapers and magazines all over the country. I even have copies of most of them. Few people remember them.

When I help someone buy or sell a house, they remember what I do. And they become part of my life. I knock on their door when I’m in the neighborhood to say “hi!” I love working with first-time buyers, especially those expecting their first children. I go to their kids’ birthday parties and I buy their Girl Scout cookies. I have a glass of wine with a divorcee and cheer when she gets a new job (that may lead to a new house!). I celebrate with the couple who have downsized and are moving to the single story home.

Real estate is about making a difference in people's lives. I'm not sure it can get any better than that!