What It Means To Get Ready As A Home Buyer – Sonja Baker
On this episode of The Closing Table, we sat down with Sonja Baker!
To watch the full episode, check it out on YouTube below. In the meantime, here’s a summary of the conversation…
Here’s what you missed from Sonja Baker…
Sonia Baker, a real estate professional, transitioned from a longstanding career in the live entertainment industry, primarily in ticketing and box office management, due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Married with two children, Sonia is passionate about comedy, Marvel movies, and Stephen King novels. She found her way into real estate, seeking a career that utilized her problem-solving skills and allowed her to connect with people.
Sonia’s transition to real estate was prompted by the pandemic’s impact on the live entertainment industry. Recognizing her desire for a career change, she aimed to utilize her problem-solving skills and connect with people on a more personal level. Drawing parallels between the excitement of live events and the exhilaration of home ownership, she sees buying a home as a “leveling up” for her generation.
In her real estate career, Sonia employs her problem-solving skills and ability to connect with people to help clients find homes they are pleased with. She often compares herself to the character Mr. Wolf from Pulp Fiction, stating, “I’m Sonia Baker, I solve problems.” She views the home-buying process as an opportunity for her clients to experience excitement and accomplishment.
Serving the Northern Michigan market, Sonia describes the region as magical, especially in the summertime, with numerous lakes and hiking trails. She emphasizes the calming effect of living near water and the outdoor activities like boating that enhance the quality of life in the area. Sonia is passionate about helping clients find homes that provide a relaxing and enjoyable environment.
The Northern Michigan housing market offers varied options, from multi-million dollar homes on the bay to more affordable houses on smaller lakes. Homes in the range of 250 to 350k are in high demand and sell quickly, while the market still favors sellers in the above 350k price range. Sonia emphasizes the importance of being prepared to move quickly when finding the right house.
Sonia’s pricing strategy involves setting the right price from the start to avoid the need for price reductions. She recommends working with local lenders who understand the market and can provide personalized support. Being financially and mentally prepared for the home buying process is stressed, aligning with today’s market rather than relying on past trends.
Sonia’s Serenity Now Method aims to bring peace and reduce stress during the home buying process. She employs a flexible and accommodating approach to offer multiple opportunities for clients. Sonia shares a success story where this method made a significant impact on a client’s experience, showcasing the unique contributions her background in live entertainment brought to its development.
Emphasizing the importance of mental and emotional preparedness, Sonia notes instances where clients missed out on ideal homes due to hesitance or lack of readiness. She urges clients to be clear about their preferences and ready to act when the right opportunity arises.
Following that, Sonia addresses the friction points busy clients face, such as lack of time due to various responsibilities like work, kids, housekeeping, and other commitments. She presents a case study of working with a busy client, Ashley, who faced time constraints due to work and family commitments. Virtual showings were conducted to accommodate Ashley’s schedule, reducing the need for multiple visits.
Acknowledging the stress of buying a home on top of existing responsibilities, Sonia aims to make the transition smoother and less stressful for clients. She emphasizes the benefits of moving to a more fulfilling living space. Sharing a memorable experience, Sonia recounts assisting a family relocating from a fire-prone area to a peaceful location. Finding a suitable home for an extended family, she witnessed the positive impact on their well-being in the new environment.
Advising on features and accommodations, Sonia recommends considering the next 10 years and ensuring houses have ground floor living or can be adjusted to be accessible. She suggests having a space for a completely separate living area for parents or grown kids, and exploring zoning for building an accessory dwelling unit or converting the garage.
Sonia stresses the importance of ensuring proximity to healthcare facilities for potential emergency situations. Future-proofing homes for potential changes in family dynamics is essential to avoid the need for relocation in 3-5 years.
The conversation wraps up with Sonia sharing her personal philosophy that revolves around embracing life’s challenges with a positive outlook, recognizing that challenging situations become stories to laugh at in the future.
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