What Should I Know Before I Buy Waterfront Property In Michigan? – Robb Leonard
On this episode of The Closing Table, we sat down with Robb Leonard!
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 Robb Leonard…
Rob Leonard, a seasoned real estate professional hailing from Saginaw, Michigan, currently residing in Gladwin, leads a vibrant life outside the realm of real estate. Boasting a relaxed lifestyle, he finds joy in playing softball, navigating the waters on his boat, and actively supporting local food sources. Additionally, Rob proudly identifies himself as a devoted dog dad to his cherished fur baby, Maverick.
Rob’s journey in real estate commenced with a transition from the restaurant industry, where he served as a general manager. In 2019, he acquired his real estate license, initially juggling both roles before fully dedicating himself to real estate in February 2020. As an associate broker at Aroman Co, he achieved the milestone of obtaining his broker’s license the previous year.
Reflecting on the unique challenges posed by initiating his real estate career just before the pandemic, Rob underscores the importance of adaptability and continuous education. Lower interest rates during the period facilitated an influx of clients looking to buy, necessitating the acquisition of skills in crafting compelling offers for buyers.
Next, Rob emphasizes the significance of positive collaborations with industry peers, advocating for a spirit of cooperation over competition. He shares experiences of fruitful collaborations, noting that referrals from agents in different brokerages significantly contributed to his success in a new market.
Rob recounts a challenging experience where buyers refused to vacate a property, requiring intervention from another broker. This incident, compounded by the buyers leaving personal items behind, highlighted the intricacies of real estate transactions.
Covering a one-hour radius around Gladwin, including Saginaw, Bay City, and Midland, Rob’s market revolves around a smaller, rural town with a population exceeding 6,000 and a substantial Amish community. The area’s slower pace is a marked departure from larger cities, and Rob notes differences in the working styles of agents in the northern and southern parts of Michigan. Rob delves into the dynamics of the local market, noting seasonal variations in activity, particularly during summer holidays. He expresses concerns about the impact of short-term rentals on the community, especially when property owners are not local residents.
The dam failure in 2020 significantly impacted the lakes in the area, prompting discussions on potential property value assessments. Rob details the community’s response and the ongoing task force overseeing the project to restore water, considering economic stability and homeowners’ concerns.
Rob anticipates a positive shift in property values with the return of water supply. He underscores the financial vulnerability of many residents in the area, emphasizing the community’s collective efforts to address the situation and effect change.
Highlighting the complexities arising from varying real estate rules across subdivisions, townships, counties, and states, Rob advocates for a unified state MLS to streamline information access and enhance transparency. He also emphasizes the importance of online presence and professional credibility in influencing buyer trust. He stresses the need for agents to possess a robust skill set to instill confidence in potential buyers.
Participation in committees within the Saginaw Board of Realtors enables Rob to build networks and foster relationships with fellow agents. He explains how strong relationships within the organization can influence the acceptance of offers.
Following that, Rob shares his commitment to educating first-time homebuyers, emphasizing the role it plays in building trust and rapport. He details his approach, dedicating extended time during the first showing to understand buyer preferences and tailor the search process accordingly.
Rob acknowledges the varying levels of familiarity clients have with the home buying process and takes the time to explain paperwork, ensuring clients comprehend the significance of each document. He adds value by identifying potential issues during property walk-throughs and advising on how these issues may impact future home sales.
Encouraging clients to prioritize professional home inspections, Rob warns against relying on non-professional advice. He shares a personal philosophy centered around positive thinking and continuous learning, illustrating how he applies this mindset to navigate daily challenges.
Check out Robb Leonard:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HomesbyRobb/
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