Should we buy or sell when we have changes in the family? – Mary Jo Garascia

On this episode of The Closing Table, we sat down with Mary Jo Garascia!

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 Mary Jo Garascia…

The conversation began with Mary Jo providing a glimpse of her personal life, sharing that she has been happily married for 37 years and is a proud grandmother of two, in addition to having three adult children.

Moving on to her professional life as a real estate professional, Mary Jo discusses her extensive experience. She explains that she embarked on a career in sales at the age of 20 but transitioned to the real estate industry in 2006. Throughout her career, she has catered to a diverse clientele, assisting both sellers and buyers. Her expertise covers various aspects of real estate, including helping first-time homebuyers, individuals looking to upsize or downsize, and those dealing with estate properties. Mary Jo particularly finds fulfillment in assisting individuals who have experienced the loss of their parents, offering support during challenging times. She also mentions her involvement with estates, showcasing her adaptability within the industry.

Regarding her current market, Mary Jo’s services extend to the entire greater Lansing area, and she also handles transactions in other parts of Michigan. Her company’s global presence allows her to facilitate referrals for clients seeking agents out of state. She highlights the evolving market conditions, noting that there are currently more homes available than in the entirety of 2023. This surplus benefits buyers, even in the face of potential interest rate increases. Mary Jo explains that the current busy back-to-school season has temporarily reduced buyer activity, leading to properties staying on the market for longer periods and more price reductions, making it an opportune time for buyers to invest in real estate.

In light of National Preparedness Month, emergency preparedness goes beyond assisting older adults and having supplies ready. The role of a real estate agent in helping clients with long-term home preparedness, considering location-specific risks and aging-in-place concerns, is essential. Mary Jo emphasizes that as people spend more time in their homes, it becomes crucial to ensure safety and convenience. This includes making homes safe for slip and falls, addressing shower accessibility, and practical layout adjustments, such as relocating washer and dryer to the first level and replacing carpet with safer flooring options. Mary Jo also mentions her involvement in providing resources for home modifications, including installing safety bars and making homes more accessible.

Transitioning to a different topic, Mary Jo talks about a property she encountered in Dewitt, St. John Schools, which had a fascinating history. The house, dating back to the 1870s, was originally built as a wedding house for a New York farmer and his bride. This unique historical background presented an opportunity to generate interest among potential buyers, as the property carried a rich history and potential for various uses. Mary Jo highlights the charm, character, and vision associated with this property, making it an exciting prospect for buyers.

Switching gears to her experience serving a diverse clientele, including luxury buyers and first-time buyers, Mary Jo shares a recent example. She recounts a situation where she initially met a young lady in her early 20s looking to buy a house in Lansing. Over time, the family grew to include six members and two dogs. Mary Jo assisted them in transitioning to a larger home to accommodate their expanding family. This case demonstrates her adaptability and commitment to her clients, as she helped them secure approval for a more spacious home aligned with their vision, especially for the upcoming holidays. Mary Jo underscores that her role as an agent extends beyond a mere transaction; it’s about caring for people, being part of their life journeys, and being the forever agent.

Reflecting on her extensive experience in real estate, Mary Jo provides insights into situations where she had to navigate complex legal or zoning restrictions during property transactions. She emphasizes the significance of experience in the industry, citing cases where individuals lacked the authority to sign a purchase agreement initially. Mary Jo’s approach involves conducting preliminary work with the title company to identify the required paperwork and necessary steps to resolve such issues, whether it entails affidavits, addressing title concerns, or other legal matters. Her expertise lies in ensuring that transactions are executed correctly and efficiently.

Considering her longstanding career in sales since 1985, Mary Jo acknowledges the evolving landscape of the real estate industry. She highlights the need to seek a deeper understanding of clients’ needs, particularly as demands and expectations have evolved over the years. She emphasizes being readily accessible and available for clients, noting that real estate is a 7-day-a-week commitment. Her background in sales equips her with the skills to adapt to changing client requirements and provide a personalized and approachable service.

The conversation wraps up with Mary Jo being asked for advice for aspiring homeowners, she emphasizes the importance of financial responsibility. She advises individuals to pay their bills on time, maintain good credit, and establish credit at a young age, even if it means parents taking steps for their 18-year-old children. Mary Jo also addresses the challenge of student loan debt and the importance of balancing it with a good credit history. She stresses that real estate remains a valuable investment, and taking these early steps can help individuals achieve the American dream of homeownership.

Check out Mary Jo Garascia:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mary.styaertgarascia

Facebook Business Page: https://www.facebook.com/homesbymaryjogarascia

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/garascia5/

Instagram Business Page: https://www.instagram.com/homesbymaryjo/

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