The Secret to Selling Your Home At the Right Listing Price – Doug Kwiatkowski
On this episode of The Closing Table, we sat down with Doug Kwiatkowski!
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 Doug Kwiatkowski…
The conversation began with a this or that icebreaker on curb appeal, new construction, and more. Before delving into the world of real estate, it’s important to get to know Doug a little better. Born in El Paso, Texas, Doug’s early life was shaped by his father’s military service. He spent a few formative years in El Paso before returning to Toledo, Ohio, which he considers his hometown.
Doug’s educational journey led him to graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, majoring in accounting. Following this, he embarked on a 13-year career in a logistics company, gaining valuable insights into the business world. During this time, he held various positions and accumulated numerous positive experiences. However, Doug felt a longing for something more, which ultimately led him to venture into the dynamic realm of real estate. Outside of his professional life, Doug is a family man, having been married for five years and taking on the role of a stepfather to two children. Additionally, he finds great joy in being part of an 80s cover band, indulging in his passion for music.
Doug’s expertise in real estate extends to the northwestern Ohio region, strategically located just an hour south of Detroit and nestled between the major cities of Toledo and Cleveland. This area boasts a diverse range of attractions, including a world-class zoo, museums, and sports teams. The downtown district has undergone significant revitalization, enhancing the quality of life for its residents and visitors alike.
Economically, this region boasts an average home sales price of approximately $200,000. With a population of about 400,000 people in the greater Toledo area, it has a distinct “big little town” feel. While smaller than cities like Cleveland and Columbus, Toledo’s unique charm is precisely what makes it an attractive destination for both residents and investors. Doug is a licensed real estate agent in both Ohio and Michigan, primarily focusing on Ohio, where his expertise spans approximately 10 counties, from Toledo to Finley.
One intriguing aspect of Doug’s journey in real estate is the unconventional way he has acquired clients. Apart from his real estate career, Doug is a member of an 80s cover band. While this may seem unrelated to the world of property transactions, it has proven to be an unexpected but effective marketing tool.
On numerous occasions over the years, Doug has found that people often don’t initially realize he’s a real estate broker. However, during conversations and interactions related to his musical pursuits, his profession occasionally comes up. Surprisingly, this unique blend of passions has become a benefit to him in the real estate world. It has led to the organic growth of his client base, as individuals he encounters through his music endeavors discover his expertise in the housing market. In this untraditional way, Doug has successfully woven his love for music into the fabric of his real estate career, creating a unique and memorable path to client acquisition.
As the broker/owner of Epic Homes Real Estate, Doug’s dual roles as both a broker and a full-time agent have allowed him to offer unique value to his clients. His multifaceted position brings a wealth of knowledge and insight to the table. One key advantage is the access to an abundance of information that comes with being a broker/owner. Doug explains that staying informed about market changes, board updates, and the latest industry developments is an integral part of his role.
Furthermore, having his wife actively involved in the board and broker group ensures that they receive crucial information firsthand, which they readily share with their agents and, ultimately, their clients. This proactive approach to staying informed serves as a strong foundation for guiding clients in making well-informed decisions aligned with their real estate goals. Moreover, Doug and his wife’s collaborative roles as head brokers in their respective states facilitate a dynamic exchange of ideas and solutions, allowing them to craft the best possible scenarios for their clients.
Recalling a past experience, Doug discusses how he successfully transformed a skeptical buyer into a satisfied client. A few years back, he encountered a new client who was in the market for a home. After showing him several properties and discussing financing options, Doug sensed some hesitation, particularly with regard to the financing terms provided by an internet-based lender. He encouraged his client to seek a second opinion from a local lender, emphasizing that consulting multiple lenders would not negatively impact his client’s credit. Although he wasn’t pushy, Doug felt strongly that his client needed a more comprehensive understanding of his options.
What transpired highlighted the importance of exploring all available avenues. The client consulted another lender, and the results were transformative. It was discovered that a minor medical bill, previously overlooked, was adversely affecting the client’s credit score. By addressing this issue and settling the $500 debt, the client’s credit score surged by 200 points. Consequently, the interest rate dropped by 2%, and the closing costs decreased by approximately $4,000. This experience underscored the significance of connecting clients with the right financial experts and demonstrated Doug’s commitment to their best interests.
Doug’s background in accounting has equipped him with a strong aptitude for numbers, a valuable asset both in business and real estate. He emphasizes the importance of diligent research when working with buyers and sellers. His ability to scrutinize data and extract pertinent information allows him to provide clients with well-informed advice. By leveraging his financial insights, Doug ensures that his clients have access to comprehensive and accurate information, empowering them to make informed decisions that align with their real estate objectives.
Doug’s certifications as a Senior Housing Specialist and Relocation Specialist underscore his unwavering commitment to niche areas within the real estate field. These designations signify his expertise in addressing unique client needs. One instance that illustrates the positive impact of his specialized knowledge involves his role as a Senior Housing Specialist. Doug recounts a situation where he was able to make a meaningful difference in the lives of his clients. In this scenario, his client and her partner were grappling with the transition to assisted living. The partner’s struggle with Alzheimer’s necessitated a move, as the client found it challenging to maintain their home. Doug’s approach was marked by sensitivity and foresight. He engaged in empathetic conversations, taking into consideration the clients’ evolving circumstances.
Understanding the emotional and practical challenges, Doug and his wife went beyond traditional real estate services. They helped organize a garage sale, involving their own children to assist without charging the client. Doug also orchestrated necessary updates to the home, from painting to carpeting, to enhance its market appeal. This meticulous approach paid off, as the house sold well above the list price. Moreover, Doug played a pivotal role in coordinating the client’s transition to assisted living, ensuring her well-being beyond the property transaction. This experience underscores the immense value of empathy and specialization in addressing the unique needs of clients.
The conversation wraps up with Doug sharing what strategy she would adopt to achieve homeownership given his accumulated knowledge and leveraging today’s resources. He emphasizes the importance of securing pre-approval, allowing prospective buyers to determine a budget that aligns with their financial comfort zone. He highlights the distinction between what one is approved for and what one can afford, a critical distinction that promotes responsible financial planning. Doug’s next piece of advice centers on staying informed. He advocates for consulting multiple lenders and agents to find the right professionals who will advocate for the client’s best interests. He underscores the significance of personal rapport and alignment with a chosen representative’s values and expertise.
Lastly, Doug strongly advocates for a thorough home inspection, advising against waiving this step. He dispels the misconception that a home inspection is solely a means to confront sellers with issues. Instead, he frames it as a critical knowledge-gathering step that informs buyers about the condition of the property. Doug emphasizes that the investment made in a home inspection far outweighs the potential risks associated with an uninformed purchase decision. Through these insights, Doug guides prospective buyers towards a more informed and responsible approach to homeownership.
Check out Doug Kwiatkowski:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/doug.kwiatkowski1
Facebook Business Page: https://www.facebook.com/epichomesgroup
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