...Connie In Her Own Words... 


I’m a fourth generation Long Beach Realtor®. 
"My great-grandfather came first, then my grandfather, then father, then me.  Growing up in a family of five kids, all with different interests, we weren’t necessarily going to follow in the footsteps of the elders, but I was the one to carry on the family tradition." 

How would I describe myself?  "Passionate.  Obsessed.  A workaholic. Honest to a fault."  People calls me a firecracker, but it’s an energy thing.  Running a business is high voltage affair, and my multitasking skills are a definite plus! 

I’ve had lots of awards in my career for being a top producer.  Awards are good, but they don’t tell the entire story.  My number one priority is keeping my clients happy.  "When I get a referral from a previous client, that reward is more satisfying to me than any plaque could ever be."

My clients come from every walk of life.  Each brings a different background and concept of real estate to the table.  As a realtor, you have to understand the challenges of your particular market.  Long Beach, for example, has many older properties from the Post-1933 earthquake period, when the city was extensively rebuilt in the Art Deco style.  Not only are these buildings part of Long Beach's heritage, they also present particular challenges: permits; restoration; integration as newer developments surround them.  I personally love these old properties, and think that people should value them more.  Why?  Because back then the materials were noble--the craftsmanship was in another league entirely... you couldn’t hire out that type of craftsmanship today if you tried.  As the Mastercard ad says: it’s priceless. Defending Long Beach’s historical properties is an obsession of mine.

Of course we Realtors® deal in the new as well as the old, & everything in between.  Real estate is as varied as humans are varied, that’s the beauty of the business.  It’s a constant challenge, but very rewarding.  My personal philosophy is to treat everyone like family.  My agents, clients and friends always tells me I watch over my things like a mother hen.  I say this comes naturally—if a client puts their trust in me, then I am going to defend them until the final signatures and beyond. 

Having a company in my own name means I'm putting myself on the line every time I come to the table.  There is no hiding behind a corporate logo--when I decided to go out on my own, I knew that my reputation would be at stake with every transaction.  It's been a risk, but one that paid off and that I stand behind with a great deal of pride. 

We deal with many first time home buyers.  Analyzing the client’s needs is key; it’s also important not to get overextended when starting out.  Sometimes I'll advise against a transaction if I gut-feel it’s not right.  Instant gratification is dangerous—nine times out of ten, I’m against it.  Buying one’s own home is a huge step toward financial independence.  It’s a wonderful step—a symbolic step, an exciting and often joyful step.  But someone has to keep a reality check on both the current financial situation and the ramifications down the line.
That someone is me.