Sandra Rae Kucej - Dunnellon, FL Real Estate Agent - Dunnellon REALTOR

What year did you become a real estate agent?
1996

How many years have you been in Real Estate?
11+ Years, Licensed Broker Since 19 Years Old.

What is the average home price in your market?
Here in Citrus County, we have a very wide market, from $17,500. to $7M and that is for older model

Are there any new developments or trends in your area?
The Rainbow Springs Subdivision has opened a new Section, and some really nice resales in the prior sections are currently available. There seems to be more people coming up from the south (Tampa Area, I believe.) to enjoy our pure Rainbow River. Dunnellon is starting to grow again, too. In recent years we had Super Walmart, Walgreen's, Sonic, Hungry Howie's, Little Cesar's, and many other businesses open. By the end of July 2007, Checkers will be open (New Owners!) and probably next year, Dickie's BBQ!

Why do you enjoy being a real estate agent?
To answer that in one statement would be rather difficult. I enjoy the challenge of selling my clients' property, and finding the right buyer, and having the deal close, because then we all are happy parties. I enjoy seeing joy in a potential tenants' face when I get to tell them the home is theirs, and they can start moving in right away. I like meeting new people, and learning new things from them. Even if its "just a recipe" or learning some of another language, and their culture. I enjoy the travel, whether it is local, traversing our states' wonderful tree covered country like roads, or international, exploring new ground. The Realtor Association is a great group to be a member of. Between the continuing education courses, the internal groups (For example The Property Management Group), where all of us Realtors can come together and brainstorm, the law support- where we can get answers, and not to mention the great staff who are always with an answer also-- or at least know who does! That's only a few things that immediately come to mind, because everyday is a new adventure!

What is the most challenging issue you face as a Real Estate Professional?
I think in all honesty, it is keeping up with the changing market, and conveying that to others. Sometimes clients are not aware of any changes, or they do not understand what caused the changes, but they need to know and understand, even if they do not really want to accept those facts.

Tell us one of your client success stories or an interesting moment in your profession.
A short success story..... With one of my listings, the gentleman had 40 Acres, and he was a rather gruff fellow. He had listed with at least 6 or 7 other Real Estate Associates over several years, and he really didn't believe that I could sell his land for him, a young "whippersnapper", when the local multimillion dollar producers could not produce a buyer. I told him that I, being so young, am eager to to well, do business, and unlike some Real Estate Associates, who like to list & list & list, I am a Realtor, and I prefer to list and actively work on selling the property too. It took many conversations and many visits, but in the end I earned enough of his trust to list his property. Soon after I listed, and started advertising, ect, I got a chance to see the broker I trained under. As we all do, he asked how I was, any new listings ect, and I told him of the 40 Acres. He thought about it as the names and location were familiar, and realized he once held the same listing. We spoke of the details and he said that I would never sell near what the gentleman wanted. We continued the conversation, and let him know I appreciated his concern but I was confident I would be the one to sell the property. There were times when the phone rang off the hook & times when it was slow, but in the end, his property sold, within the original contracted time, for 8/9ths of the original asking price. My client was happy, since now he could move to his dream location, and he received very near his original asking price. I was happy because he could move on & grow in his life, there was a new happy owner, and everything was a success!

What is your best characteristic?
Empathy. I can listen to someone and understand where they are coming from. With that understanding I can help them find the correct property for them, or help them find a buyer. I have assisted people when they had a very tight budget, whether it was rent, electric, consumables or other, whether by directing them to avaliable resources or my with own resources.

Who or what inspires you the most?
My father, because he has held many of the positions I have and he has taught me the proper path to take, and his wisdom is indispensable. He has a great attitude about life in general. If something needs to be done, roll up the sleeves, gather supplies, and complete the job.

What is the best advice you ever received?
"Treat others as they would like to be treated." The old adage is "Treat others as you would like to be treated", but in today's changing world with so many different peoples, and generations, we need to embody this "new" adage.

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?
There are so many great places to visit, and I wouldn't like to say somewhere that I really do like, just because that fact. I still have lots of places to visit and explore!