If knowledge is power, then clients of Jeri Thom and Jody Ciavardone of Premier Realty Network should feel fully qualified to buy or sell a home.

Jeri, a 26-year real estate veteran, is a straight shooter who welcomes wearing the many hats demanded in the profession because every lesson and piece of information she has can be an asset to a buyer or seller.

“One thing I always stress to buyers is not to be blinded by the dolled-up home in a bad location because location is the one thing you cannot renovate or redecorate,” she says. “And with sellers, I help them understand that often a small investment in prepping the home will pay big dividends and reduce the stress of having their home on the market.” 

Jody emphasizes the importance of building a deep personal connection with clients so she can truly work with them and for them. She said it’s ideal for a first meeting with a client to be in-person, and right off the bat she creates an expectation of how communication will take place.

“I love my craft and dedicate myself to every detail of every transaction, and my clientele believe in the expertise I provide,” she says.

At Premier Realty Network each agent is responsible for understanding the complete transaction process, meaning they work together to be able to answer all of their client’s questions in a quick and expert fashion.

“Customers are trusting you with one of the most important purchases or sales in their life, so it’s our job to be well versed in our craft,” Jody says.

The Duo’s Top Tips for Buyers in Today’s Market

1 – Age matters.

Older homes can be charming but understand that such homes in the more established areas often come with challenges related to insurability. Roof age is now a major issue for buyers due to the insurance industry’s efforts to curtail fraud. (Jeri)

2 – Know your credit.

Having stellar credit is imperative in order to avoid any extra cost associated with a purchase. (Jody)

3 – Buyers, be realistic.

The industry is about to undergo a major shift, so now, more than ever, it is important for buyers to be realistic about their criteria for a home as it relates to their needs and wants. (Jeri)

What’s the difference between what being a real estate agent is really like and what you thought it was going to be like?

Jody: At PRN this is something we talk about all the time in our office! Often the public has no true understanding of how a real estate professional works or receives compensation.  Successful agents work tirelessly to provide exceptional service and value for the compensation we receive.  The typical real estate transaction has countless “little” things that require monitoring and agent involvement allowing our clients to attend to the business of their family and careers.