Realtor: Good one-level home layout is priceless

(Bill Lewis, For The Tennessean) Click HERE for Full Article Goodall Homes Kristeen McNeely, Realtor 393 Maple St., Ste. 100, Gallatin 37066 615-448-8929 or www.goodallhomes.com Years in business: 32 Describe the company and explain what makes it unique. We are a locally operated company that survived the downturn, gained market share and grew substantially over the last few years. Even though we are continuing to grow, it’s important to everyone in the company to maintain a team environment and feeling of truly being part of a family. How did you become involved in real estate? I've always enjoyed looking at floor plans and walking through homes under construction. One of my good friends was working for a homebuilder. She suggested I turn in my resume to see if it would be a good fit, and I’ve been in new home sales for over 10 years now. Where in the Nashville region are you active? Williamson County. When selling a home, what can the owner do to maximize its value? You only get one shot at a first impression, so make sure your home is picture perfect from the moment a potential buyer pulls up. If you’re going to spend money updating your home, the kitchen and bathrooms are key, and fresh paint can make a huge difference. What advice do you have for clients who are preparing to buy a home? What steps should they take? First, figure out how much home you can afford and what that means as a monthly payment and how much cash you’ll need to have for your loan. Next, decide on what’s really important to you and make a list of what your must-haves are for your new home. There’s no such thing as a dumb question, so ask away. How is technology changing the way people buy and sell houses? The average buyer is much more informed than they were a few years ago. As the millennials begin to purchase more homes, keeping up with technology and including smart home features will be expected of homebuilders. What features are the most popular with today’s buyers? A well-laid-out one-level home is priceless. What is the hallmark of the service you provide to your clients? Each potential buyer is different, and my professional and personal experiences have made me most comfortable within diverse settings. This allows me to the ability to empathize with different viewpoints and practice the golden rule of treating others the way you would want to be treated. Most people can sense when someone is truly genuine and honest, and they value and appreciate that.