More about me…
I entered Real Estate in January of 2014 after 25 years in education as a high school English/ Journalism teacher. It was important to me that my “second life” continue to involve a profession that allows me to help people with something very important to their lives. Having lived in this area my entire life is very helpful in knowing the residential history and development in and around Sioux Falls. I grew up on a farm near Hurley, SD, (35 miles southwest of Sioux Falls) and then graduated from Augustana University (“College” then). Next up, 25 awesome years as a teacher at West Central High School in Hartford, 12 miles northwest of Sioux Falls. As a teacher, I loved getting to know the students and trying to make English class and their high school years a positive experience. What my students, their parents, and I never would have guessed is that years later I would assist many of them in buying and selling homes! It’s meant the world to me to work with so many in such an important part of their lives. They tell me they instantly are comfortable and trustworthy of the process because of our past relationship. My husband John and I live in northwest Sioux Falls. We’ve lived in our current home for 21 years and have never regretted choosing to live here. Sioux Falls and its surrounding towns are full of wonderful people who care about their neighbors and maintaining a safe, vibrant community. In my spare time, I enjoy traveling, golfing, reading, and gardening.
What Sets Me Apart as Your Realtor
With so many Realtors in our area, buyers and sellers can be overwhelmed in choosing a real estate professional. After all, aren’t we all the same? Definitely not!
Here’s a key difference...I am a one stop shop in real estate, meaning if one of my clients has a need or a question, they reach out and speak only to me. Direct communication is the best and most effective form of communication, and my clients greatly appreciate that they get that with me. A former buyer client stated the following: “Working through the closing, there were a couple bumps. The thing that worked every time was to give Sherry a call and bumps were smoothed over that same day, even in the same hour.” Clients don’t have to wait for an office assistant to get hold of me for an answer, or have to settle for another agent to take them on showings because I’m too busy. I manage my business at a pace that allows me to serve ALL of my clients, ALL of the time.
As for communication, my clients are often amazed that I always answer their calls if possible, and at how quickly I return their calls, texts, and emails if I’m with another client. When I started in this business 7 years ago, I told myself one of the greatest assets I can offer my clients is for them to always feel I am listening to them and always have their best interests at heart. And that means being available whenever possible.
My clients also appreciate my honesty, and trust that I will advise them to make the wisest real estate decisions possible. My primary goal is NOT to sell as many homes as possible and win rock star awards. Rather, it is to help my buyers find the best home for them, and to give my sellers the best shot at receiving top dollar for their home. I don’t rush my clients. Instead, I listen to them and assist them in attaining whatever goals they have.
How an agent markets a property is also very important these days. With so many buyers relying on social media to look for properties, a successful agent must capitalize on those tools. I credit my degree and teaching background in media/journalism for immediately having a comfort level with social media. In fact, I was recently named to the Top 50 Real Estate Agents in South Dakota on Social Media as #21! If you are selling your home, you want a Realtor who takes full advantage of the Internet and social media to advertise it. My use of social media is one reason my listings go under contract quickly.
Finally, my service to you doesn’t end on closing day. I encourage my clients to reach out anytime if they have questions relating to their home, even if it’s months or years after closing on the home. I’m not just your Realtor, I am a friend and professional who will be there for you whenever you need me.