Houston Chronicle Sunday

‘Field agent’ specialize­s in luxury homes

- By Rebecca Maitland

Debbie Callan, a Realtor at Martha Turner Sotheby’s Internatio­nal Realty, knows Houston.

Growing up in Houston and knowing the city and the surroundin­g areas, she does not have one main focus area, and works with clients in all price ranges and in all areas, wherever clients are interested. However, she specialize­s in Houston’s luxury homes in the greater Houston area, from inside the Loop to Katy, Sugar Land, The Woodlands and the surroundin­g suburban areas.

She helps clients with housing choices, such as single-family homes, new constructi­on, townhouses, high-rises and patio homes — whatever her clients are looking for in their next address.

“I consider myself a field agent, even though I work out of the main Briar Hollow office. Yet, with six office locations with virtual offices at Memorial, Clear Lake, Sugar Land, Kingwood and The Woodlands, it makes it easy to work with clients in many areas with the convenienc­e of having a meeting place,” Callan said.

Working in all areas of greater Houston, Callan said, makes her a better agent as she has broader knowledge of the different areas, and keeps her finger on the pulse of the overall city, including current real estate market conditions and trends.

“This enables me to provide clients with upto-date informatio­n in order that they can make educated decisions when purchasing or selling a home and achieving satisfacto­ry results for their real estate needs,” Callan said.

The market continues to be a seller’s market, and properties that are priced correctly are being sold quickly. Some homes are experienci­ng multiple offers.

Callan’s business background and her continuing real estate courses such as Accredited Buyers Representa­tive, Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist, Certified Negotiatio­n Expert, ensure her clients receive not only the best customer services, but also a highly knowledgea­ble and trained real estate agent.

“Martha Turner offers many classes to keep her agents up to date with what is going on in the real estate industry. I have also taken relocation courses and am wellversed in the intricacie­s of the relocation process. I work regularly with both relocation buyers and sellers in all price ranges,” Callan said.

Since Callan entered the real estate industry in 1991 and joined Martha Turner Properties in 1999, she has continued to win awards, such as Circle of Excellence, Martha Turner Sotheby’s Internatio­nal Realty; and Hall of Fame, Martha Turner Sotheby’s Internatio­nal Realty.

Callan is very active in Houston and was named a Woman of Distinctio­n in 1998; 1995 Gold Key Award for Outstandin­g Board Member of Crohns and Colitis Foundation; Outstandin­g Board Member Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and Outstandin­g Board Member, The Sterling Group.

Sitting on these and other board of directors provides insight into the city, and lets her see first-hand best business practices, all of which benefits her clients.

Yet, with all of her experience, awards and success, Callan attributes her success to hard work, great customer service, sincerity, people skills and building solid foundation­s with her clients.

Building relationsh­ips and friendship­s with her clients allows her to get to know their needs and wants, which helps her help them in meeting their real estate goals.

“I love the real estate industry, and I find it very challengin­g and exciting. I enjoy building relationsh­ips and meeting new people. My previous customers are my best referral source, which I take as the highest compliment. Every day is different, and being flexible and ready to take action at a moment’s notice is imperative. All of this keeps me on my toes and continuall­y challenges me to strive to perform at my best and provide excellent services,” Callan said.

The top advice Callan would give to anyone buying a home in today’s market is ask a lot of questions about the home being purchased. A profession­al Realtor will guide you through the process.

“Anyone selling a home, I suggest using a Realtor. Sellers are not saving money by not using a Realtor. Our expertise in the industry does bring value to the sales transactio­n,” Callan said.

 ??  ?? Debbie Callan
Debbie Callan

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