Agent’s past career in banking helps advise clients in financing homes

Company: Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage

Office: Woodbridge

Lives: Woodbridge

Expertise: Certified Negotiation Specialist

Contact: (203) 623-6780, debbie.schlegel@coldwellbankermoves.com

It wasn’t until Debbie Schlegel ran into an experienced broker that had given her a gentle push into exploring a real estate career, did she realize how much she loved homes and enjoyed helping others.

That was in 2006. Since then, Schlegel has gone on to be named to Coldwell Banker’s International Diamond Society, has earned the Certified Negotiation Specialist designation, and Connecticut Magazine Five-Star Real Estate Professional.

Her clients have benefitted greatly from the knowledge she gained earlier on in her career working in the banking and insurance industries, learning the importance of budgeting as a component of successful homeownership.

“Budgeting, while being a homeowner is important as the payments of principle and interest are just one piece of the mortgage payment pie,” Schlegel explains. “Insurance, utilities, maintenance, lawn care, and taxes are other pieces that must be accounted for while maintaining a healthy lifestyle and saving for the future.”

Schlegel believes in the importance of educating her clients, no matter what situation they are in.

“The educating portion of buying/selling a personal residence, investment or parents’ estate is foremost. When my clients are educated they are able to make the decisions that best suits their needs whether they are longterm or short-term. I am here when they are ready.”

When working with sellers, Schlegel spends time with clients walking through the home ensuring the small details are noticed.

“I believe taking a few days of decluttering, re-arranging, and packing makes a large impact on those buyers’ ‘first looks’”

Once the home is ready for market, professional

photography and social media platforms are key in the marketing mix.

Schlegel values loyalty, honesty and friendliness as strong and important traits that she learned from observing her parents for the past 50+ years.

“Their working relationships have turned into lifelong friendships, which I have admired and tried to emulate throughout my life.”

She lives by two mottos that, when combined, are very rewarding to her:

“Dreams really do come true,” and “There is no place like home”.

“I measure my success by my clients’ happiness when they have found their place to call home,” says Schlegel.