I was born and raised in Los Angeles, in the suburb of Downey. I graduated from UCLA with a degree in English and from there I worked for several travel magazines and music public relations firms. All the while, though, I was interested in real estate and thought about becoming a Realtor. I bought my first property, a condo, when I was 25 and I must admit the experience was not a great one. I felt that the Realtors I came across only cared about getting me into “something” as fast as possible, and did not seem concerned about my happiness, nor did they listen to my likes and dislikes. I remember one Realtor turned icy when I didn’t buy something the first day. The next day she took me out she said “I hope you’re a buyer, and not just a SHOPPER!”
From that experience, I decided that I wanted to be a Realtor who would not fit into that stereotype of the pushy, self-interested, salesperson. Many times clients have asked me “Margaret, would you buy this house”? Believe it or not, many times I say “No, I think we can do better.” If a client can’t trust me to tell them the truth, what’s the point of being a Realtor?
I have had my license since 1998 and I have loved every minute of this job. I represent sellers and buyers both, and I pride myself with knowing that they will get the absolute best service and knowledge around.
A majority of my buyers are first-time buyers and I get tremendous satisfaction when I play a part in getting a long-time renter into a home. I help them up with a mortgage broker; I help them improve their credit if necessary; I help them with the physical inspection of the house; and all the steps and negotiations that occur during the escrow period. After escrow closes, I’m still there for my clients, whether they need a referral, some advice, or they just want to say hi!
My office is based in Hollywood and I work in this area, as well as most areas within a 15-mile radius – including Los Feliz, Silver Lake, Mt. Washington, Echo Park, Highland Park, Eagle Rock, Glassell Park, Glendale, Burbank and others. These are GREAT areas for first-time buyers and some of the very LAST areas in LA that are still affordable and not far from Downtown. These are areas I pride myself in finding the very best deals for my clients. I love it when a buyer didn’t think they could afford a house, and they actually do it with my help and guidance. This is what I became a Realtor to do. I believe that homeownership is the only way to financial and personal freedom. And what better place to buy than Los Angeles?
For me, being a Realtor is one of the best jobs in the world. I get to meet great people, and help them with the biggest and best financial decision of their lives. Buying and holding on to real estate in Los Angeles is the best thing a person can do for a financially-secure future. Let me help you get there.