Melanie McShane, CRS, Broker-In-Trust Real Estate, San Gabriel Valley, California.
How and when did you get started in real estate?
I was 16 when my mom got into real estate. I used to help her put together all the forms for listing packages and create routes from Thomas Guides maps for her to go out on showings. I have been licensed for about 11 years now after a career in investment management.
I love being involved in my community and wanted a career that let me determine what my future would hold.
What do you like the most about being a REALTOR®?
I like introducing people to communities and seeing how they enrich their lives. I like the opportunity to meet wonderful people and become a trusted professional in their lives, and I love helping people through the emotional journey of buying or selling their home.
What do you love about working in the San Gabriel Valley?
The San Gabriel Valley is made up of many unique cities and communities, each with a distinct identity and personality. Sierra Madre is very different than Arcadia, which is very different than San Marino. Learning about my clients and understanding their lives helps me figure out which community might be most enjoyable for them.
What do you do in your spare time?
I have been married to my best friend for 21 years and we have a 9-year-old son. Spare time is often filled with activities for my son (Taekwondo and piano lessons) as well as my community involvement. I am on the PTA at his school and at the school district level as well. I also serve on the Board of Directors of The Hear Center, which is a local non-profit. I also try to fit in walking, photography and travel whenever possible.
Why did you pursue the CRS Designation?
I learned very quickly that, while my office had a training program, all they would teach me was how to keep them out of trouble. After taking my first CRS course, I realized that by pursuing the CRS Designation, I could learn how to run my real estate business. Each course is filled with so much helpful information that I always find new ways to improve my business for my clients.
How do you tell clients about the CRS Designation?
The CRS Designation is the only designation that I have on my business card. I included it so that I could easily tell people about CRS and the benefits of using an agent who has pursued a higher education within the real estate industry. I also like to share with people that by being involved with CRS and attending meetings and events, I have personally met a complete network of agents across the country that I can comfortably call on to help them, their friends and their families—no matter where they might be.
What do you like about being a CRS?
I have met some of the most wonderful people through my involvement with CRS. Agents and other professionals have all enhanced my business through their openness and desire to elevate and improve the real estate industry.
Why do you think it’s important to stay on top of the latest changes in the real estate industry?
The real estate industry is constantly evolving. There are changes to our forms every six months; legislative changes occur once or twice each year; then there’s changes in tax laws, lending policies and communities. If you are not paying attention, important changes that happen could be very costly for your clients.
We love the quotes on your website. Do you have a favorite one about home or real estate?
“A house is not a home unless it contains food and fire for the mind as well as the body.” — Benjamin Franklin
What kind of trends are you seeing in the industry that you think buyers and sellers should know about?
One trend that has been concerning for me that I hope will start to change is the stagnation at the bottom of the market due to the inability to use FHA loans for many condos and townhomes. First-time homebuyers have had their hands tied and have been unable to get into condos and townhomes with an FHA loan because the re-approval process with FHA was too burdensome. Recently, we have seen cash buyers and investors buying up those homes. Once we have the first-time buyers purchasing those again, we should see move-up buyers selling and moving into single-family homes. Legislation was recently passed to make the re-approval process easier.
What do you feel makes you stand out in your market?
I feel that my patience and knowledge make me stand out in my market. Buying or selling a home is an incredibly emotional experience. With my knowledge and guidance, I believe that my clients feel comfortable as they move through the process. I do my best to explain what the next step will be and help them understand their options and choices.
Melanie McShane achieved her CRS in 2010. She can be reached at melanie@melaniemcshane.com or 818-599-1589.
