"Listen to your customer, be patient and know your product." That is my motto. For the last 22 years, I have worked in the real estate field in Texas, Florida and California and have found this simple motto to be the best advise I was ever given.

I also learned very early on to take a relatively small area and learn it well. This allows me to keep abreast of all the trends in my marketplace, and to help my buyer find a property that not only meets their emotional needs, but is also an excellent investment for their future. That is why I sell Canyon Lake properties exclusively.

Although only 45 minutes from downtown San Antonio, "The Jewel of the Hill Country", Canyon Lake will always be a resort area that attracts buyers from all over the United States and many other countries. I came here from Houston in 2004, so I know how it feels to be confused by a new area and be uncertain as to which neighborhoods are good investments and which aren't. I use a simple "system" when helping buyers who are new to the area. After making the initial contact, whether through email or by phone, I get some basic guidelines as to what the buyer is interested in. Then I email listings directly from our MLS with color photographs, disclosures, and plats, so the buyer can have an idea of what's available.

Once my buyer gets here, we spend as much time as necessary touring the lake and getting a feel for it, and inspect all pertinent properties. As we all know, everyone is different, so with some people this takes several hours, while with others it may take 3 or 4 days or several visits. Although this can be time consuming, it results in a buyer who makes comfortable and confident purchasing decisions, knowing for sure there is nothing out there that they have not been made aware of.

"Listen to your customer, be patient and know your product" is a simple plan, but it works!