Chatting With Mary Anne Geary

You can learn a lot from talking to people and even more by listening. Recently, I had the chance to talk to Mary Anne Geary about her experiences with Coldwell Banker and like the other agents I have talked to, she had some interesting comments about real estate, working for Coldwell Banker and the great, Cape Cod.

Tell me a little about yourself and how you got into real estate.

Mary Anne: I was born and raised in Worcester, Massachusetts. I graduated from Emmanuel College in Boston. I married Coleman Geary and we have three children Sally, Sean and Molly. Sally works as an ICU nurse at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston; Sean is a sophomore at Westfield State College and Molly is a sophomore at Dennis Yarmouth Regional High School. We relocated here 10 years ago after spending my whole life vacationing at Cape Cod.

Real estate is a natural fit since I’m a people person and addicted to sales. I love to “meet and greet,” talk to people and answer questions about real estate. I have a very large sphere of influence which has always been helpful and have a lot of family members in real estate. My husband’s 82 year-old aunt is still licensed. I have been around the business my whole life.

Describe your territory and client base.

Mary Anne: My territory expands from Cape Cod Canal in the Chatham area. However, I’m not ever opposed to learning about new areas and expanding as far as Provincetown for any client. My client base is mostly personal referrals from family, friends, college and my home town of Worcester.

What has been one of your greatest moments in real estate?

Mary Anne: My greatest moments in real estate are always attending a closing with a new and excited second homeowner. The sparkle in their eyes and smile on the face is awesome. Having vacationed on the shores of Cape Cod prior to moving here 10 years ago I always remember the first smell of salt air and playing a game with our children “who sees the bridge first.” It’s an instant feeling of relaxation, sun, fun and surf here. I can relate so easily to the feeling of excitement you get from calling Cape Cod home.

How does technology help your business and which technologies do you rely on most?

Mary Anne: Technology and the Internet have changed the way we do business on a daily basis. However, there’s nothing like a personal touch, greeting or phone call to a client. It’s ever important to read a client and determine how they want to be contacted. Some client’s only want email while others are more traditional and prefer a phone call. I send listing on the Internet and use email for scanning documents. Clients contact me using online listings.

I have used virtual tours for listings but primarily for larger homes which are easily showcased. I take my own photographs but hire professionals to handle virtual tours. A listing can contain up to thirty pictures or more so photography plays a large role in real estate.

What types of houses do you sell?

Mary Anne: I sell the gamut of homes, including cottages from 800 to 1,000 square feet cottage homes to large homes. Price ranges vary from $255, 000 to 1.2 million. Most clients are second home owners/vacation homers and are primarily from New England.

Any tips for new realtors?

Mary Anne: Listen and take advantage of the education that’s offered. Join a large company like Coldwell Banker with its world-wide presence and wonderful training tools and programs. We have the Coldwell Banker University and its Coldwell Banker Works which offers great marketing tools and abundance of information.

Why did you choose to work for Coldwell Banker?

Mary Anne: I never considered working for another realtor because Coldwell Banker is a world-wide organization and covers a lot of geographic space. I wanted a franchise and name recognition which I got with Coldwell Banker. We have the global presence and the icing on the cake is to have knowledgeable, local owners for support.

Do you have any future plans or goals for your business?

Mary Anne: Yes, I have one elective to take for my buyer’s accreditation and plan to earn my second home designation this year to be more informed for my clients. This is a new designation and keeps real estate professionals current in the business.

Now to get a little personal – what do you like to do to relax?

Mary Anne: My greatest past-time over the past 10 years has been spent on the various athletic fields watching my children compete in sports. Cape Cod has some of the most tremendous fields and facilities I have seen. Watching a summertime baseball game alongside the Cape Cod Canal or under the lights on the Cape Code League baseball field is wonderful. An afternoon summer cruise on Bass River and in Nantucket Sound with family and friends is delightful.

My son is sailing instructor in Yarmouth so we get out on the water as much as we can. Our motto is “more beach, more sun, the better.” I grew up vacationing near the water so we get out on it as often as we can. We live in paradise.

Have you ever done business with a celebrity on the Cape?

Mary Anne: Yes. These people want strict confidentiality due to privacy issues so it’s a trust you must earn with them.

If you are interested in learning about buying or selling a home in Cape Cod or finding an agent to put you in your dream home, give us a call at 508-362-1993. If you have other questions, let us know how we can be of service and one of our qualified agents will contact you. We are here for you!

Posted on April 28th, 2009 in Agents | Be The First To Comment >>