Crystal Schirmer
Experience is key for real estate agent
Crystal Schirmer of Exit Elite Realty believes experience is key for a real estate agent who is serving customers in the current market.
The Festus-based agent, who works out of Exit Elite’s office at 1960 Richardson Road in Arnold, said while it is still a sellers’ market, someone putting their home on the market should no longer expect a high volume of offers that may drive up the price.
“You want an agent who will be available to you full-time and will pull out all of the stops,” said Schirmer, who has been an agent for the last seven years and said she has experienced four market shifts similar to the current real estate climate.
She said to help sellers get their listing noticed, she places the home on 200 different websites to help assure as many potential buyers see the home as possible.
“A couple of months ago, you could list your home and know you would get an offer,” Schirmer said. “Now, you have to pull out all of your marketing gadgets when listing a home.”
Schirmer said she recently became affiliated with Homes for Heroes, a national organization that helps first responders, active and reserve military members, healthcare professionals and teachers buy homes.
She said part of her commission goes to the Homes for Heroes program, which then gives money to a qualifying home purchaser after they buy a home. The program’s website said qualifying buyers may receive up to $2,450 after purchasing a home for $250,000.
“It is pretty cool,” said Schirmer, who helps people sell and purchase homes in Jefferson and St. Louis counties.
She can be reached at 314-552-1574 or by email at crystalsellsit@gmail.com.