By Gabrielle Enfield, February 27, 2020
Hi Readers!
Call me old school, but I like talking on the phone. I leave voicemail. I often call before I text. Do I like answering unknown phone numbers? No. In fact a recent survey showed nearly half of all phone calls made are left unanswered because of the dreaded Robo Dial. But, I understand how important it can be.
In the case of my recent sale in Arlington Heights, me being a phone fuddy duddy paid off for my buyers. Zach and Haley had their eyes on a house that had been on the market for a while. They were under the impression that there must be “something wrong with it” to be sitting, especially considering it was in a dreamy location. I assured them (as I will you, too) that just because a house has been on the market for more than a week in today’s market doesn’t necessarily mean there is anything wrong. It’s likely over priced. So, I picked up the phone and called the agent.
20 minutes later I had all the information I needed – background on the house (some slight water issues that were set to be repaired) and the intel to help my buyers craft a strong offer that had the terms the seller needed. I also totally hit it off with the listing agent and we realized we had some life things in common outside of being REALTORS®. Cool! They wrote a beautiful introduction letter. And then, we found out it was now a competitive situation. So all we could do was stay optimistic and wait. 24 hours later, my buyers found out they got the house, even though the other offer was $20K above theirs. Why? The letter. AND the strong endorsement the agent made for me because I picked up the phone and took the time to call and learn about the listing, ask smart questions, and create a relationship. She later told me I was the first agent who had done that. Huh.
At any rate, the moral of this story: don’t underestimate the power of relationship and creating connections. And when you’re looking for a Broker to help you find your home, be sure you have a connection with them, too. Ask them how often they pick up the phone. Better yet, give me a call and let’s talk about your #realestategoals.
Till then, high fives,
Gabrielle Enfield
Broker | OR
She/Her
Real estate can be a wild ride. It's important you find your wingperson.
At Working Magic Group, we understand the important decision of choosing an agent partner for buying or selling in Portland. It's a relationship for the long haul. The team's goal is to apply myriad experiences, both personally and professionally, to help guide client partners through a thoughtful, strategic, seamless and fun journey. Founded by top broker Gabrielle Enfield, Working Magic's goal is to bust down the stereotypes of who Realtors are and how they serve. We are full service brokers, in it for the long haul, and believe in the relationship imperative. We operate from a place of trust with people at the center. Without that, we can’t do our work. Need an understanding of where to start, when it comes to getting ready to sell? We'll put backgrounds in project management to work and let you know what needs to happen, complete with spreadsheets, if you're into it. We've got the magicians on speed dial to show up and get it done so you can hit the easy button. We treat each listing as a brand we're launching and create emotional and sensory experiences that stand out. Custom playlists, anyone? We've been told our open houses are the best in town. Looking to purchase a vacation property and need it to generate rental income? Expect sharp pencils to make sure the numbers make sense. We can even help with the interior design and advise how to set it up to make top dollar. Ready to downsize? We'll be with you on this important chapter and gently guide you to what stays and what goes. First-timer who needs a steady hand to help guide you through the real estate process? Mama Bear's got you covered, and we'll be sure to point out what you need to look for or stay away from. Moving to PDX and need a proxy to get to know Rose City? Gab's a Pac NW native, and even with all its growth and change, this place still gives her butterflies. Plus, her background in video production makes those remote FaceTime home tours a breeze. About Gabrielle Enfield, Founder, Working Magic at Living Room Realty: I grew up in Woodland, Washington, and live in the wooded hills of Bridlemile, where I'm raising my family. #boymom. Today I am the #1 agent at my brokerage - which is Portland's #1 real estate office - and consistently rank in the top 1% of more than 8,400 brokers in the Portland metro. I love what I do and it shows. Before real estate, my career spans two decades of expertise I'm fortunate enough to apply every day. These experiences range from being a TV news anchor (visual storyteller) to helping develop some of the world's beloved brands like Xbox and Dave's Killer Bread (strategy and engagement). I also helped launch Paul Allen's MoPop to a global stage; it combined two of my life loves: music + architecture. I was on the forefront of integrated media, crisis communications, digital productions and managed events and massive teams that delivered headline-making news. I was practically born to sell Real Estate: my Dad is a retired custom home designer and builder, my Uncle is an architect and my Grandpa was a Realtor and developer. I am an active listener, have a keen eye for "good bones", and solving my clients' real estate needs in a creative and often unexpected way brings me joy. In my spare time, I am raising my kiddos to be confident weirdos, championing my spouse Per who is an IP attorney at Nike, hitting the thrift store circuit as often as I can, and volunteering my time as a Broker Advisor at Living Room. In 2023 I launched Hi Buddy Hospitality Group, a burgeoning hostel and restaurant in NE Portland. I also am a member of Project Color Corps Portland Chapter, a national non-profit that collaborates with people to add color to their essential community spaces, creating beauty, belonging, and joy. Please give a call – I'd love to see what it would be like to partner with you. For a look inside my everyday life, be sure to follow along on Instagram. Let's Work Magic together. High fives!
- T: 503-388-2788
- gabrielle@livingroomre.com
