In this month's Realtor Spotlight, agency Principal Sarah Brown interviews Taylor Kapterian, a realtor with the Keller Williams team Glenda Kane & Co.
Taylor Kapterian
Sarah: Do you have a niche or area of specialty?
Taylor: I work with a lot of people moving to the York area from out of state. I've lived in York County for several years but it was eye opening to learn how many people are drawn to our area. But if you think about it, it makes complete sense because we're so centrally located. We're not too far and not too close to major cities, airports, mountains, and beaches. In fact, a lot of my clients come from referrals. I recently helped someone from California find a home, and they've already referred two to three more people to me.
Sarah: Do you focus more on the buyer, seller, or both?
Taylor: I work with both, but in looking back through the years I've probably helped more buyers than sellers.
Sarah: How did you get into the biz and how long have you been doing it?
Taylor: I never thought I'd be a real estate agent! While attending Penn State, I worked for a title company and continued working there full-time after graduation. After three years, I became an administrative assistant for a real estate brokerage. In 2017, I switched firms and worked for a successful real estate agent, Glenda Kane. I saw how Glenda's hometown approach to the buying and selling process was different and wanted to learn from her, so she became my mentor. I love our team approach. My Glenda Kane & Company group is a very close-knit unit of seven professionals, and for us, it's not 'all about the sale.' We really want to help people. I feel really good about what we do.
Sarah: Do you have any memorable buying or selling experiences that stick out and might be a fun to share?
Taylor: In my first year as a realtor, I worked with a young couple and their adorable son. We looked at five houses. The house they picked was so cute. It was amazing to see the couple bond with each other as they fell in love with the house. It sticks out because it was the first time in my career that I experienced such a sweet and fulfilling moment. The couple was just starting out in life and I helped them find a home where they would make beautiful memories.
Sarah: What are some trends in home purchasing that you're noticing?
Taylor: Right now, there is definitely lower inventory than we're used to, and there are a ton of buyers out there. There are a few reasons for this, but probably the biggest driver is that mortgage interest rates are so low. It's a very competitive market for buyers. For sellers, that means if you've ever considered selling your house, now is the time. Even if you're just dabbling with the idea, now is the time to think serious and maximize your investment.
Sarah: What's a misconception you think people have about the home buying process?
Taylor: Two things come to mind. First, a lot of people think they need 10% - 20% down at settlement and very often that's not the case. There are loan programs out there that allow for 0% or 3% down.
Next, buyers think the process will be challenging based on what friends and family tell them, but there's a good chance they didn't have someone properly prepare them along the way. I really make an effort to explain the next steps based on the decisions my clients make. Based on my experience, I can anticipate what will happen further along in the sales process and proactively address issues. It goes so much smoother when people are given advance notice about each step along the way before it happens.
Sarah: What are some common mistakes home buyers/sellers make that you wish could be avoided?
Taylor: For buyers, get pre-approved before you start looking!!! Buyers get so frustrated when they don't qualify for mortgages on homes they can't afford. Or, the reverse could happen and buyers waste precious time looking at homes they don't really want, only to learn they can afford more.
For sellers, talk to an agent if you are thinking about selling but before you make improvements to the property. Often, sellers spend more money on renovations than necessary. From the moment a person thinks they might want to sell their house, have an agent come and give an opinion not only on the sale price, but also on what needs to happen to maximize your sale value. I've seen sellers do costly renovations like replacing kitchen floors and appliances, when all they really needed to do was paint a wall. I think sellers often believe the real estate agent will come to the property and give a hard sales pitch when really, we just want to give advice on how to sell your house for the greatest dollar amount and within your own time frame.
Sarah: Can you share anything about your experience with Keller-Brown Insurance Services? Do you have any stories to share about how we helped one of your buyers?
Taylor: Keller-Brown's customer service is awesome! Your team is very responsive. Even during the coronavirus shutdown, the agents at Keller-Brown were there for my buyers without skipping a beat.
I recently sold a home to someone who moved here from Las Vegas. They had no connections and didn't know where to start. I referred them to Caitlin Thompson and she was wonderful! She kept him informed about the homeowners process each step of the way. It's very comforting to me to know my buyers are in good hands with their insurance needs.
Sarah: What's the best way for our audience to get in touch with you about buying or selling a home? Can we share some of your web or social media links?
Taylor: Absolutely!
Phone call or text is best: 717-858-7161.
Email: taylork@glendakaneco.com
To see listings and more info: https://taylor.findyorkcountypahomes.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/taylorkrealtor/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taylorkrealtor/