We’re proud of the team of agents we’ve assembled here at Nest Realty. We think they’re pretty awesome, and we think you will too. During our “Meet the Agent” series, we sit down with our agents to learn more about them, what makes them tick, and why they’re passionate about the real estate industry. In this installment, we chat with Debbie Lariviere, a Broker with Nest Realty in Wilmington, North Carolina.
Nest Realty: Tell us a bit about yourself! Where are you from? What brought you to Wilmington?
Debbie Lariviere: I am originally from Atlanta, Georgia, moved to Orlando, Florida, then to Wilmington, North Carolina. My husband and I were looking for a smaller town to raise a family and be on the coast. We enjoy boating, the beach, and living in an area that has “seasons.”
NR: How did you get into real estate?
DL: My husband and I were purchasing investment properties in Florida and we had an agent that offered sub-optimal service and knowledge. From that experience, I decided to get my license, if nothing else, to learn more about the real estate market and be able to purchase and sell our properties. Since I don’t do anything with a “part-time” mindset, I was into a real estate career within three months of obtaining my license.
NR: What was your previous career? How has that prepared you for real estate?
DL: My previous profession was in sports medicine/certified athletic training. It prepared me for real estate by enabling me to handle difficult situations with a smile and to always be solution-based. It is important to leave my emotion out of the transaction and work to create the best possible scenario for the seller and buyer. I also encountered people of all personality types and communication styles when they were injured so I recognize that communication is the highest level of customer service that can be offered.
NR: What led you to Nest Realty, as opposed to another brokerage?
DL: The local environment, the tools and systems offered, and the economic model.
NR: What is your favorite part of being an agent?
DL: Working with sellers and buyers in achieving their real estate goals. Everyone has a story and is on a journey; my job is to help them get to where they are going within their time constraints with the least amount of inconvenience.
NR: Do you have a specific area of expertise to offer clients?
DL: Over the past 15 years, I have worked in a variety of real estate markets with different types of financing and contingencies/issues that have shown up in the process. I have dealt with everything from short sales and foreclosures to estate sales, investment properties, and standard home sales and purchases. I constantly study the market to provide the most up to date information on home selling and buying to maximize the options available for sellers and buyers.
NR: What makes you different from other agents? What sets you apart?
DL: In addition to being a real estate Broker, I am a partner in a national real estate coaching firm and personally coach top Realtors across the nation to grow their business. This requires me to be familiar with cutting edge techniques for buyers and sellers and to stay current with real estate trends. I have created an expansive referral network to enable sellers and buyers moving outside of my local area to connect with top Realtors in their new location. My goal is to reduce the friction in the real estate transaction through a high level of communication and resources offered to my clients.
NR: What are five adjectives that describe you?
DL: A person of integrity, knowledgeable, solution-based, growth-minded, and fun/funny.
NR: Who would be your dream client?
DL: My dream client is one with a sense of humor—I LOVE TO LAUGH!!
NR: If you had one piece of advice for a first-time home buyer, what would it be?
DL: Partner with an agent who is going to equip you with all the necessary information ahead of time and take the time to listen to the process before you jump in. I am a huge fan of being PROACTIVE over being reactive.
NR: What is your favorite season in Wilmington?
DL: Summer and fall—I can’t pick just one. Beach season, then into fall leaves, campfires, and football.
Debbie is a Broker with Nest Realty Wilmington. Not only is she a proven agent and leader, but she also brings a vibrant and positive energy to those around her. To learn more about Debbie, visit her agent page.