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 Wendy Tanson, a Broker with Nest Realty in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
Nest Realty: Tell us a bit about yourself! What brought you to Chapel Hill?
Wendy Tanson: I originally came to Chapel Hill to pursue a Master’s in Health Policy at UNC. I had been a stock analyst in Boston following the healthcare industry, and became fascinated with the policy aspect of healthcare. UNC has a top-notch program, and the move also enabled my husband and me to relocate to an amazing town.
NR: How did you get into real estate?
WT: A bit by happenstance! We bought and sold a house here, and it took several months to find the right property and to close on our previous home. By the end of the process, I was hooked! I wanted to drive friends around the neighborhoods I had discovered, and I couldn’t stop looking at houses online. Real estate seemed like a great way to bring my diverse skill sets together and be of service, so I jumped in.
NR: What was your previous career? How has that prepared you for real estate?
WT: I’ve been a real estate Broker for 17 years. Previously, I had careers as a communications consultant, a health policy analyst, and a stock analyst. These positions honed my skills as a researcher, a numbers cruncher, and a seasoned communicator. I leverage these skills to achieve the best possible outcome for each client.
NR: What led you to Nest Realty, as opposed to another brokerage?
WT: I was blown away by the marketing materials Nest offers; there’s essentially a creative ad agency within the firm. I was also impressed by the quality of the agents, both their work ethic and sense of collaboration. It was also clear that the tools that Nest offers both its agents and their clients result in a superior customer experience. The company also offers a sense of playfulness and fun, from the type of materials it produces to the culture among the agents.
NR: What is your favorite part of being an agent?
WT: The ability to help clients through an especially important time in their lives, and the phenomenal people I meet in doing so.
NR: Do you have a specific area of expertise to offer clients?
WT: I offer expertise in Orange, Durham, and Chatham Counties. I have in-depth local knowledge of these three counties and their major towns and cities: Chapel Hill, Durham, Hillsborough, Carrboro, and Pittsboro. I can be a great area resource for my clients: providing guidance on neighborhoods and schools, commute times, 55+ communities, outdoor pursuits, restaurants, the arts, and much more—whatever their interests or needs may be.
NR: What makes you different from other agents? What sets you apart?
WT: My clients say that my responsiveness sets me apart. We are in a fast moving market, and I understand that receiving information in a timely manner is critical. I think my mix of communications and analytical skills also sets me apart. Last is my in-depth area and real estate knowledge, honed from 17 years in the business and nearly three decades in the local area.
NR: What are five adjectives that describe you?
WT: Responsive, diligent, caring, knowledgeable, and kind.
NR: Who would be your dream client?
WT: Well, I’d love for James Taylor to move back to Chapel Hill. He grew up along Morgan Creek and his childhood home was recently sold here. He’s my favorite artist, and I’d be delighted if he decided he’s “gone to Carolina” to retire and wanted my help in finding just the right property.
NR: What is your favorite season in Chapel Hill?
WT: Spring is spectacular in Chapel Hill. From the azaleas to the dogwoods, cherry trees, and more, there’s a breathtaking array of color and fragrance. Our area really is a gardener’s paradise; there’s always something beautiful in bloom. In addition, the weather is particularly delightful, with days in the 60s and 70s and an abundance of clear blue skies.
NR: If you had one piece of advice for a first-time home buyer, what would it be?
WT: Trust your gut when choosing a home. Often a property seems perfect on paper, but it just doesn’t give you the warm fuzzies when you see it in person. I think buyers have chemistry with homes the way they do with other people. Trusting your instincts over analytics, and being aware of the presence or lack of those warm fuzzies, is really important.
NR: What other designations/experience do you have?
WT: I was named one of the Triangle Business Journal’s Top 25 Agents in the Triangle five times. I have my SRES, CRS, ABR, GREEN, and ASP designations. It’s important for me to be well-educated about the latest technologies, tools, and strategies to help a client buy or sell a home with ease.
Wendy is a Broker with Nest Realty Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill. With 17 years in real estate and nearly three decades in the area, Wendy has the experience and local market knowledge to be a trusted partner in the home buying or selling process. To learn more about Wendy, visit her agent page.