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 Dana Wingate, a Real Estate Broker at Nest Realty Asheville.
Nest Realty: Tell us a bit about yourself! Where are you from?
Dana Wingate: I grew up in Boca Raton, Florida.
NR: What brought you to Asheville?
DW: I moved to Asheville in 2002 because I wanted four seasons, a great place to raise my son, and I love the mountains!
NR: How did you get into real estate?
DW: When I moved to Asheville, I wanted a change of pace so I decided to get my real estate license. I had always worked in education, but I knew I would always do volunteer work with kids, so this gave me the best of both worlds.
NR: What was your previous career?
DW: I was a middle school and high school teacher, and a college administrator.
NR: How has that prepared you for real estate?
DW: I feel that I make great connections with people and I listen. When you are working with co-educators, young people, and their parents, you learn to listen and engage to ensure everyone is getting their needs met.
NR: What led you to Nest Realty, as opposed to another brokerage?
DW: I love the smaller boutique style, but I also am completely impressed with the high-end marketing that one would expect from a big box company. Nest is all about the client.
NR: What is your favorite part of being an agent?
DW: I absolutely love helping buyers find their dream home, first home, lot to build on, rural farm getaway, and everything in between. I cherish getting to know my clients and learning about their lives, passions and dreams. I value the relationships I have made with my clients.
NR: Do you have a specific area of expertise to offer clients?
DW: I have great intuition. I feel this really lends to helping clients when they can’t make a decision, or are questioning their decision. I am good at helping them weigh all sides of the purchase/offer so they can go in feeling confident about their final decision.
NR: What makes you different from other agents? What sets you apart?
DW: There are such great agents out there so that is tough. I will advise a client not to make a purchase if I see red flags or know they are making a decision out of feeling rushed or feeling stressed. I also think I am smart about figuring out a fair market value for my sellers and not overpricing just to get the listing. I care more about my reputation as a fair, smart, caring realtor than I do about just making a sale.
NR: What are five adjectives that describe you?
DW: Hard-working, funny, intuitive, kind, honest
NR: Who would be your dream client?
DW: Hmm, I love them all-but I really love the clients who insist on driving!
NR: If you had one piece of advice for a first-time home buyer, what would it be?
DW: “Hang in there! Keep your chin up and know that you will find the right house! You will be anxious, but that is completely normal. Call me whenever you are feeling stressed, excited or anything in between!”
NR: What is your favorite season in Asheville?
That is a hard one but I have to say Autumn!
Dana is a Real Estate Broker with Nest Realty Asheville. Living in Asheville is a dream come true for Dana, and she strives to share this goal with her clients as they search for their dream properties. To learn more about Dana, visit her agent page.