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 in installment, we chat with Ellen & Mark Allmond, the two Brokers of the Allmond Team at Nest Realty Asheville.
Nest Realty: Tell us a bit about yourself! Where are you from? What brought you to Asheville
Ellen & Mark: We are both from Georgia and met while in college at the University of Georgia. We have lived in Henderson County since 2001. We always loved the area after visiting to backpack, camp, hike, mountain bike, and just enjoy Asheville. Ellen’s parents had a vacation condo at Lake Lure. We came up one summer, leaving the 100+ temperatures of Augusta to a more pleasant temperature and immediately made the decision to move to the area. It has been the perfect place to raise our children, take advantage of beauty of the area, and enjoy the seasons.
NR: How did you get into real estate?
E & M: Mark was already in sales and wanted to use his experience to help people. He sees his role as, “helping you discover what you really want and need, rather than just selling you something.” Ellen was ready to make a change in her career and we both thought it was the perfect time to work together as a Team so that we can utilize our different skill sets to be more effective.
NR: What was your previous career? How has that prepared you for real estate?
E & M: Mark was a pharmaceutical representative for over 20+ years in Georgia and Western North Carolina. “I had already gotten to know the area very well through that experience, and I am better able to use that knowledge to help find the perfect place to meet a client’s needs. I enjoy working with clients and I enjoy developing meaningful friendships by really engaging my Clients to find what will make them happy,” shares Mark. Ellen’s background as a Special Education Teacher and Exercise Instructor have really helped her develop her skills in meeting a persons needs and tailoring to the individual. She likes to make a stressful situation as comfortable as possible and is very intuitive in what needs to be done along the way.
NR: What led you to Nest Realty, as opposed to another brokerage?
E & M: We both knew immediately that we wanted to be part of this dynamic, amazing, and client-oriented company! We were blown away with the attention to detail and the drive and closeness everyone has. Nest really stands out in the industry by providing personalized service and professional marketing.
NR: What is your favorite part of being an agent?
E & M: Meeting and working with people and helping others!
NR: Do you have a specific area of expertise to offer clients?
E & M: We both will go above and beyond to meet someone’s needs. Selling and buying a house can be challenging. Through support, knowledge , and patience we will do what is needed to make it go smoothly! Mark has a strong background in construction and site prep, so he can spot potential problems before you purchase. Ellen is better at discovering what you are passionate about and using that to help you find the perfect property.
NR: What makes you different from other agents? What sets you apart?
E & M: We make connections with others and really devote our efforts into finding exactly what a client needs with honesty and diligence. We will advocate for what is best for our Clients, we are compassionate, and attentive! The happiest home Buyers are those that used their heart and their brain to make their decision. If we see that you lean more toward the emotional side, we’ll try to help you consider the practical side. If you are all about numbers and data, we”ll try to find out what you are passionate about and get that into the mix. We don’t want you to get a great deal on a house you don’t like and we don’t want to see you burdened down the road with problems you didn’t anticipate because you were so caught up in the moment while searching.
NR: What are five adjectives that describe you?
Ellen: Patient, thoughtful, intuitive, resourceful, and adaptable.
Mark: Honest, resourceful, meticulous, loyal, and optimistic.
NR: Who would be your dream client?
E & M: One of those you see on HGTV who sees the properties and buys one immediately? Just kidding, we have found that our client’s often bring unexpected blessings and create experiences that have brought richness to both of our lives! It’s fun to be part of such a happy time of their lives.
NR: If you had one piece of advice for a first-time home buyer, what would it be?
E & M: Buying a new home is a very personal experience and it has a lot of moving parts. We take our career and fiduciary responsibilities seriously. Taking advantage of our experience and working with a strong Team can help you handle the process and help lead to a happy outcome.
NR: What is your favorite season in Asheville?
Ellen: My favorite season is Spring. I love the newness of it and the energy it brings. It is so refreshing.
Mark: I love the warm months best, but those days during Autumn when you experience the last nice, warm days and know they are fading away are the ones that make me feel the most exhilarated.
Mark is a Broker with Nest Realty Asheville. Mark’s love for the mountains of western NC is contagious. When he’s not helping his clients as part of The Allmond Team, he’s usually on his tractor or his mountain bike. To learn more about Mark, visit his agent page.