An interview with Sara Helmke

How many years have you been in Real Estate?

I have been working in real estate for over 10 years. I started during the late 1990's working with foreclosures, regular resales and rentals, and investment housing. I  worked with investors finding bargain real estate. I have seen the marketplace go up and down. I work with Buyers, Sellers, Renters, Clients wishing to become landlords, Investors, Relocations, and First Time Buyers.

Are there any new developments or trends in your area?

Many homes are being sold below last years pricing and I expect that the bottom of the current market is coming soon.  In the coming months, I expect to see a large increase in buyers. So, if your are one of those buyers, my services to you are FREE, the seller pays my commission. There are many homes that have been on the market for a long time and their prices have been greatly reduced. It is a great time to buy.

Why do you enjoy being a real estate agent?

I have lived in the Northern Virginia area all of my life and know the area better than many agents, as my dad was Commissioner of Revenue in Loudoun County and I helped him in my teens. So being a real estate agent serving the Loudoun, Fairfax, Prince William area just fits who I am and what I like to do. I also have license in Maryland. After all, helping people and giving of myself is one of the most rewarding jobs and I love to help people acheive their goals.

What is the most challenging issue you face as a Real Estate Professional?

The biggest challenge right now is pricing listings. Sellers are facing new issues that they never have had to face before in this area. There are many bank-owned, foreclosures and short sale properties now on the market. As with any market, there are ups and downs. And Sellers need to be realistic when working with  their real estate agent pricing their home.

Tell us one of your client success stories or an interesting moment in your profession.

One of the homes that we just sold, was an older unit. The seller was determined to get the home sold at a fair price, but due to market conditions, things were not expected to move quickly. But with my web presence advertising,  I was able to attract a buyer, send out information on this listing and I was able to get the home sold for cash.

What is your best characteristic?

I am well connected and a people person. Every where I go I talk to people and try and help them, even if it is just a kind word. So people remember me and I use this to be able to reach out to people and this allows me to extend my network of potential buyers for homes that I sell.

Who or what inspires you the most?

Kids. Both my husband and I love kids. They are our future and their unaffected vision of the world as it could be is a constant inspiration.

What is the best advice you ever received?

My dad said - BUY REAL ESTATE. Real Estate in the Loudoun County, Fairfax County, Arlington County, Maryland and general Washington DC area has always been a good investment. The 10 year average has  been about 5 percent or more.

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?

Near the beach, but really I love where I live. The Washington DC Area has so much to offer, more than any other location in the world. We can jump in the car and be at the beach or at the mountains in no time. We are close to 3 major airports. After all, we travel a lot and we visit the places that I love often.

What is your Personal BIO ?

I am Loudoun county native who lives in South Riding with her husband and 4 children.  I am the daughter of Lee T. Keyes, one of Loudoun Counties former Commissioner of Revenue. I bought my first property when I was 19 years old and currently own 2 properties in Loudoun county. My family was one of the pioneers of South Riding, buying the first Trafalgar Ellis home built in 1995, even before the model. I started in real estate in the late 1990's, became licenced in Maryland and Virginia. I enjoy working as a RE/MAX Premier agent because of my supportive broker, Tom Donegan, and the excellent support staff and friendly working atmosphere.

I enjoy travelling, jewelry-making, sailing and reading. I love mystery novels and watching CSI. I have travelled to Hawaii, the Caribbean Islands, Mexico, much of the United States and Canada and overall love the beach and water vacations the most.