Parker County Today July 2018 | Page 87

PCT: What do you do in your day-to-day?  Piper Pardue: I wear a lot of different hats. I consult with sellers and buyers; facilitate price negotiations; manage and schedule repairs, inspections and appraisals; and then work with lenders, appraisers, surveyors and title companies to gather all the proper documenta- tion to ensure that the transaction goes as smoothly as possible for my clients.  PCT: Is there anything new in your job you want your customers to know? PP: The housing market is incredibly fast-paced, so working with an experienced realtor can make all the difference. Having an agent that is well prepared, knowledgeable about the market and can commu- nicate effectively and efficiently will have a huge impact on the final result.  PCT: How did you get into this business?  PP: I have a Bachelor’s in Business Marketing and Sales with an emphasis on Business Communications, so I had planned to go into some sort of sales position. I also grew up watching my mother work in real estate, so I guess that had a lasting impact on me as well.  PCT: What is your backup job if you weren’t in this business? PP: I might like to own an urban-type bistro with great eggs benedict, pastries and coffee! Or maybe a landscaping company or nursery.  PCT: What is your favorite thing about your job?  PP: I love helping all the clients I get the pleasure of working with. A home is where families build their lives and make lasting memories, so being a part of something so personal and important is the most gratify- ing part. PCT: What have you learned in pursuing your field?  PP: It’s ever-changing and each transaction is unique and has its own set of challenges. After more than 20 years in real estate, you would think that I’ve seen it all ... but I learn something new every day. Which is why having a seasoned team that is ready for anything is so critical. PP: The job can be at times extremely stress- ful and you’ve got to have some grit to get through the bumpy deals. But when you close on a property, whether representing the seller or the buyer, it’s a very rewarding feel- ing. It doesn’t get any better [than] knowing you’ve helped somebody fulfill their dreams and future plans along the way.  PCT: What is the best piece of advice you can give to customers? PP: Listen to your real estate agent and heed their advice, if possible. As realtors, we really do have our clients’ best interest at heart. PCT: What is the most interesting thing you have seen in your field? PP: The technology available now in the real estate industry is astonishing. People can completely search for their dream home on an app on their phone (I thin