Neighborhood real estate broker has 'best job ever'

Photo: Jackie Rybeck

GOING BEARFOOT – The real estate agents at Bearfoot Realty from left, Dawn Harvey, Ann Crockett and Monica LaVerdiere.

OXFORD – Monica LaVerdiere owns Bearfoot Realty and wouldn’t have it any other way.

"Being in real estate sales is the best job ever!” she exclaimed. “I love my job; helping people buy the biggest investment in their lives is awesome.”

LaVerdiere went to the Arthur Gary School of Real Estate and also to the Real Estate Learning Group.

“I’ve been in real estate for six years,” she explained. “Because I knew I wanted to own and operate my own business, I needed to move through these levels rather quickly to become a broker. Becoming a broker gave me the status to become a ‘designated broker’ which is what is needed to own and operate a real estate office.”

LaVerdiere opened Bearfoot Realty in October.

“I decided to open in Oxford because my husband, Ryan, and I recently purchased a piece of property in Oxford to build on," she explained. “I wanted to be close to my work. Real estate is a job that, if you want to be successful, it takes a huge amount of time, and being close to work would allow me more flexibility for my family and clients.”

With each of the six years in real estate, she has done better than the year before.

“A lot of people think I am crazy to open a business, especially a real estate business in this economy,” she explained. “When I started, my goal was to operate my own agency; I had a plan and I stuck with it!”

She credits much of her success to Bob Bizier and Tom Kennison.

“They are my mentors and were the keys to my success. I learned so much from them and so appreciate everything they taught me about the market.”

Bearfoot Realty offer all kinds of residential, multi family, land and even commercial properties.

“I love the diversity of all kinds of properties. First time home owners are probably my favorite though! No matter what the situation or the price; low or high, I learn something new every day. Every experience is unique and different.”

One of LaVerdiere’s favorite parts of real estate is when people do not believe that they can actually afford or understand how to buy a house.

“When we get to that closing table and they get those keys, it’s the best feeling to see them so pleased that they accomplished the ‘American Dream.'"

 The real estate agent believes that referrals are also a large part of her success.

“The majority of my business comes from referrals,” she smiled. “I grew up in the Oxford Hills and have gained a lot of friends through the years. My boys, Dexter, Davis and Eli go to school in the Oxford Hills, which also allows me to meet so many people.”

Bearfoot Realty wants to give back to the Oxford Hills Community.

“For our first year in business, Bearfoot Realty is giving $25 from each house sale to the Oxford Hills Athletic Boosters. I hope that they use this money to grow the youth programs and support the many volunteers who work so hard for our Oxford Hills youth.”

“I hope that this will help lighten the load for them a bit,” she added.

LaVerdiere is currently the president of the Western Maine Board of Realtors and just returned from Chicago, participating in a Leadership Summit sponsored by NAR. She also spent three days in Bar Harbor at the Annual MAR Convention.

A good reputation is required in selling or buying a home.

“A reputation is required to be a success,” she explained. “I am ambitious and maybe a bit crazy to open in this tough economy, but I am ‘homegrown’ here in Oxford Hills. Helping a person buy a house and treating them as a friend and sincerely caring about them turns into their friends calling and wanting the same personal help.”

“My family is here; this is where I live and work.”

Bearfoot Realty is located at 698 Main Street in Oxford (next to Turn Key Homes). For more information, check out bearfootrealty.com or LaVerdiere can be contacted by calling the office at 539-6060 or her cell at 890-1971.