6 minute read
Forti Homes with Keller Williams Realty
Business Profile by Sheila Turner-Hilliard
Photos courtesy of Sarah Forti
It’s no secret that real estate is like a roller coaster with never-ending ups and downs and twists and turns. Some are predictable, and some we never see coming. But one thing is for sure: No engineer on this planet could have designed the roller coaster we’ve been on since 2020!
But as REALTORS® across the country agree, recent market conditions have challenged even the most seasoned professionals. Sarah explained that the shortage of new homes being built sparked the unprecedented inventory shortage long before 2020. From there, a domino effect created a shortage of existing homes as well, and as home buyers’ demand continued to grow, the real estate market became a frenzy.
In 2020 and 2021, buyers competed against multiple offers, competitive bids included people waiving inspection and financing contingencies, and time was of the essence. Seeing a home within the first few hours of it being on the market could mean the difference between owning that home or continuing your home search. Meanwhile, mortgage interest rates remained at an all-time low, creating a win-win for sellers and buyers: Sellers are setting home prices quite high, but they’re still affordable because such low interest rates enable buyers to finance more than they could previously afford.
She said that even though it is clearly a “seller’s market,” having professional guidance to navigate and execute the pricing, home staging, high-level marketing and offer and negotiation process is invaluable. Having an experienced REALTOR® on your side can easily net you 10% or more on your home sale. And on the buying side, your real estate professional can position you for success in an ultra-competitive market.
Sarah suggests that buyers and sellers interview at least two agents before entering the market, to ensure finding the right fit. She said that a qualified agent will help educate clients on the market research necessary to make informed decisions. She also said that sellers should choose an agent who has a solid network of professionals who can help them prepare their home before it gets listed. The agent’s extensive network can also help buyers with home repairs or renovations.
Extensive knowledge of the area is an absolute must, and Sarah is proud to call Newtown Square home. Sarah grew up here, and attended Sacred Heart Academy Bryn Mawr. From a young age, she loved exploring different areas.
Sarah and Dom Forti with their sons Noah, Carter, Leo and Alex
Sarah loved visiting her friends and learning about where they called home. She also used to take the train from Bryn Mawr to Philadelphia, to spend time downtown and become acquainted with the city.
After high school, Sarah attended Villanova University, to play field hockey and pursue a degree in Communications with a French minor. She loved living on the Main Line, and discovered that one of her favorite pastimes was looking for apartment rentals for herself and her college friends.
After college, Sarah started working in education and nonprofit fundraising, and was also coaching field hockey, but the urge to pursue her passion grew stronger. She decided to take the leap by enrolling in real estate school. She began her career working with a broker in Wayne.
At first, she worked with buyers who were relocating to our area. Sarah said it was a perfect way to blend her teaching experience with her real estate knowledge.
Sarah said that many of her relocation buyers have become good friends and they now refer their family and friends to her. She now works with buyers, sellers and investors throughout the tri-county area, and has a thriving referral network of clients.
Newtown Square is very special to Sarah and her family. She, her husband, Dom, and their four boys live in Echo Valley, right down the street from her childhood home.
She also said she loves that her sons are showing an interest in real estate and have come with her on appointments since they were babies. Now, they help with mailers, clean signs, and discuss housing features with her like pros.
Sarah Forti
In addition to support at home, Sarah has a team of professionals who make the buying and selling process seamless for her clients. Her Operations Manager oversees regular communications of all parties involved in the real estate process, handles transactional details, and manages the schedules and event planning. Social media engagement and analysis are done by her Marketing Manager, who also prepares property marketing materials. Rounding out the team is Sarah’s Showing Specialist, who plays a crucial role in today’s busy market. If Sarah is in a settlement or showing properties to another buyer, her Showing Specialist steps in to show properties to Sarah’s other clients.
“It’s never too early to start planning your next move,” Sarah emphasized. “Even if you’re just thinking about home buying or selling, take the time to do your research and connect with a local REALTOR® who knows the area, understands your needs, and is committed to helping you find the perfect place to call home.” With Sarah’s large national and international network of REALTORS®, she can connect you to the right agent for the job, wherever you plan on buying or selling.
Publisher’s Note: How wonderful it is to to have long-time Newtown Square resident Sarah Forti as our Residential Real Estate Expert Contributor! If you're considering selling or buying a home, contact Sarah at 610-647-8300, or email her (Sarah@FortiHomes.com), or visit her website: www.FortiHomes.com.
Sarah Forti, Realtor® and Owner of Forti Homes with Keller Williams Realty
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