Dick Norland

Midwest Realty & Mort. Co.

How many years in the business: 51

Q: Give us a little bio of yourself, how and when and why you got into real estate?

My father founded Midwest Realty & Mort. Co. and was a real estate broker. I have always had an interest in real estate and obtained a real estate license at a young age joining Midwest Realty & Mort. Co.

Q: What have been the biggest changes in the business that you’ve seen over the years:

When I started in real estate, there was very little cooperation among real estate companies.The forming of a multiple listing service really changed things with sharing information between real estate companies. More forms are used today. Technology has changed the way we work. The internet provides much more information for the public. It is more important than ever to have professional help when buying and selling a home.

Q: What do you think are the secrets to your success?

Enjoying what I do and enjoying helping customers with buying and selling real estate. I work hard to provide them excellent service. I strive to provide personalized advice for my buyers and sellers.

Q: How have higher prices, rising interest and low stock changed the landscape and how you approach your job?

The market is still dealing with multiple offers on some properties due to less inventory. Homebuyers need to make decisions more quickly. Interest rates are still historically reasonable, but higher than a year ago.

Q: What are some of the key questions buyers and sellers should be asking real estate agents?

Homebuyers should ask what can make my offer to purchase more appealing for a home seller.

A home seller should also be asking what can I do to make my home more appealing to a homebuyer. A home seller also needs to price their home properly. A properly priced home will attract more showings and more potential bids. Another question would be, what makes you different from other Realtors?

Q: What things are buyers and sellers unprepared for or mistakes they make coming into the process?

Many are not prepared. Buyers need to be pre approved on financing and realistic on what they can afford. When making an offer, ask your Realtor to assist you in making your offer more attractive for a home seller. Sellers need to prepare their homes for sale, taking care of repairs, cleaning, removing clutter, etc. Sellers also need to be realistic on their asking price.

Q: What would people be surprised to know about you?

I obtained my real estate license at the age of 16. I enjoy family, genealogy, visiting historical homes, presidential libraries and National Parks.