Karla Van Eman

Broker/owner American Way Realty

Years in business: 47 years

Q. Bio and when and why you got into real estate?

I grew up on a farm in St. James where I learned the value of hard work and organization. I graduated from MSU with a BA in elementary education. I taught elementary grades in Good Thunder. When enrollment dropped, I obtained my real estate license. Being a woman in real estate was fairly uncommon at the time, so I am proud to say I was the first woman President of our local Realtors

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

The biggest changes involve technology, the internet and social media. When I started in real estate we didn’t even have cell phones! I was one of the first agents to have a car phone mounted in my vehicle. The Multiple Listing Service came into play and changed how the agents were able to cooperate with each other. Then came all the internet sites where the public had access to much more information about properties for sale.

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

I sincerely enjoy helping people with their housing needs by providing guidance and expertise in the real estate market. I am very blessed to work with agents in my office who are always willing to help out if needed and our staff is superior in customer service. My goal is always to make each client feel like they are the most important client I have.

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

A home purchase is still one of the best investments you can make, so if you are ready, don’t wait for interest rates to drop. We actually have very reasonable interest rates right now considering that there have been times when interest rates were in the high teens. Supply and demand drives the prices and with the relatively low inventory on the market right now I find it really important to be sure my buyers are as prepared as possible to make an offer when they find a home that suits most of their needs. Sellers need to be aware of their competition and not price their homes too high.

Q. What are some of the key questions to ask real estate agents?

Since purchasing a home is most people’s biggest investment, people need to feel comfortable and trust their agent and have an agent who is super organized and can handle the details of the transaction and reduce some of the stress that goes along with moving. People should feel free to ask for references; ask about the agent’s experience; ask the agent if they have had additional training and accreditation beyond just having a real estate license; ask the agent how they will communicate with you - text, talk, email - and how often; ask if the agent will help you find information about previous sales.

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

For sellers, the biggest mistake is not being prepared for showings and overpricing their property. For buyers, mistakes include unrealistic expectations, not having a decent credit score, and not being properly pre-approved.

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

I used to help my father with our quarter horses and I raced competitively in stake and barrel racing. I also lived in Okinawa, Japan for 2 years and worked on a US air base where I managed a catering service - luckily, I did not do any of the cooking!