Staying Strong

A great time was had by all at the anniversary party to celebrate 50 years of service in one person’s career in real estate. That’s 50 years and counting.

The anniversary party was for the great Georgie Bellin, still working full-time, still guiding her clients through the complications of real estate transactions like the pro she is, with the same energy as Day One, treating everyone like family and friends.

When Georgie talks about the start of her career, she mentions the inspiration she gained from the people who told her it couldn’t be done—not by a woman, much less by a young woman. REALTORs® were men, and women weren’t invited into the business.

That was in the early ‘70’s, when women represented about 25% of all REALTORs® in the nation. In Chico and the North Valley, the percentage was more like 10%. Against even greater odds, Georgie added the 99% male-populated commercial field to her résumé.

Now, women are 66% of the overall REALTOR® population. When I joined the business, some 10 years after Georgie, women had become a rapidly dominating force. A lot of the men were still having a hard time with it.

An old broker I interviewed with at the time, said, “These women have it easy. Their husbands are working their tails off, and these housewives get to sell houses on the side.”

Truth be told, single women were the dominating force, and many of them were raising kids on their own, fighting an uphill battle.

On the first day of my career I was shown a training video, “Selling Techniques,” in which a renowned national real estate trainer performed a demonstration of a first-time meeting with a prospective client.

He sits at a desk facing a couple. His shirt-collar lapels hang outside of his blazer jacket like orange pointed wings. “And what do you do for a living, Mr. Thompson?” he asks. He takes notes as Mr. Thompson replies.

After several minutes of dialogue and skillful rapport-building with Mr. Thompson, he puts down the pen and folds his hands together. “And Mrs. Thompson, do you have any children?” He soon turns again to Mr. Thompson to get down to business.

Somehow, I don’t think Georgie would have ever employed that style of interview to gain clients. Nobody would, now, let’s hope.

In a 50-year career, some things have thankfully changed.

Doug Love is Sales Manager at Century 21 in Chico. Email dougwlove@gmail.com. Call or text 530-680-0817.

Sherry's experience and expert knowledge of the Chico market, combined with her incredible ability to work with others and negotiate deals, made the sale of our home smooth and successful. I highly recommend Sherry as a realtor.

- Jared Debock, Chico

You will find this estate tucked away at the end of a cul-de-sac on your own private 6-acre lot. Step inside this gorgeous home and experience the warmth of wood floors & inviting fireplaces, large windows, expansive views, and contemporary living. The Family Room, Kitchen, and Nook provide you with that Great Room experience. The separate Dining and Living Rooms give you the space to entertain and enjoy large gatherings. The kitchen was recently upgraded with walnut cabinetry, stainless steel appliances, beautiful light fixtures, and granite countertops! Upstairs, you will find three bedrooms and a grand master suite with two walk-in closets and a luxurious on-suite bath with soaking tub and step-in shower. The backyard has everything: a saltwater swimming pool with waterfalls, covered outdoor kitchen & bar, bocce ball court, firepit, and yes, even a 1500-bottle wine cellar.

Darling home located in a wonderful neighborhood that is central to shopping and school! The washer, dryer, and refrigerator is included in the sale. Ceiling fans, some laminate flooring, fenced yard, covered patio, dog run. City services sewer and water. County records shows 884 sq.ft., yet the 2 car garage was converted for the 3rd bedroom (buyer to verify sq.ft., etc.) Bed: 3.0 Bath: 2.5 SqFt: 1,206 Price: $330,000

Behind the gate!!!! Canyon Oaks Premium building lot!!!! Views galore where the eagles soar!! Watch beautiful sunsets, Check out the Bear and Salmon Hole and Butte Creek Golf Course! It's no wonder this street name is Rising Ridge!!! The sounds, the smells and the feeling of privacy and serenity are at your fingertips! Flat 2 acre parcel located on a cul-de-sac with Bidwell Park in your back yard!!!

Acres: 2.02 Price: $375,000

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(530) 514-4855

Sherry Landis Real Estate, Inc.

Serving happy customers for over 33 years.

Bed: 3.0 Bath: 2.0 SqFt: 1,765 Price: $559,500

Pssst! The owners will be jetting off to a far away place, leaving behind this delightful home that seems to echo years of laughter and happiness. As you enter the home, you will be immediately drawn into its warm and happy aura. The spacious living and dining rooms have held numerous parties and entertained many family members and friends. The joy can be felt throughout each and every space of this gorgeous home. On cold and rainy days, you'll enjoy snuggling up and warming your toes near the cozy fireplace. The kitchen, with its breakfast bar, granite counter tops, gas stove/oven, microwave oven, and a refrigerator is a dream for any cook. This home offers an open floor plan, high ceilings, dual pane windows, whole house fan, indoor laundry room with sink, plus side-by-side washer and dryer. The master suite boasts his and her closets, dual vanity, and granite countertops. To top it off, the yard is beautiful with its darling dining patio, mature landscaping, and offers plenty of space for gardening. This home is also equipped with a 3-car garage, with one of the spaces currently used as a media room. Here, whether working in the garden or just relaxing on the rocking chair on your patio—today, tomorrow, or the whole week need not mean urgency!

Located on a private cul-de-sac, this Paradise lot was once home to an elegant residence. Still remaining are the beautiful wrought iron entry gate with its brick work, a pond, paved driveway etc. The property is connected to PID water and condition of septic is unknown to seller. Buyer to investigate.

Acres: 1.02 Price: $55,000

Situated in a wonderful neighborhood in lower Paradise with an easy commute to Chico, this amazing property once held a 2 bedroom, 2 bath, 1370 sqft home with a 2 car garage. The previous home was on PID water, septic tank and had a natural gas. The seller does not have information about the condition of the septic tank—buyer to investigate. Price: $39,500

Own a piece of PARADISE!!! If you are looking for your private estate property, then come and see what this gorgeous 1+ acre parcel has to offer. Situated on a quiet cul-de-sac location, it will take only one look to know this is where you want your dream home to be. While its heavenly, the price is down to Earth. Bring your blueprint and build! Acres: 1.02 Price: $49,900