Beth Whisner-Sawyer, owner and broker
Expertise: Real estate

Even during normal times, the process of buying or selling a house can be a nerve-wracking one, and that feeling has only been magnified with the uncertainties of the pandemic. Residents of South Jersey have many skilled real estate professionals to lean on to help them navigate the waters, but few have the kind of diverse background that Beth Sawyer brings to the table.

In the 26 years since she first entered the field, Sawyer has had a hand in all facets of the industry, working extensively in new construction, designing, house flipping, and both residential and commercial sales/rentals. She also has more than a decade of experience in the mortgage business, giving her insight into the loan process, along with countless contacts in various aspects of home improvement.

It was Sawyer's goal to channel all of this knowledge into a better experience for buyers and sellers when she started her own firm, Sawyer Realty Group, in 2019. She spoke with House & Home about the unique talents her company offers and the current state of the market.

Do you think your background makes you stand apart from other real estate professionals?
Absolutely. I've done pretty much everything when it comes to real estate, and a lot of my business comes from referrals because of that. For example, if you need something fixed in your home, I'm going to get it fixed with honest contractors at a fair price and good quality. Even if I'm representing the buyer and we do a home inspection and there are some problems, I can help with repairs. The other agent and I want to do what's best for our clients, but we also want to get them to the table. I can do all the heavy lifting so we can get to the finish line.

The market has been hot for much of the pandemic and slowed down a bit this summer. Where do you see it going?
This summer, almost everyone I know took a vacation so the market slowed down. Also, buyers were tired of looking at a hundred properties, putting in 30 offers way over the asking price and not getting accepted because there was very little inventory and lots of competition. I think in the fall there's going to be a lot more inventory coming on the market and there's still a backlog of qualified buyers. Rates came down again, so I think the fall is going to be busier than it was last year at this time.

Do you recommend listing a home right now?
Some people may not be able to afford their homes because of the shutdowns, and fortunately they will get more for their houses now than they ever will. Homeowners should have equity in their homes. Instead of getting behind on the mortgage, get your home on the market and sell it. Even if you have to live with parents for a year or rent, don't ruin your credit. Grab the equity, save it and sit until the market calms down, and then buy something you can afford.

What advice do you have for buyers in a competitive market?
There is a big pool of buyers all fighting for the same amount of inventory. Buyers are waiving home inspections but I tell my clients not to do that. Buyers need to make sure there's nothing wrong with the house. If they do not, they may move into the home and find out down the line it needs significant repairs that will be costly. Buyers need to do their due diligence so they know what they're getting themselves into.

What kind of traits do you look for when hiring your team?
One is drive, two is loyalty and three is that they know the business. I'm looking for associates who want to listen and learn and will always do the right thing. It's more about the ethics and a good, positive team attitude. I don't believe in competition inside my boutique brokerage; we all work together as a team.

What else makes your company different?
It's a family business. My son is licensed in New Jersey and in California and my daughter just finished real estate school. She is getting ready to acquire her license. It's a small, boutique-style firm that allows us to be hands on with customer service when working with clients. At other brokerages, you probably don't see team leaders/owners until closing. I'm showing houses and helping my clients every step of the way. I'm also teaching and explaining to them why they have to do certain things. It's a learning process for clients and they appreciate that. They know I have their back and it helps them sleep better. This business is not easy; when you do the kind of volume I do, you're always running into problems. With that being said, I am a problem-solver. We get the problems fixed and keep moving forward, which definitely makes life easier.

Sawyer Realty Group
120 Center Square Road | Woolwich Township, N.J.
(856) 725-5215
SawyerRG.com

Published (and copyrighted) in House & Home, Volume 21, Issue 12 (September 2021). 
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