De Waal Realty
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Hello,

My name is Mary de Waal, and I was born and raised in San Diego, CA. I grew up in Real Estate as my parents owned Clairemont Realty, my mom was the broker and my father worked a great deal as an appraiser as well as an agent.
As a child I swore I would never be involved in Real Estate, but I guess you can say it was in my blood and at around age 39 I suddenly decided I wanted to get my license....and here we are!

I find the most rewarding part of my job is meeting and getting to know people. I truly enjoy interacting with them as they achieve their goals, whether that be homeownership, relocation, refinancing, or purchasing investments properties. I understand the  pressure and uncertainty that accompanies major decisions as well as the excitement and fun that all play a part in the process and I take it as my personal responsibility to do my best in advising, educating and assisting in whatever way I can to see my clients through to a successful close.
 
Helping people is without a doubt at the top of my "TO DO" list.  

I became a Realtor in 2003 and studied for and took my brokers exam as soon as I qualified, that was in January 2005.  I made the decision in July 2005 to go on my own and work on a more personal level in my business. Though I do not have a big agency name behind me, I do have the Realtor name and brand, which indicates my ability, desire, and responsibility to work to at a higher standard. One of the things I find most important in maintaining a high standard of care is staying up to date with real estate law and trends. Following are a few of the ways I have accomplished this.

2010: On the local level I took the Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternative HAFA Certification course. This course helps me to understand the current US distressed housing market and get an in depth review of Treasury’s Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternatives (HAFA) program. This "pre-approved" short sale process is going to be the remedy to the lengthy short sale process that both buyers and sellers have endured over the past few years.

2010: Received my Transnational Referral Certification (TRC). This designation indicates I have taken the required course, and past the exam regarding working with International Real Estate Agents. This designation sets me apart from millions of brokers worldwide because TRC brokers are well prepared to provide quality service to buyers and sellers with international property interests.

I have also earned my Resort and Second Home Property (RSPS) certification which provides additional knowledge and understanding of my clients and their needs who are looking to purchase property as an investment or second home. I have helped clients who live in other states and other countries. Knowing how to communicate and understand the clients objective is of utmost importance. These transactions can take a little more time and commitment, both of which I am willing to extend. 

2009: Took all the required courses to be a Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS). I was awarded the designation in June of 2010. I had to demonstrate expertise in international real estate practice by completing education and experiential requirements. The CIPS focused on education about transaction principles of international real estate, including specifics on real estate markets, investment trends, marketing strategies, currency issues, and financing in Europe, the Americas, Africa, Middle East, Asia, and the Pacific Rim.
Topics covered in the CIPS classes also include cultural diversity.

Together, the CIPS, TRC and RSPS credentials will demonstrate an investment in and commitment to professionalism.

At the moment I am focused on Central America and in particular Costa Rica. I encourage you to check out my link about Costa Rica and upcoming Seminars to find out more. 


2009: I earned the new designation which revolves around Sellers. Sellers Representative Specialist (SRS) is the premiere seller agency designation, conferred by the SRS Council, recognizing real estate professionals who have completed special education in seller representation.

2005:
I  earned and maintain my Accredited Buyers Representative (ABR) designation. That is a designation awarded by Real Estate Buyers Agent Council (REBAC). What this means is that I have taken additional classes to sharpen my negotiating and purchasing skills. Additionally I have had to have a history of success representing buyers in real estate transactions. There are less than 54,000 Realtors who have earned this designation. When you need excellent representation as a buyer I strongly urge you to look for the ABR designation .

2003-2005:There is a great deal to be aware of in any real estate transaction, and no one will ever have experienced it all, but the more I expose myself to further education the better I become as an agent and as a consumer and it is because of this that I worked to acquire and maintain the designation as a  Risk Management Specialist (RMS). I was required to take 2 years of additional education detailing contracts, real estate law, disclosure and review of case laws to assist in avoiding pitfalls. This designation is through the San Diego Association of Realtors (SDAR). I am proud to say that many other boards have modeled their Risk Management programs after San Diego's. SDAR truly leads the way in this area. 

When you are buying or selling property in today's real estate market, it's important to have confidence in your real estate professional. My commitment as your local REALTOR is to provide you with the specialized real estate service you deserve. As you can see continued education is very important to me and I intend to continue to keep it a priority in my business.

I believe an informed buyer or seller makes the best decisions. And usually, real estate is the most important purchase or sale an individual will make. That's why my goal is to keep clients informed on trends in the marketplace using the latest statistics in their local area or the country that is of interest to them.

Property values are currently unsteady and the economy, both domestic and global uncertain, real estate investments need to be handled with care and by those who have experience and knowledge. I believe I have earned and display those qualifications. There will be times when you have a question and I just don't know the answer....but.... I am not afraid to say "I don't know" but I love getting the answers, and I will.

With all this being said, should YOU be considering buying or selling a home, contemplating relocation in the states or abroad, or would just like to have additional information about real estate, please don't hesitate to call or e-mail me. I really enjoy working to make your life easier!



Thank you for visiting my website - please consider it as your on line source for local and foreign real estate information, and return often for the latest Real Estate information

Regards,
Mary de Waal
ABR, SRS,RMS, TRC, CIPS
Broker/Owner
Lic# 01511073