Reynolds Lake Oconee Properties is pleased to announce Debbie Balicki as the Salesperson of the Year for 2017. She was involved in 28 transactions, totaling over $17.7 million in sales this past year. Balicki was honored as Salesperson of the Month in July of 2017 and was a recipient of the Eagle Award in 2016, for 15 consecutive years of million dollar plus sales. We sat down with Balicki to discuss her history with Reynolds and what she looks forward to in 2018.
Q: What brought you to Reynolds and what have you enjoyed the most about your Lake Life?
A: Golf was our original attraction to Reynolds, but the lake lifestyle was definitely a bonus. We were especially excited about the Jack Nicklaus Great Waters golf course, which was under construction when my husband, Tom, and I bought our first property in 1991. Now, there are so many activities to meet every type of lifestyle, it’s hard to single out any one. What really stands out the most are the people in the community and the incredible friendships we have made over the years.
Q: What excites you about the future?
A: It has been amazing to watch Reynolds evolve over the last 27 years, and we could never have imagined how much our lives would change along with the community. We are just as excited today, both personally and professionally, to be part of the next chapter of the Reynolds story.
Q: In your experience, what’s the trick to making a successful sale?
A: I’m inspired by the quote by Bob Burg and John David Mann, “No matter what you think you’re selling, what you’re really offering is you.” Today’s buyer has a wealth of information available through a variety of real estate websites, but what they don’t have is you. If you are enthusiastic, can confidently demonstrate your expertise about what you are selling with honest and heartfelt empathy for your client’s wants or needs-you will be on your way to a successful sale.
Q: What sets you apart from your colleagues?
A: As a licensed realtor since 1996, longevity and experience in the industry would certainly be important factors. More distinctive is the fact that I have lived and worked in the same community exclusively for almost my entire real estate career. I have become an expert at selling the Reynolds Lake Oconee lifestyle because my husband and I live it every day. In fact, our daughter-in-law, Mary, has been learning the business for the past 3 years, so our son, Chad, and our three granddaughters, Audrey, Sloane and Gabby, can continue to grow with the community, just as we have.
Q: What is your favorite view of the lake while driving the property with buyers?
A: My favorite views are from the lake itself. When buyers ride along on the boat, they get an entirely different perspective of the property by seeing it from the water.
