Lisa VanderLoo, Realtor
About
A graduate of Grand Valley State University, Lisa earned a bachelor’s degree in art & design with a business minor. Her background in design and business gives her clients a competitive edge. Lisa prides herself in being a tech savvy agent that provides cutting edge marketing through staging, professional photos, and video. Her clients love working with her because she is fun and makes the process easy.
Lisa chose real estate as a career after a long stint in retail management. Although Lisa enjoyed her time as a Gamestop store manager, she always aspired to run her own business. Armed with an entrepreneurial spirit and a love for home improvement, Lisa made the move to real estate in 2010.
Born and raised in the Grand Rapids area, she is an expert on the local market. She loves Grand Rapids because it has the appeal of a big city, but is surrounded by beautiful landscape and Lake Michigan. Lisa’s personal interests include photography, painting, and art in general. Outdoor activities like canoeing and camping are a fun weekend pastime in the summer. Lisa is quite the home improvement buff and enjoys tackling projects. She is also an avid gamer and boasts an impressive collection of original NES games.
Lisa is very involved professionally and donates her time to both GRAR (Grand Rapids Association of REALTORS) and WCR (Women’s Council of REALTORS). She serves on the YPN (Young Professionals Network) Advisory Council for GRAR (2013-2016), and for WCR on the hospitality committee (2013), holiday party committee (2013), and as marketing chair (2014-2016). Lisa also supports the local community and has volunteered for Kids' Food Basket and Habitat for Humanity.
Lisa generally works in the Greater Grand Rapids area, but specializes in Jenison, Grandville, Wyoming, and Kentwood. She particularly enjoys helping first time buyers and sellers.
It is very rewarding to help people purchase and sell one of the most important things in their life. I have had the opportunity to work with a variety of different people over the years. Some of my previous clients have turned into close friends.
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
The first step is to get together and chat. In order for me to do my job, I ask lots of questions to get a really good idea of what my clients want. I also take that time to educate them on the process and the current market. We get to know each other and they can ask questions as well.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have a bacherlors degree in art & design with a minor in business. I have multiple designations/certifications including the following:
Accredited Buyer's Representative (ABR),
Certified Tourism Ambassador (CTA)
International Real Estate Practicioner (IREP)
Short Sales & Foreclosure Resource (SFR)
Do you have a standard pricing system for your services? If so, please share the details here.
Yes. I charge 6% plus a $195 admin fee for listing a property for sale. I provide professional photos, floor plans, videos, and staging help. There are no upfront costs. It is all paid upon closing.
For buyers, generally my commission is paid by the seller. The only thing a buyer pays is a $195 admin fee to my office at closing. There are no upfront costs. It is paid upon closing.
How did you get started in this business?
After working in retail management for almost 10 years, I was getting bored with it. I always wanted to run my own business. Real estate came natural to me in a lot of ways. I really like home improvement and interior design. I also enjoy graphic design and marketing. As everyone probably says, I like people and I like houses.
What types of customers have you worked with?
I have worked with many first-time home buyers and sellers. Those first-time sellers become move-up buyers. Those are my two primary client types, although I have worked with people downsizing and investors as well.
Describe a recent project you are fond of.
We have been dealing with in an extreme sellers market for the last few years. It is very tough for first-time home buyers to compete. It is not uncommon for homes to get 5, 10, sometimes 15+ offers. It is emotionally draining to bid on houses and keep getting outbid. There is nothing more satisfying than when that person finally gets a house they really love.
What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a pro in your area of expertise?
Make sure you feel comfortable with that person. Ask how long they have been in the business. Ask whether they work on their own or on a team. Ask how many houses they have sold in your area. Talk about expectations and make sure you are on the same page.
What questions should customers think through before talking to pros about their needs?
Why do you want to move? How long will it be for? Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 10 years? What are your absolute necessities and what are your wants? What monthly payment/price range do you feel comfortable with?