"Dear Julia, As someone moving across country to Las Vegas, Nevada, with a pregnant wife and small child, Julia made us her first priority.  From keeping in touch with us via email and cell phone to picking us up at our hotel when we were in town, my wife and I were objectively and well informed about the properties we viewed before eventually choosing our new home.  And, even after signing the purchase contract, Julia continued to work for us until after escrow had closed.  She is professional, motivated and genuine.  I have not hesitated to refer her to our friends and my clients, and we will certainly seek her services again in future."  James Harper, Esq.

We really appreciated your attentiveness in all aspects of the purchase of our home. You simplified the process and put us at ease with your knowledge and expertise in real estate and the Las Vegas marketplace. You were always accessible to answer any questions or concerns. We would not hesitate to recommend you as a Real Estate Professional.  Thanks again!"   Christina and Mark Velez

"Julia St. Marie sold several investment properties for me during a time when the Las Vegas market was saturated with investor sales and in a location where there was much competition.  I got a good price for my houses, even with all that competition.  Julia was truly a full-service realtor in that her goal was to minimize the work and worrying I had to do.  She used several means for advertising, some of which went beyond what I had previously experienced, and she coordinated the whole process for me.  Julia is a true professional with an exceptionally colorful personality, and I was very satisfied with her services and results.  I highly recommend her to anyone." Mike Lugo

"Dear Julie,

      I just wanted to thank you for all your hard work. I know I was probably one of your difficult clients to make happy but you succeeded. I am quite picky and indecisive at times and you were able to help me make all the right choices and decisions.

      I was very happy with the outcome of the sale of my home and am very happy with my new home that we chose together. The neighborhood is great and the builder is exceptional.

      When I am ready to sell and buy again I will call you. I am thinking of upgrading one more time before my son starts high school which will be August 2007. I will call you when I am ready to make a move again. Thanks again."

"Do I need an agent?"

Consider these points when deciding whether or not to work with a listing agent to sell your home. If you're buying a home, think about working with a buyer's agent.

If You Work with an Agent

• You sign a listing contract, which is a legally binding agreement that typically gives the agent the exclusive right to sell your property within a certain period of time (usually 90 to 120 days).
• The agent researches the market in order to determine your home's market value and reach a sales price in consultation with you.
• The agent prepares a written marketing plan that includes a schedule for listing, showing, and advertising your property.
• The agent advises you on how best to prepare your home for sale and helps arrange for pre-sale tasks such as a home inspection.
• The agent transmits any offers to you, negotiates the purchase based on your recommendations, and moves all the paperwork through the transaction.
• You pay for the listing agent's services, either as a percentage commission (usually 4 to 6 percent) or a flat fee, as specified in your listing contract. The buyer's agent is paid out of that fee.

If You Work Alone

• You are in charge of the transaction, including marketing your property, negotiating the purchase, and handling the paperwork. Educate yourself on relevant federal laws and state regulations governing real estate sales.
• You do your own market research (including possibly hiring an appraiser) to determine your home's value.
• You create your own marketing plan and decide how you will handle inquiries from prospective buyers or their agents.
• You decide how to prepare your home for sale, including arranging for pre-sale repairs, inspections, or other necessary services.
• You field all buyer inquiries, show the house yourself, handle all negotiations, and move the paperwork through the transaction.
• You pay for the buyer's agent's services, unless the buyer is also working alone or has hired the agent for a set fee. You may also pay for services you require during the transaction, such as legal advice or help negotiating the contract. Discount brokers offer individual services for flat rates.
• You can qualify buyer's financing so that they are poised to even make a purchase of your property.