Deborah Baker

Deborah Baker is a Realtor at Peak Properties Group. You can contact her at 720-515-7713 or deborahb@soldbypeak.com

Tell us a little bit about you and your background. How long have you been in the industry?

I've been in the industry for over 15 years. I actually started as a loan officer and transitioned over a decade ago. I went from being a loan officer in a mortgage company to a national title company. It was a brand new division and helped with creating the marketing and training to branches across the United States to grow the department. I still hold a title insurance license!

While I was an account executive (in title), I spent a lot of time consulting and encouraging other real estate agents and teaching a lot of classes. Eventually, it felt like if I went through the schooling and got my real estate license, it would help me to be more successful - giving me a more thorough understanding in all three areas of the business. It's unusual; most people don't have the chance to understand the ins and outs of all three sides - lending, title, and real estate.

So, this coming summer, I'll have my real estate license for nine years. It's given me an opportunity to do even more teaching, deal with questions that pop up, address complicated transactions, and serve as a consultant for agents, team leaders, owners of brokerages, and much more. I've known and worked with Alex and Derek for the last eight and a half years, since they first got started. I've really enjoyed the role, being a consultant, and understanding the difficult transactions; I've got a lot of passion for learning the business and educating others. I have enjoyed every aspect of real estate. I joke that with having stood in all aspects of real estate, it makes me a "fun nerd," and well versed in guiding clients through the whole process.

What drives you to be the best at what you do?

I have a passion for people. I care deeply, and I'm very committed to being a source of support for clients, with the passion and desire to educate them about the process and make sure they are comfortable and confident in it. I say to them that I'm a "friendly pit bull," loyal to the core, and I make sure that their best interests get taken care of. To me, it's not just about a paycheck or transaction - you're dealing with the most significant asset your clients will ever buy in their lives. That means a lot to me, and I take it very seriously.

What does being a Realtor mean to you and your clients?

Again, it really goes back to helping people. With a real estate transaction, people are often at a time of transition in their lives. It could be a boyfriend and girlfriend or young married couple looking for their first home, or a couple with young children that need more space, or relocation clients that don't know anyone else - they all require that sense of confidence and support, and someone who truly cares and commits to walking through every aspect of a transaction to make sure they get into their new home. They need to have a comfort level of trust, feel prepared, and get educated about the entire process. I'm passionate about providing those, and I think people sense that; I don't think they will find anyone who would work harder for them.

In today's market, why is it important for a buyer or home seller to use a Realtor to buy or sell a home?

On the buyer's side, some people think that if they don't need a Realtor that they'll get a better deal if they just go straight to the listing agent to work with the seller. I get it - it's an emotional process for them. But they need to know that the listing agent is only responsible for supporting the seller and getting the most money out of the property. The buyer needs someone who can negotiate for them and walk them through the process; I think it really helps. They need someone to protect their best interest. A buyer's agency agreement is one of the smartest things for a buyer. We'll make sure they go through inspection and those issues get handled, and deal with all aspects of the transaction. Oh, and on the bright side, they don't have to pay the fees of the real estate agent - the seller does.

On the seller's side, it's incredibly important to work with a listing agent to market and properly advertise the property, especially on several MLS (multiple listing service) services. With Peak, we work hard to thoroughly market the properties, allowing them to get the highest dollar value. Along with that, it's essential for a seller to use a realtor to walk them through the whole process - contracts, negotiation, pre-screening, and everything else.

What's your favorite thing about living in Colorado?

The weather, the sunshine, all the fun things to do outside … I've got a group of friends I go kayaking and hiking with. There are so many varied activities - whether it's playing in lakes, rivers, reservoirs, or going hiking in the mountains. There's a ton to do.

What's one fun thing about you?

Well, I'm fun-loving, and I love everything about being outdoors - especially kayaking, I love the water, actually. We have jet skis, and so in the summertime, I absolutely love being outside on the water. I just had a couple of friends over and hung out by our pool in my backyard. I thoroughly enjoy people and fun new experiences.