This months business profile features Tracey Appleton, who is a realtor with Coldwell Banker Peter Benninger Realty. I have known Tracey for a little over a year now and can I just say, she is a super nice woman! Tracey is always warm and open whenever you speak with her and she is very accomplished and involved in her community. All good stuff – the weird thing is, that I have now worked with a few people from the same company and they are ALL nice – they must only hire really cool, caring and friendly people to work there!
You might recognize one of her children in these images – yes, he was one of my senior reps for 2010. I was happy to have a chance to meet the rest of Tracey’s family too, and spend a bit of time walking in the woods together (even though her fur babies were interested in pretty much everything else going on around us and not me so much…not sure what was up with that – MY puppies think I am super-interesting haha!)
So, lets learn alittle more about Tracey and what she does…
Who are YOU? Tell us alittle about yourself, your family, your work.
I am the mother of three wonderful teens and am a REALTOR specializing in residential sales in Kitchener Waterloo.
What is your “work”? Tell us about your career
My work involves advising people and handling the details of selling and buying of homes (condos and houses).
How did you get into this career?
Formally, I taught Biology at a local University. However, I was ready for a change and I wanted to get into a field where I could work with people and really make a difference for them.
What do you do that makes your work or career different or unique or special?
My emphasis is on providing my clients with information and advise so that they can make exciting, informed decisions that are in their best interest. I don’t push for sales but rather see myself as an advisor who empowers clients to make their best decisions.
What do your clients or customers say about your and/or your company?
My clients have provided me with some wonderful feedback on Linkedin and on company feedback questionaires. I am most proud of their sense that I “always had their best interests in mind”, that my “patience was remarkable. I think we looked at every property and twice told her we were ready to put on offer on a home and then changed our minds. This didn’t bother her a bit” and that I “did not pressure” my clients.
In a profession that is sometimes knows for high pressure, it satisfies me to break out of that definition of the role of a realtor and to be able to provide professional, people-centered advice and solutions.
Tell us anything else you would like us to know about what you do.
I consider my clients to be my clients for life, not just until the transaction is completed! This is exemplified by a recent recommendation that noted “Tracey is great at listening to her clients and working to get them what they want. She has remained helpful to us even a year after we hired her.”
My clients know they can count on me for advice and service provider recommendations – for life!
And now some personal stuff (always my favourite part!)
When you were 10 years old (so around grade 5), what was your fantasy job then?
Don’t laugh – I think I figured I would either be the first woman to play in the NHL or a member of the Crazy Canucks downhill ski team. Believe me, this was pure fantasy!
If someone handed you $1000 and told you to go spend it today (and you have to spend it), what would you do with it?
I would donate it to Women’s Crisis Services of Waterloo Region where I am President of the Board of Directors. This organization works tirelessly to help women and children move beyond domestic abuse.
What is your dream vacation?
I dream of taking a walking pilgrimage in Spain, France, England or Switzerland. Just wake up every day, put on my day pack, and walk all day to my next destination. I see it as a walking meditation and it is definitely something I plan to do, someday.
What is your favourite time of year and why?
I absolutely love the fall – I love the colours, the memories of return to school (I always loved school) and the slow decline of nature as it prepares for winter.
Tell us three things you love most
My family (2 and 4 legged), all forms of physical activity and making a difference in other people’s lives.
Tell us three things that you definitely do NOT love
Cooking! (but what can you do?), housework and reading the directions for new electronic gadgets (I prefer to “quick start”)
Who or what inspires you?
I am greatly inspired by nature, science (especially biology and physics) and philosophy.
If you would like to get in touch with Tracey regarding any real estate needs, you can find her at www.tappleton.ca. I know she would be an amazing resource for you and would love to be of assistance! Thanks Tracey!
by Julie Tauro