Skip the Google search and call me first.
Over the years, I've gotten some version of this call more times than I can count:
"Kathy, I know you're in Cape May… but do you know anyone in Florida?"
Sometimes it's a past client heading south to be a snowbird. Sometimes it's a family handling a parent's home in Pennsylvania. Sometimes it's someone relocating for work on a tight timeline, with no idea where to even start.
And my answer is almost always the same: "Let me find you someone."
Connecting people with great agents outside Cape May County isn't new for me. It's something I've quietly done for many clients through the years, and honestly, it's one of my favorite parts of this job.
Why not just Google it?
You can. Lots of people do. But here's the thing most people don't realize: the agent who shows up first online isn't necessarily the best agent. They might just have the biggest ad budget.
And these days, plenty of people are asking AI tools for recommendations, too. That's handy, but those results can be influenced and manipulated just like search ads. Just because someone looks successful online doesn't mean they're the right fit for you.
Choosing an agent is a big deal. This is the person who will price your home, negotiate for you, and guide you through one of the largest financial decisions of your life. It deserves more than a quick scroll.
How I find the right agent for you
When you call me, here's what actually happens:
1. We talk. I want to know where you're headed, your timing, and what matters most to you. Are you buying or selling? Is this a vacation home, a retirement move, or an estate you're handling from a distance? The more I know, the better the match.
2. I search. After 22+ years in real estate, I've built relationships with fellow REALTORS® all over — from New Jersey to Florida, out west, and up to Montreal. If I don't already know someone in your area, I know how to find them.
3. I interview them. I call agents and ask a series of questions about their experience, their communication style, and how they work with clients. You'd be surprised how much you learn from a 15-minute phone call.
4. I make a personal introduction. No cold leads, no random sign-up forms. I introduce you to the agent I think is the best fit, and I let them know you're someone I care about.
5. I check in. I'll follow up with you along the way to make sure the connection is a good one. And when it's all said and done, I'm still your person to call for whatever comes next.
Who this helps most
Through the years, I've made these connections for:
- Retirees heading somewhere warmer (hello, Florida and the Carolinas!)
- Families settling an estate in another state who need someone local, trustworthy, and patient
- Buyers relocating for work who need to get up to speed on a brand-new market, fast
- Second-home and investment buyers exploring somewhere new
Many of these folks were past clients. Some were friends of past clients. A few were people who'd never worked with me before but heard I could help. Every one of them deserved an agent who'd treat them right.
How does the referral work?
The agent I connect you with handles your transaction just like any other client. When it closes, they pay a referral fee to my brokerage, RE/MAX Surfside, out of their commission. That's how my time finding and vetting the right agent for you is covered.
The bottom line
You wouldn't pick a doctor or a contractor from a random ad if a friend could recommend someone great. Real estate is no different.
So whether you're moving across the bridge or across the country, call me first. I'll do the homework, so you don't have to.
If you're thinking about making a move, let's talk.
Call/Text me at 609-780-3938.
