When Dave and Eileen Green decided to sell their home of over 25 years — a home they raised their family in — the last thing they wanted was to spend thousands on renovations just to put it on the market. They were thrilled when their Realtor, JoAnn Zyph, told them not to spend money they wouldn’t recoup, and instead recommended minimal — but just right — updates. The house sold in 40 minutes. In the winter.
“When it’s appropriate, I would much rather have my clients spend their money on their new home rather than the one they’re leaving,” Zyph said.
The Greens said Zyph’s connections proved invaluable as they looked to build a new home. With new construction, a floor plan can be challenging to visualize, but Zyph was able to show them a home that had already sold using a floor plan they were interested in. That enabled them to make customizations specific to their health and lifestyle needs.
“She added such a personal touch, and she never let us down from beginning to end,” Eileen Green said.
The experience left her clients knowing that if they needed any recommendation for a home-related issue, their first call would be to Zyph. And that’s exactly how she would have it.
“One of the things I enjoy most about being a Realtor is being able to be a source for clients long after their home has closed,” said Zyph, who markets herself accordingly as “Partner. Advocate. Realtor.”
I enjoy being a source for clients long after their homes has closed.
Realtor JoAnn Zyph
She said the connections and relationships she has formed with vendors over the past 15 years truly makes her an “all-things-homes” adviser.
“In the case of the Greens, I was a resource for a whole house, but for others, it could just be a kitchen or bathroom remodel,” she said. “It’s not that I have all the answers, but I have a great web of relationships in the industry, so if I don’t personally know a resource, I can certainly source one that comes highly recommended.”
Things have a way of coming full circle. One of Zyph’s resources is now the Greens themselves. Zyph took a couple through the Greens’ home not long ago, and they are now building on that same floor plan with their own customization.
“It’s a privilege I take seriously to not only be involved in one of the largest financial transactions for my clients, but to help them create that special place they will call home,” JoAnn said.
NOTE: A version of this article first appeared in the 2019 Liberty Lake Yearbook.
