Essex County Agent Goes The Extra Mile For Her Clients

This Patch article is sponsored by Cynthia Lubin, salesperson with Compass — Montclair, New Jersey.

Compass is a modern-day real estate brokerage that powers top local real estate agents with data, technology and a suite of resources to better assist their clients with streamlined real estate transactions and maximized returns on investments.

Patch: How long have you been selling real estate?

Lubin: I have been selling real estate since 2017.

Patch: What attracted you to the real estate industry, and how did you get started?

Lubin: I was first attracted to real estate in 2004 when I worked as a loan officer for a small mortgage broker in Morris County. I worked there for several years and during that time I learned a lot about home ownership and the opportunities to build wealth. I was so fascinated that after the market crashed in 2008 I went on to work and studied finance and real estate in various capacities. But there is nothing like working directly with future and current homeowners, so I returned to the field but this time as a real estate agent.

Patch: Do you have a specialty or niche market when it comes to your work in real estate?

Lubin: When it comes to geographical areas – Essex and Union counties are my primary markets having grown up and worked in the areas my entire life. But I have sold in Bergen, Hudson, Somerset, Ocean and Middlesex.

I primarily work with residential real estate, which includes single families, condos/townhomes and multi families up to four units. Most of my clients are first time homebuyers, but I also work with people purchasing their second or third home, investors and sellers.

Patch: If you had to sum up your approach to real estate in five words, what would those words be?

Lubin:
Professional
Smart
Profitable
Streamlined
Fun

Patch: Is there a real estate deal over the span of your career that you have been most proud of?

Lubin: I am really proud of all of my deals because they helped each individual client achieve a huge personal goal of theirs and to be a part of that is truly rewarding. However, the transaction that stands out most to me is a deal of mine where I represented a family purchasing their first home at one of the most competitive points of this recent seller’s market.

We attended an open house where the line was over an hour and we knew for sure the seller’s were going to receive multiple offers. I was thinking to myself, “there’s no way we’re going to get this with all of these people,” but I still gave it my all when I put the offer in and really demonstrated why my client’s and I were the team to go with.

We put the offer in and a day or two later I got an email from the listing agent that our offer was accepted. I was in my car at the moment and almost passed out behind the wheel when I saw the email. My clients were elated because they had sacrificed so much to be able to purchase a home and it was finally happening for them. I check in with them every few months and I am happy to say almost two years later they are still enjoying their home.

Patch: What’s the most satisfying part of your job?

Lubin: The most satisfying part of the job for me is seeing my clients signing off on their closing paperwork knowing the journey we just took from the beginning of the process, where they have the most questions, hesitation and excitement, to going under contract and going through the ups and downs of inspections, appraisals, difficult counter parties, tense negotiations, the mortgage process and finally getting the clear to close.

It is a roller coaster ride each time but when you get off and you see the excitement on everyone’s face when they are done and get the keys or the check — if they are selling — it really is a great feeling.

Patch: How do your techniques, strategies and services distinguish themselves from the competition?

Lubin: Having been a loan officer, a personal banker and an accountant I think I have a very well-rounded view of a real estate transaction that much of my competition does not.

This is not just a sale to me so I treat each transaction as if I were a financial advisor guiding my clients through any major financial investment. When first meeting a client I ask a lot of questions about my client’s goals and their current financial picture to devise a plan on how to get them from point A to point B.

It is my goal to make sure my clients are prepared for obstacles that may arise so I like to educate my clients on the different scenarios that may occur prior to entering the next phase of the transaction so they can make the best-informed decision possible without overwhelm.

With my understanding of finance I am strong at helping my clients’ devise competitive offers that stand out but aren’t going to put them in a financial bind. I have a slew of vetted mortgage, attorney, inspection, and other partners who are vital to any real estate transactions to make sure that I have an arsenal of professionals ready to assist my clients if they need a referral.

Most of all I am responsive and communicative. My clients all know I am a phone call or text away to help them navigate their transaction.

Patch: Do you have any advice for readers who are currently in the process of buying or selling a home?

Lubin: Ask questions, listen to your professionals, don’t get discouraged and keep in mind that the right home will work out. Don’t get stuck on a particular property. Keep going!

Patch: How can Patch readers learn more about your work and business?

Lubin: Patch readers may connect with me by registering on my website www.cynt4homes.com and signing up for listings. You can also find me on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram.