10 Questions With Maryalice Ryan Of Coldwell Banker

Realtor Maryalice Ryan is currently in the top 1 percent of the 88,000 Coldwell Banker sales associates worldwide, and she understands the appeal of northern New Jersey communities — from their proximity to New York City and stretches of the New Jersey shore, to their vibrant town centers and top corporation headquarters.

Working alongside her daughter and second-in-command, Kristen, offers Maryalice a nuanced perspective that combines her own expertise with interior design and millennial appeal. The real-estate industry keeps changing, but Maryalice stays ahead of the game by providing value to her clients, with 80 percent of her success rate based on referral.

Patch: What is the Maryalice Ryan story? Where did it all begin for you?

Ryan: I have lived in Westfield for over 30 years. I have been actively involved along the way and have raised my children here. I know this town, its neighborhoods, home values, builders and amenities.

For buyers, my intimate knowledge of the local markets enables me to immediately identify opportunities, understand property value and effectively negotiate. Although I’ve been a resident of Westfield for over 30 years, I came here as a young adult moving from New York City. I have made this community my home and have raised my family here. I understand the benefits and issues of city life and thus am sensitive to the needs and concerns of a move to the suburbs. I work with very smart, sophisticated people. I am not pushy or domineering; rather, I share information and opportunities and let my “folks” decide what homes work best for them.

For sellers, your home may be your biggest financial investment, and I take that responsibility very seriously and professionally. I meticulously evaluate current market conditions, trends and activity. I consider buyer responses to neighborhood, schools, amenities and property potential to market each home’s strengths for maximum exposure and determine the right price to produce the greatest possible return. I provide detailed recommendations to the homeowner to ensure that the home “shows” in the most positive way possible. I utilize all avenues for marketing exposure including print media, mailings, personal websites, real estate sites, social media forums (including YouTube, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram), e-cards, open houses and telephone communication. Agent selection is the most important component of a successful real estate transaction, and I have proved my ability to get your home sold for the best possible price in today’s complex environment.

I am currently in the top 1 percent of the 88,000 Coldwell Banker sales associates worldwide and am the recipient Coldwell Banker’s International President's Premier Award. I am also designated a premier agent within my office. The Westfield Coldwell Banker East Office has the dominant market share in all of our focused towns; when you work with me, you have the support, expertise and professionalism of the number-one NRT-owned Coldwell Banker office in New Jersey working for you!

Patch: What sets one broker apart from another? How do you keep up your competitive edge?

Ryan: As a buyer or seller, you need a team of people actively engaged in working for you. I have a support team that I am extremely proud of; my daughter, Kristen, has chosen to become a Realtor and works as my second-in-command, making sure that we are available and responsive to our clients. She also brings a complimentary perspective to the business and has a background in interior design and insight into what the millennials are looking for.

I rely on my social media and marketing manager to make sure your home gets the exposure it needs to the targeted buyer pool. She is out there in the community representing our listings and collaborating with local businesses to bring relevant information to our buyers. My transaction manager makes sure the process goes smoothly on the back end. She is the one behind the scenes, crossing every T and dotting every I to guarantee an exceptional customer experience. Together, we’re able to make your real estate transaction as pleasant, smooth and stress-free as possible.

Patch: Tell us about the more common mistakes you’ve seen homeowners make when looking to put their house on the market.

Ryan: It is extremely difficult for sellers to be objective when it comes to their own home. It is just so personal. It is where they have raised a family, celebrated milestones, decorated to their own taste. But when a home goes on the market, it becomes a commodity competing against other houses to provide value to a buyer.

It is critical that we market the home to appeal to the buyer and that we intelligently recognize how the house will be perceived in comparison to the other housing options available at the time. I can help the seller navigate the process, and I market the home to showcase its best features that are important to today’s buyers.

Patch: How has the real estate industry changed throughout the years, and how do you stay ahead of emerging developments?

Ryan: Buyers have more online tools available than ever before, and they are utilizing these technologies from the comfort of their home and reserving the actual visit to the property to the homes that they have carefully vetted. Everything from past sales history, property upgrades and neighboring activity to Google Maps, seller personal data and property topography is now available online, allowing the buyer to be extremely educated prior to actually previewing a home.

Although this gives you more information, the data is often not accurate or timely. Housing inventory in this area moves really fast, so you need an agent who is not only “in the know” but who is also thinking about you and getting you into properties even before they hit the market so you can see if it's right before it is sold out from under you. I stay ahead by providing value to my clients.

Patch: What’s your involvement like in the Westfield community?

Ryan: I moved to Westfield as a newlywed and now have raised my family here and have truly become part of this community — I go to the restaurants, walk in the mornings, play bridge, go to barre class and yoga and I get into New York City at least once a week.

I’ve been involved all along the way from being president of Westfield Newcomers to active in the school PTA to currently being an appointed member of the Board of Adjustments. My husband, Chris, has been commuting into New York City for over 25 years. He has served as president of our block association; he gets his suits made in town; he walks our dog in Tamaques Park and plays golf at the country club.

My kids went to Westfield High School. They had the teachers, played sports and went through the college application process. We are lucky enough to have great friends we’ve made over the years. Our life is here, and we are so proud to be part of the community. I’ve owned three homes here in Westfield, our starter home, our dream home and now a smaller home close to town center. My life is here, and I love this town. It is contagious.

Patch: You currently serve eight communities throughout New Jersey. What is the draw to these locations?

Ryan: This is a wonderful part of New Jersey. We are conveniently located close to New York City, the Jersey Shore and to the New Jersey headquarters of many top corporations. We have a nationally ranked school system. We have train, bus and car access into the city, as well as being less than a half-hour from Newark International Airport.

Our towns are walkable, with a vibrant town center — complete with great restaurants, national retailers, mom-and-pop shops and an old-time movie theater — and a strong community spirit. We have a farmers market, a symphony, Tuesday night jazz, an amazing sports and pool complex and tons of options for an active and cultured lifestyle. Because of this, it is a very competitive and dynamic real estate market.

Patch: What three tips would you offer to a first-time homebuyer?

Ryan: Have a wishlist. I always tell my buyers that they will only get 80 percent of their wishlist, and it is important to decide what amenities are must-haves and which are would-like-to-haves.

Become educated — to the town, its neighborhoods and housing inventory. This way, you will understand value and what you can expect at different price points, and you will be able to recognize the right opportunity when it comes along.

Get pre-approved. In this market, you need an official mortgage pre-approval to make an offer. Before you start to seriously think about buying, you should talk to a mortgage lender so that you really know what you can afford and you’re able to move forward quickly when you see a property you’re interested in.

Patch: Tell us about the proudest or otherwise most memorable moment you've had since entering the real estate field.

Ryan: I am so proud that my daughter, Kristen, has chosen to become a realtor as well and works by my side. Together, we are able to provide complimentary perspectives to our clients, and we are able to balance each other and learn from each other and support each other.

Patch: What is the Maryalice Ryan definition of success?

Ryan: My idea of success is to be able to provide an exceptionally positive client experience and earn my client’s trust during what is often a very emotional time of their lives.

I see my role as the facilitator of the transaction, guiding the buyer or seller through the process while minimizing conflict and stress. The fact that 80 percent of my business is referral-based is something I am so proud of, and I see it as confirmation that I have been a positive influence. I try to do this while maintaining the other aspects of my life that also contribute to me as a whole: my family, my friends, my dog, my travel, my love of food, wine, theater and New York City, my interests in skiing, bridge, reading and culture. To be a happy, fulfilled person is to be a successful person.

Patch: Last question! How can Patch readers contact or otherwise learn more about you?

Ryan: Just reach out! I'm at (908) 917-5801 and maryalice@maryaliceryan.com. And check out my client reviews on Zillow. Hear what my folks have to say about me as well!

Image Credit: Maryalice Ryan

This Patch article is sponsored by Coldwell Banker.