10 Questions With TTR Sotheby's International Realty

TTR Sotheby's Seward Realty Group, based in the Greater Alexandria area, consists of trained professionals that help clients navigate the home buying and selling process with skills in creative problem-solving, marketing and negotiation. Their extreme attention to detail and impressive business philosophy make them the ideal choice for all your unique real estate needs.

Lyssa Seward, associate with TTR Sotheby’s International Realty and team leader of the Seward Realty Group, takes pride in the relationships she cultivates with her clients and feels rewarded by the smiles on their faces after a successful home transaction. Learn more about Seward and her amazing team in this exclusive Patch one-on-one.

Patch: How long have you been in the business?

Seward: This is my 13th year selling real estate. Prior to becoming a Realtor, I was a marketing executive for an Advertising Agency in Old Town Alexandria. TTR Sotheby’s International Realty has been in the DC/Virginia/Maryland market for 30-plus years, and a Sotheby’s affiliate for 11. TTR Sotheby’s International Realty vibes like a boutique agency with global reach and unparalleled marketing platforms. The Sotheby’s brand signifies Integrity, Market Knowledge, Excessive Preparation and Community Leadership. These tenants are instilled in my daily business practices and within my team.

Patch: What attracted you to the line of work you’re in, and how did you get started?

Seward: I love everything about real estate. No day is ever the same. I am a seasoned negotiator, a strategist and a skilled marketer and I was born to do this. I am a fierce protector of my clients' highest and best interests, and enjoy a reputation of being both ethical and effective. I am a very social person, a born hustler and an intuitive problem solver. What I love most about real estate is the relationships I forge with my clients. It is a privilege to assist them with one of life’s biggest transitions. Buying or selling a home is a very personal and emotional process, and I am honored to help people find their next sanctuary. My interest in real estate was somewhat intuitive as my husband is a residential contractor. This work fits my skill set perfectly.

Patch: If you had to sum up your business mission to a stranger in five words, what would those words be?

Seward: Representing my clients' highest interests.

Patch: What’s the biggest challenge or most difficult moment you’ve faced in your job?

Seward: The most stressful and difficult moments in this industry involve dealing with a party in the transaction that is not ethical or honest. We often do not see people at their best due to stress, financial impact and change. The most difficult moments are stewarding the transaction to a successful conclusion when one of the parties involved is unreasonable. I persevere and use my diplomatic skills to clear all hurdles.

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

Seward: There are so many amazing aspects of this job. Clients often become friends and enrich my life far beyond the closing of the transaction. As an example, I got a text from a lovely client on Thanksgiving thanking me for my hard work, and letting me know how deeply happy they were to be in their new home. That to me is everything! I love marketing a home to garner my clients the highest price point the market will bear and dressing the residence for maximum market impact and success.

Patch: How would you say your business or organization distinguishes itself from the others?

Seward: TTR Sotheby’s International Realty is a Sotheby’s affiliate and we are so proud to represent this iconic brand. The Sotheby’s brand represents quality, luxury, heritage and beauty. Our marketing platforms are incomparable and our resources are top notch. The Seward Realty Group is comprised of four seasoned and dedicated agents who live, eat and breathe real estate customer service 24/7/365. We are ALWAYS available to our clients. No team, agency or brokerage will work harder, smarter, and allocate more time, money or intelligent strategy to help our sellers and buyers achieve their real estate goals. We each specialize in hyper local geographic areas, so that we can best leverage our market knowledge to the benefit of our clients. Each of us at Seward Realty Group has a leadership role in one or more community or charitable organizations. We are committed to making our communities better by donating time and resources. We appreciate the gift of work and the gift of service, and always want to give back.

Patch: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given when it comes to success?

Seward: The harder you work, the luckier you get! We stay focused on a successful outcome for our clients, keeping their interests above all else. This enables us to be rewarded with happy clients and their future referrals.

Patch: Are there any new projects or endeavors you’re working on that you’re extra excited about?

Seward: We are constantly working on innovative technology strategies to "wow" market our listings. we market to both potential buyers (locally, nationally, globally) and to our local professional real estate community. We enjoy planning fun events for showcasing a new listing and enticing qualified buyers to preview our properties and know that our local agents look forward to touring our listings and having a fun social time with us as well. My marketing background enables us to implement marketing strategies that are exciting, targeted and effective.

Patch: Do you have any events coming up in your community?

Seward: I am president of my neighborhood association, Waynewood Citizens Association, and we are planning to give our Citizen of the Year award to the recently retired Principal of Waynewood Elementary School. We are very excited to honor Mr. Jaime Meier and to have the community join us to recognize his amazing contributions to our community.

Please check out my story:

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

Seward: Please visit our Seward Realty Group website and Facebook. You can also learn more about me, Lyssa Seward, on my website, Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

Team members include:

• Brittanie DeChino: You can reach Brittanie by email or at (202) 802-0158.
• Melody Abella: You can reach Melody by email or at (703) 371-9219.
• Anita Edwards: You can reach Anita by email or at (703) 928-7637.

This Patch article is sponsored by TTR Sotheby's Seward Realty Group

Image Credit: TTR Sotheby's Seward Realty Group