REALTOR® Spotlight—Maria McGuire

We are excited to announce Maria McGuire of RE/MAX Advisors is our FIRST and MiRealSource’s January REALTOR® Spotlight. Maria had so many nominations from not only agents in her office, but other agents who have done business with her in the past. 

From our time in meetings, classes and events with Maria; it’s clear to see she is a forward-thinking, inquisitive, and bold woman. She is kind, supportive, hands-on, and professional but also beyond generous with her time and involvement in the community. Congratulations to Maria! Well deserved. 

Please take some time to read and share to get to know Maria a little better.  

Professional Questions: 

1.) Tell us about your real estate career (title, office, years, specialties, designations, etc.)

2019 marks the 30th anniversary of my real estate career.  I’m the Broker/Owner of RE/MAX Advisors located on 23 Mile in Chesterfield Twp. I built the 10,000 sq. ft. building and had our Grand-Opening on November 21st 1996. 

Designations:

Certified Distressed Property Expert, CDPE

Senior Real Estate Specialist, SRES

Accredited Buyer Representative, ABR, e-PRO

Certified Investor Agent Specialist, CIAS
Certified Commercial Investment Member, CCIM

2.) You’re very hands-on with agents in your office; what is your best piece of advice to anyone new to the industry? 

I advise to NEVER put your commission above what’s best for your client.  Don’t depend on sites like Zillow and Realtor.com to provide potential leads for your business.  Build an awesome business based on referrals, therefore providing exceptional service to your clients.

3.) We learned you are also a registered nurse; how do you think your nursing background & education has played into your career as a broker? 

I worked in the Cardiac Cath Lab and Intensive Care for many years.  In many cases you are seeing families when they had a tragic event in their life.  You must have empathy and compassion for the families to help them thru the very difficult time.  I’ve found the same situations during my real estate career. For example, helping homeowners during the crash to avoid foreclosure and complete the short sale process, assisting families during a divorce or just plain helping them during the stressful process of a “normal” real estate transaction.

4.) Which professional achievement are you most proud of?   

To me, every achievement was a challenge.  I like to reflect on the challenges I’ve over come to remind me of my accomplishments. I tend to be quite hard on myself.

5.) What is the most common “tid-bit” of information most people don’t know being a REALTOR®?

I don’t think people realize the amount of time, energy and education needed to help them achieve their goals.  Too many times I hear, “just put a sign in the yard and agents collect their commission.” I don’t stress my clients out by telling them every challenge we are working on—they’re stressed out enough without adding to it.

6.) What piece(s) of technology do you incorporate into your business practices?  

A contact management system is a must!  I have a plan and checklist for everything I do, including following up with our clients at least twice a year after the closing.   I have an awesome non-licensed team that helps to achieve our client’s goals with continuous follow up.   Additionally, I have three (3) large client parties and several special events for our clients every year. Such as a Halloween party, Christmas Party with Santa and Mrs. Claus, Mother’s Day celebrations, as well as an event with the Easter Bunny. At the client parties and/or special events, I also make sure to ask for canned-goods & donations for the Turning Point—Shelter for Women and Children in Mt. Clemens.   

7.) What is the most rewarding aspect of being REALTOR®? 

Obtaining my clients goals whatever they may be.

8.) What is the most difficult aspect of being a REALTOR®?  

Watching families deal with very difficult situations such as a divorce, helping seniors make living decisions when they are not able to live alone anymore, loss of a loved one—resulting in having to sell their home, losing their home after a job loss or due to health issues.

Personal & Fun Questions:

1.) Tell us more about you? (Interests, passions, hobbies, family, etc.)? 

I’m the oldest of seven (7) children and a water girl!!  I love boating and the lake. We own an island with a cottage on Lake St. Clair, in fact I have a continuing education class on the island every July for our area agents.

2.) Can you share with us some of your community service involvement, how you became interested, and where or how someone can get more involved?   

In 2001 my husband was diagnosed with kidney cancer and passed away 2 weeks before September 11, 2001 (9/11). It was a horrible time in my life, which took me a couple of years to get over. Not that you ever get over it. I was in financial trouble because I couldn’t work much, spending all the time I could with my husband.  A friend loaned me a large sum of money to get through, without me asking!  I vowed never to forget my situation and help as many people as I could in the same situation.  

I started the Bob Memorial Foundation and I pay families gas, electric and water bills while they are receiving treatments. I’ve had a lot of fundraisers to help raise money including taking a portion from each of my commissions to fund it. 

I’m also involved with helping our veterans in need. I’ll rent a bus and take homeless veterans to a Red Wings game, provide a gift basket with clothes and essentials, and buy each one lunch. Being involved within your community and charities allows you to make more connections and take opportunities into your own hands. 

3.) What is your Life Motto?   

Help as many people as you can and never expect anything in return. It will come back to you ten-fold.

4.) Which personal achievement are you most proud of?   

Surviving the crash (The Great Recession) with my agents, and helping so many clients avoid foreclosure. Also achieving the Titan Club status with RE/MAX—which I believe is due to the all special attention we provide to our clients and years of referrals. I have an amazing group of unlicensed professionals who assist me while I work with my buyers and sellers. 

5.) Where is the most interesting place you’ve visited?  

Our honeymoon in Italy.  Awesome scenery and culture but most of all it made me realize not everyone lives on the fast track. You need to smell the roses along the way.  Their day-to-day life is much slower than mine.

6.) If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would you go?

 I don’t really have a place in mind.  I love warm places in the winter, but I’m really a home body. After I’m away from home for about five (5) days, I’m ready to come back.  I get bored quick. I always need a challenge.

7.) Who or what are you most grateful for?

My health!  Without it, I can’t help others.  

8.) What are your hopes for 2019?  

To help as many agents as I can build an awesome referral business and continue to serve our clients and the community.  Learn to take more time off to spend with family and friends.  Life can’t always be about work, which has been my focus.  My goal is to learn to relax and spend quality time in my relationships.