The key to real estate, as the saying goes, is “Location, location, location.” For buyers and sellers who already know how wonderful our area is, it’s also a matter of “Realtor, realtor, realtor.”

After 36 years in real estate here, Mary Ripley knows the area. The experienced professional joined Tindal & Callahan Real Estate after receiving her license in 1987 and has earned the Graduate REALTOR® Institute (GRI) and Certified Residential Specialist designations from the National Association of Realtors (NAR).

She was twice named Realtor of the Year by the Lincoln County Board of Realtors and served as its president two years in a row.

Ripley’s knowledge is also based on more than 40 years as a local resident and this, she said, has given her a good perspective on the towns, schools and what the area has to offer. She not only knows properties from the land, but sometimes from the water.

People thinking of buying a home here may not realize a number of neighborhoods make up the end of the peninsula: Ocean Point, Southport, the Harbor, Juniper Point, McKown Point, Spruce Point and Sprucewold.

Since real estate transactions represent large financial commitments, The Register asked Ripley to share some of her expertise with our readers. Asked how the real estate business has changed since she started, she smiled remembering that people would have to come into the office to see the listings.

“We used to type up multiple listing information on the typewriter and mail it with photos,” she said. “Every two weeks we would get the new multiple listing book.”

“Now, of course, it’s all online and every broker has access if they belong and it automatically feeds into their website.” The result, she said, is the information is now accessible to people worldwide.  

“Today, people text, email and call on cell phones and want an immediate response.” And today’s buyers may need a bit of coaching. They will need a pre-approval letter and they might have to waive the inspection. It’s a stressful market,” she said, adding, “I always tell buyers you’re going to make a compromise either on the location or on the house.”

COVID-19 has added to the stress and Ripley said the use of video tours is creating situations with multiple offers so buyers have to act quickly.

She has seen more cash sales in the past two years with buyers who have connections here, either family or vacationing. She often hears, “Everyone is so nice,” from people looking to buy a home. People like the small town feel and the fact the area is quiet with no traffic.

Ripley is also seeing an increase in people looking for a second home who want to retire here eventually. The demand for vacation homes now is for year-round properties rather than seasonal homes as it was years ago.

Where are today’s buyers coming from?  “New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut and New York, and also a lot of people from Florida and Texas who are looking for a home to use in the summer.”

What should someone buying in our area consider?

An agent who knows the area is important, she answered. “Sometimes it’s been a while since they bought a home or they’re coming from other states. That’s why it’s important to work with local banks and local attorneys. And the realtor can guide the buyer through things like overboard discharge systems, radon and zoning changes.”

Ripley said her business is becoming less seasonal than years ago and prospective buyers will come to the area if the weather isn’t too bad. She’s learned to keep a shovel in the car and an extra pair of boots for clients who don’t have them.

For area residents looking to sell, Ripley said, “It’s important to get your house ready. Declutter, fresh paint and curb appeal make a difference.” Good photos are important, too and professional photos are used for most listings.

She also pointed out that buyers can’t always see the potential in a property. For this reason, sellers can get more for their property if it looks good. And improving kitchens and bathrooms is always a good investment, she added.

What does she see as a result of the increase in residents coming from away?

“The big change is that people can work from home and can work remotely and that brings different people to the area. We are seeing businesses dedicated to the region and people who support those businesses and the area has more people who have retired and are serving the community and on boards.

“It’s been good. And there’s more opportunity and plenty to do.”