LEADER OF THE PACK

Real estate is a hot topic. Questions ranging from “Is it a good time buy?” to “Could I sell real estate?” are top of mind.  While many people are considering rolling the dice for the opportunity to earn a good living, make their own schedule, and more, by becoming an agent, others are building wealth one property at a time. Having met Lisa Granger, local realtor extraordinaire, I knew she could shed a bright light on all thing’s real estate. Hint? She absolutely loves it. 

By Hayley Hill Photos Amber Michelle Photography, JonesAmberMichelle@gmail.com Makeup Courtney Matthews Makeup Artistry, Cocokat1978@gmail.com Hair Jason Chambers, 251.689.7427  |  Shot on Location at the Residence of Geri Moulton

When you meet Lisa Granger, you immediately notice her chic style, gorgeous locks, and Christie Brinkley-like smile. And while she may be petite, she is a powerhouse realtor who gets the job done despite the challenges. I was truly drawn to her when she shared a story about packing up and orchestrating the estate sale for a client who lived out of town. The client’s mother’s home was in Mobile and when she passed, the home needed to be emptied and cleaned prior to selling. The client couldn’t get here, so Lisa came to the rescue and orchestrated everything from the estate sale to the home repairs that needed to be made before listing it for sale. Quite the job, it’s just what Lisa does for her clients every day.

Since most women can relate to what an undertaking like moving a parent or selling their home can be, that action says everything about Lisa. “I find children of elderly parents have a difficult time selling their parents’ home and figuring out what to do with their belongings. This is not only common, but also completely understandable as I’ve been through it myself. As a full-service listing agent, I am there to help remove as much stress as possible by coordinating and overseeing estate sale professionals, donation runs, home repairs and updates with reliable vendors, and more.  Also, I often oversee the work for my listing customers, too,” Lisa shares.

Curious about her start, Lisa explains, “I was in the textile product design business for years when moving into real estate seemed like a good fit. Prior to that, I was a hair stylist in California, where I’m originally from!” Ah-ha, now we know why her hair always looks so good. 

Continuing, she adds, “I’m going into my seventh year as a real estate agent, and I’m currently a top producer for Keller Williams Realty. I’ve become a better listener over the years, and I love serving others and being an advocate and voice for my clients. It’s the most rewarding and hardest career I’ve ever had, all at the same time!” she tells us.

A quick Google spin reveals flawless reviews backed by a lot of elbow grease. Driving shore to shore to serve every nook and cranny in Mobile and Baldwin County, Lisa literally spins her wheels all day, every day. She also must answer emails, return phone calls, post to social media, respond to social media, review pending listings, contracts, and sales agreements, attract buyers and sellers, show homes and commercial properties, and answer questions ranging from how to get a mortgage to what year were those shutters installed, and so much more. “I study the market and real estate offerings daily to better serve both my residential and commercial real estate clients. I also love to network, which is invaluable when it comes to success in this industry,” Lisa shares.

In terms of the million-dollar question, Lisa says, “It is always a good time to invest in real estate! Any form of real estate, whether commercial or residential, is a great investment. It’s knowing what a good financial return looks like, and that’s where I come in and work hard to bring my clients solid investment options. Now is an excellent time to buy in downtown Mobile and in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach!” she shares.

Because it’s common knowledge that most people with wealth invest in real estate and have a real estate portfolio, we wonder how that works.  “Real estate is a great place to build wealth. You can start with one rental property at a time, and the renter will pay the mortgage. Once you build equity in that home, you can use it to purchase your next one and continue building from there. Short-term rentals are also an excellent way to use your rental property. I assist many clients who are interested in this by recommending properties in the best locations. Even if you don’t rent the property, you will earn money through appreciation — the increase in property value over time. Hanging on to these properties is key to building wealth and is often referred to as the ‘hold and rent strategy.’ Naturally, finding the best possible properties for the biggest financial gains is why an experienced realtor is essential. There are many factors to consider, such as market conditions that affect remodeling costs, housing prices, interest rates, rental rates, and tenant availability,” Lisa advises.

As for the commercial real estate side, Lisa adds, “It works similarly to residential in terms of building wealth. For example, an individual can save money for a down payment on a six-unit apartment building, and the income generated from that property will help the investor save for another building down payment. Adding value to the building also drives the net operating income. Also, the property can then be refinanced, and a portion of the proceeds can be used to purchase another property. Utilizing the cash flow from the investments or refinancing, an investor can continue buying properties every few years until they have the desired portfolio.”

Since most of us are aware that our little corner of the world has been discovered, Lisa says, “People that visit this area often look to relocate here for the beautiful bay and beaches our area offers. We were the best kept secret but every year the number of those relocating here from other states increases. Of course, they love our home values and low property taxes, too! The good news is that the beach area is still very affordable and a great place to invest compared to the rest of the country.”

Understanding that buying and selling fears boil down to the unknown challenges, Lisa shares, “From first-time buyers to those who are growing their real estate portfolio, I sit down with every client and listen to their hopes and concerns, and then I explain the process one step at a time. This greatly takes the pressure off and shows my clients that I care about them and that they’ve been heard. Never a cut-and-dry transaction, I recommend everything from several different lenders and the various vendors that can help with remodeling and updating, and even my design services, regardless of whether they are selling, renting, or residing. There are many pieces to the puzzle, and to connect them all takes time and planning. You really must love people to be successful in this business and if I can help them achieve their goals, I know I will be successful. Simply put, my expertise is truly being there to care for and help others.”

As a wife to Randy and mom to Gordon, Lisa shares, “At the end of the day, it’s all for them and our family together. Our son Gordon is in college, and we are so amazed by him and how God has blessed us! We love being together and enjoying each other. From trips to Europe or to Atlanta and New Orleans for concerts, shopping, and restaurants, we love to travel. Locally, we enjoy golfing, clay shooting, and entertaining in our home.” At the end of the day, success in real estate is about finding that special person who will go the distance for their clients. And, if the mileage on Lisa’s vehicle is any indication, she’s clearly driven by forming long-term relationships versus one-time transactions. An expert in local living with great taste, tried and true connections, and financial expertise, we’re betting on Lisa.

Lisa Granger

Keller Williams Realty 

1210 Hillcrest Rd # 2, Mobile, AL 36695

251.454.1170

LisaGrangerRealtor.com