When we decided to sell our second home, we first used a self-service agency to list and show it. Even though there were lots of showings, we didn't get any serious offers. Frustrated by the effort, we decided to find a full service agent. We next listed the property with one of the region's biggest realty firms. The agent spent a lot of time bragging about their services and how well they knew the area around our property and how much experience they have. However, within a few weeks of signing the listing, our agent began suggesting we lower the asking price. That happened again. Then again. It soon became apparent that was our agent's only sales strategy. They were only interested in moving the property and getting a commission as fast as possible. When the contract with that agency expired, we seriously thought about taking the property off the market.rnFortunately, John Vaartjes with Coldwell Banker talked to us about the market and how we might best present our home. John was a breath of fresh air. He spent time looking at our property and discussing simple ways we could improve curb appeal. John used his knowledge of construction to show us inexpensive improvements we could make that would increase value. He did extensive searches to find comparable homes in the area that actually matched our home's features and was able to help us establish an asking price that we could justify and that we'd be happy with. We listed the home with John right away.rnJohn's service didn't stop when we signed the listing papers. He inspected the home regularly to make sure it was in perfect showing condition. He made sure we received comments any prospective buyers made whether he showed the home or another real estate agent did. Even though we could get showing status on John's website, he would call us to review and discuss any useful feedback we were getting. At every step we felt confident that everything possible was being done to sell our home efficiently and at maximum profit.rnAnd it was! John sold our house and we got the price we wanted. He handled every aspect of the selling process as the professional he is. If you need a real estate agent, you need John Vaartjes working for you.rnHoward and Donna Keziah Charlotte, NCrn