Realtor Vicki A. Aubry
Offers Coldwell Banker's 'one-stop shopping'
By Nance Ebert Contributing Writer

Vicki A. Aubry, ABR Realtor PHOTO/NANCE EBERT

Northborough - For the past 12 years, Vicki A. Aubry has been addressing her clients' needs in the real estate market. Having a background in retail sales gave her the confidence and experience to work well with people.

"I worked my way up from a fitting room checker to a retail buyer," Vicki said. "I thought that prepared me rather well for a career in real estate, as often they are second careers. I love the 'face to face' contact, even though we tend to spend a lot of time in front of our computers now [compared to] when I entered into this second career. It's still a lot of people contact, which is what I really enjoy."

Coldwell Banker has brandname recognition. Vicki represents the company and uses all that its "one-stop shopping concept" has to off er.

"Coldwell Banker represents quality, with great tools for the buyers," Vicki said. "People can buy a house with us, sell a house with us, get their mortgage, get insurance, utilize our moving services division that can coordinate a move for them. We can make it easy and less complicated."

Most of Vicki's client base is from personal referrals from clients who have been pleased with the service and professionalism that she provides. She also has a lot of repeat business from clients; some are purchasing second properties, while others may be relocating.

Coldwell Banker also has a referral network throughout the United States where a customer moving out of town can be referred to another agent within the network, which can help to make the move easier.

There are some new trends emerging in the industry. The lending crunch has changed some of the ways that real estate agents are doing business, Vicki said.

"I still see a number of younger first-time buyers coming into the marketplace," she explained. "Also, the older 'down sizing' buyer is still there. Right now, with pricing adjusting, it's making it harder to down size. They're not getting as much money for their homes. A lot of times what they want to buy is in a '55 and older' community. Many of these have a firstfloor master bedroom. This was not a concept that was around 20 years ago. Unfortunately, they are forced into buying new construction, whether they like it or not, which tends to be pricier. So, it's been difficult now for this down sizing buyer.

"I'm also seeing a trend for the buyers that I've been working with, for them to be a bit more conservative if they're buying now, which they should be. It's a great time for first-time buyers to purchase a property. They're not buying up to their full capacity. Many can aff ord to go to a more expensive home but are choosing not to. They would rather have less house. I think that this is a healthy trend," Vicki said.

Vicki has learned that there are always new challenges to tackle and new things to be learned. Her clients want to know what the market is like and what it means for them.

Vicki counsels her clients with honesty and education.

"I try to build credibility with my customers even if that means telling a potential client not to move," she said. "This is a people-oriented business. I have found that the best way for me to be successful in this industry is to always be myself."

Vicki A. Aubry is with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage at 318 Main St., Suite 165, in Northborough. Her phone number is 508-365-4060. Visit her website at www.VickiAubry.com.

Editor's Note: the preceding is not an endorsement and is presented for informational purposes only.