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Meet Sandra Barckholtz

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Today we’d like to introduce you to Sandra Barckholtz.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Sandra. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
After graduating from Syracuse University with a degree in Sales and Marketing, I entered the corporate world, but never felt truly satisfied with my career. My father was an immigrant from Europe and had escaped Nazi persecution as a young boy. He immigrated eventually to the United States and owned a restaurant in New York. He had a lot of pride in the fact that he was his own boss, and really encouraged me to find something that would give me the same sort of passion that he himself had found being a business owner.

After purchasing my first house in 2002, I had a horrible experience with my Realtor. I knew that one of the biggest financial decisions that a person will ever make, should have been handled with more personal care, thought, and guidance. I, therefore, decided to pursue my Real Estate license in 2003. I enjoyed working with people, and one of my favorite aspects of my college years were my sales and marketing classes. I also knew that I could provide a better experience than the one that I had received when I purchased my first home.

Sixteen years later, I have helped many clients through the home buying and selling process. My lackluster experience during the purchase of my first house, really defined how I wanted to run my Real Estate business. I am with my clients from the start of their process until the day they close. The relationship continues well past the transaction. I have maintained friendships with practically every client years after their closings. Many have become repeat clients, have trusted me with their children’s purchases, and have referred me to their friends.

It hasn’t always been an easy path, but it’s been a great fit for me, and I couldn’t envision any other career. I get what my father felt, and I really credit him for encouraging me to take the risk.

Has it been a smooth road?
Real Estate is a challenging industry. With the popularity of so many real estate shows on TV, I think most people think it is easy money and requires little effort. The reality is most Realtors do not make it. In my graduating class of over 15 Realtors in 2003, only two of us are still in the business.

The first years there were many highs and lows. I came into the business aware that it would be challenging and it would require a lot of work. One thing I learned early on from my first Broker was that to survive in this business, you had to go for it full-time. Trying to secure a safety net of holding another job while trying to make it, was already setting the tone for failure. It sounds so cliche’ but it is a swim or sinks journey. I decided to do it full time.

Over the years, I have learned many things that come with experience and growing pains. There are many things you cannot control in this business, and it easy to let it consume you. I have seen things unfold up until hours before closing. Transactions sometimes fall apart, sometimes you don’t win the listing, and that is alright. Moving forward and staying positive is really the key.

Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
What I love most about my work, is the relationships I have developed with my clients. Real Estate is an emotional journey and it’s so much more than just buying and selling a house. I take the time to really know what lifestyles my clients live, and how to match a property to fit these needs. There is nothing better than going home at the end of the day to your own sanctuary.

I specialize in resales and new construction. My 16 years of Real Estate experience coupled with my B.S. Degree in Sales and Marketing from Syracuse University, has helped me bring outside the box advertising, sales experience, and strong negotiating skills to my clients.

I am also a member of the Luxury Institute for Home Marketing and I earned my Designation as a Luxury Home Marketing Specialist. The designation requires extensive training and proven sales expertise in the luxury market.

One of my most recent career accomplishments was receiving the top 5% Realtors Diamond Club Award for 2018.

Lastly, my sense of humor is probably one of the strongest qualities that have helped me succeed in this business. I always joke about how I should write a book based on some of the craziest things that I have seen over the years.

Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I have been fortunate enough to travel all over the world from Europe to South America and within the United States. With all the beautiful cities that I have spent time in, my heart still belongs in Scottsdale.

Scottsdale has really flourished in the 22 years that I have lived here. I have seen a huge growth in cultural events, dining, and shopping options.

As a fitness enthusiast, I also couldn’t have picked a better place to match my lifestyle. The warm weather all year round allows me to train outdoors consistently for my competitive races. The vast choices of fitness studios and healthy dining options are the main reasons that I love living here.

I also think Scottsdale is a fantastic place to raise children. I have two 10-year-old daughters, and there are a lot of fun places and options to keep them occupied. My kids are huge ice skaters. Many people are surprised when I tell them that the Ice Den In Scottsdale is one of the most successful ice skating facilities in the country. Ice skating in the desert is not what comes to mind for many.

As for what I like least about our city, well, I had to really think hard for this one, because there are not many things to complain about. The one thing that comes to mind is that people tend to take the pedestrian law to a whole new level here. In New York, we would call it jaywalking.

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Image Credit:
AZ Spartan Race, AZ Rock N Roll Marathon, Monika Cheng

Getting in touch: VoyagePhoenix is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.

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