We’re turning the tables for this month’s post! We’ve asked Bruske Team a series of questions to get their thoughts and best advice too. How well do you know Jim and Gretchen? You’re about to find out!

What is your favorite part about what you do?

Jim:

What I like best about real estate is meeting new people and assisting them in finding a great home for them and their families. 

Gretchen:

I genuinely love all of the different people that have been brought into my life because of my job. The business relationship and even more so the friendships I have created working in real estate for the past 18 years have been wonderful.

Name one thing you think is awesome about each person on the team.

Jim:

I love many things about Gretchen but probably my favorite Is her sense of humor…she needs one working with me. And Mike brings a strong work ethic and a can-do attitude. 

Gretchen:

I knew withIn moments of meeting Jim that if I ever had a partner it would be him. He is authentic in every aspect of his personality and that authenticity shows in the way he works with his clients, other realtors, and his friends and family.  “EVERYONE likes Bruske!”. Mike is so organized and his attention to detail is second to none!

What is your best advice to anyone looking for a home in this market?

Jim:

My advice for buyers would be they need to be ready to make a strong offer if not over list price in this current market. 

Gretchen:

Find a realtor you trust and who has been in the business through the ups and downs. It is a great market, but it is also a difficult market that takes a smart agent to really represent you well. 

What’s your best advice for someone getting ready to sell?

Jim:
Make your house look as nice as possible; paint, new carpet, etc. and it will sell quickly for top dollar. 
Gretchen:
Even though it is a Seller’s market, you want to be smart, how you show your home and how you price your home still matters. Your agent needs to know your area well and is connected with the other agents consistently active in the area. More than ever agents are communicating, if your agent is seasoned in your area they can create a buzz about your house before it even hits the market.

What’s one thing you wish you had known when you started out your career?

Jim:

You’re not going to be able to please everyone and that’s ok. Some people are just wrong (just kidding).

Gretchen:

I had no idea that almost 20 years later I would be still in real estate and loving my job literally more and more every year. I simply love what I do.  

We Want to Work with You

If you’re ready to sell your home or are looking for that next great house in the Arcadia neighborhood, Town of Paradise Valley, or city of Scottsdale, why not work with the best? Gretchen Baumgardner and Jim Bruske – Bruske Team with Engel & Völkers – are one of the top real estate teams in Arizona. If you are ready to work with local, dependable, and committed agents, contact us today!