10 Questions With Realtor Kim Gifford Of Coldwell Banker

Realtor Kim Gifford of Coldwell Banker is your neighborhood expert when it comes to northern Fairfield County and Candlewood Lake real estate. Named the top seller in Bethel year after year, Gifford always strives to "negotiate the best deal possible" when it comes to buying and selling a home.

Through her many years of experience in the industry, Gifford is constantly saving her clients time and money, always placing their best interest as the top priority. Read on to learn more about how she's successfully selling the charming town of Bethel:

Patch: How long have you been doing business in town?

Gifford: I've been licensed since October 2003 and joined Coldwell Banker. The office was on Greenwood Avenue in downtown Bethel. I loved the location because it was just two miles from our home, and I could still take my two sons (they were 6 and 7 at the time) to and from school, activities etc. The office is now at 18 Mill Plain Rd in Danbury. I'm fortunate to be able to work out of my home in Bethel.

Little did I know that within a few years in 2006, I would be top 3 percent in the country. Not bad for a stay-at-home-mom turned realtor! My kids loved it when I brought them to new construction sites and they could watch excavators, backhoes and articulated dump trucks move dirt all around. Having two boys, I learned a lot about construction trucks!

I've consistently maintained top national ranking since. In 2017 I was top 2 percent in sales volume. I also sell the most homes in Bethel year after year. I'm blessed with amazing clients and an equally amazing career. For this, I'm grateful every single day.

Patch: If you had to sum up your business mission to a stranger in five words, what would those words be?

Gifford: My business mission can be summed up in these five words, "Negotiate the best deal possible." I've been fortunate to be able to represent sellers and buyers in equal percentages throughout my career. Giving me insight to what the other side wants and needs is the key to successful negotiations.

Patch: What’s the biggest challenge or most difficult moment you’ve faced in your job?

Gifford: People move for many reasons. Most of the time it's a positive experience, but sometimes people have to move due to financial difficulties, divorce, illness, etc. There's a myriad of emotions from sellers in this position — they want me to sell, but a part of them is very sad. I'm empathetic to their situation, and they know I'm there for them as a positive factor in this process.

Patch: What’s the most satisfying part of your job?

Gifford: Having over 135 client testimonials on my website from satisfied clients is humbling and very rewarding! I work with such great people!

Patch: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given when it comes to success?

Gifford: The best piece of advice I ever received was given to me by my aunt when I was 7 years old. She said, "Never judge people by their clothes or their cars." And I never have.

Patch: Do you have any events coming up in your community?

Gifford: Bethel is super attractive to buyers being that it is only minutes to the NY border. Bethel has a beautiful downtown (which I love saying looks like a Norman Rockwell painting) with great restaurants, shopping, sidewalks and lamp posts and store fronts with window boxes filled with flowers. It's picturesque and you don't find too many downtowns like this.

I've got several new construction projects of gorgeous homes for sale in Bethel. Real estate is definitely hopping here!

Patch: How can Patch readers learn more about your work and business?

Gifford: To find out more info about my listings please visit my website. You can also follow me on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Pinterest.

This Patch article is sponsored by Kim Gifford of Coldwell Banker

Image Credit: Kim Gifford of Coldwell Banker