Three Minutes on a Park Bench with Debbi Rivero

Debbi Rivero of Re/Max Advantage shares what she’s learned about real estate over the years -- and where to find some of the best steamed crabs anywhere.

Patch: What’s the best part about doing business in your town?

Debbi: Whether someone is buying their first home, their final dream home, or building their investment portfolio, being a part of the wealth building portion of someone’s life is so rewarding to me.

Patch: If you were to get an indulgent snack in your town, where would you go and what would you get?

Debbi: Born and raised in Maryland, which is known for many things but one of my favorites is our steamed crabs. Whenever I get a chance I head for old bay steamed crabs. Would prefer to eat them in Ocean City, MD, but if I can’t travel the 3 hours that day, there are several local places I would go. Many of which are exceptional; however, my current favorite is Ships Cafe in Catonsville.

Patch: If you were going to have a secret rendezvous in town, where would it be?

Debbi: My own backyard.

Patch: What attracted to you to this business, and how did you start?

Debbi: I had other family members in the business and once I graduated from college and unsure of what path to choose, my family encouraged me to try real estate. Ever since then I have kept the family approach to all of my clients.

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

Debbi: One of my biggest personal flaws is getting too involved in a transaction. When someone is faced with either settling on their new home or being homeless, I lose sleep worrying about my clients and where they will be sleeping til their loan is approved.

Patch: You’re not the only person in this business. How do you distinguish yourself from the others?

Debbi: I truly want to see my clients succeed. I try to go above and beyond expectations - but each case is different, so I need to find out a person’s goals in order to help them. Others take the spaghetti approach and toss all the pasta (business) against the wall to see what sticks.

Patch: What advice would you give to a person just starting in your business?

Debbi: You will work your client’s schedule, not your own. You also have to be available every day of the week. You can spend lots of money & gas with a client and never get paid. Expect to work 6 months before your first paycheck, and therefore, you need to love what you do, to do this business.

Patch: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

Debbi: Advertising is the key. Otherwise you will toil away in anonymity. It is okay to make mistakes as no one individual is perfect; however, you will need to be outgoing.

Patch: How can people contact you?

Debbi: By phone at 410-998-4240 (office) or email at debbi.rivero@yourkeyconsultants.com.