10 Questions With Dana Caterson-Zdancewicz of Caterson Advantage

Dana Caterson-Zdancewicz tells readers what questions to ask when trying to find a realtor and explains how a newborn calf once interrupted a home inspection.

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

Dana Caterson-Zdancewicz: When you think a deal is dead poke it with a stick, you never know what could happen!

Patch: If you had to recommend someone three books what would they be and why?

Dana Caterson-Zdancewicz: “The Good Earth” by Pearl S. Buck ( a valuable lesson on the circle of life); “Outliers, The Story of Success” by Malcolm Gladwell (looks at the ecology of success in various fields); “The Art of Racing in the Rain” by Garth Stein (wonderful story written from the dog’s perspective).

Patch: What’s the best thing about selling homes in your area?

Dana Caterson-Zdancewicz: Quality of life – The suburbs of Philadelphia offer such a great life/work balance for all ages. First and foremost, I listen to each individual client and work to match him or her to the lifestyle they desire whether it be close to public transportation (walkability) or serene, quiet tranquility: we can find it!

Patch: What’s the strangest thing that’s ever happened to you when showing a house?

Dana Caterson-Zdancewicz: This is an industry full of stories, I have had certain household pets attack when showing a house and had to protect myself with a golf club, and there was a time we walked into a bedroom with a sleeping teenager in the room, not sure who was more scared. But one of the strangest was during a home inspection last year in Berwyn when a nearby baby calf was on the loose. My colleague Laura was able to wrangle the baby calf with a water bottle until he could be placed back in the fenced in yard!

Patch: How’s the market in town these days?

Dana Caterson-Zdancewicz: T/E is a vibrant, dynamic community close to shopping, a national historic park, diverse businesses, and award winning public schools and other desirable private schools and colleges. This base keeps our economy strong and helps create a stable investment for near and long-term investors.

Patch: What is your favorite part about working the real estate industry?

Dana Caterson-Zdancewicz: The people! I consider myself a connector and it is a privilege to help clients buy or sell a home. While moving can be one of the more stressful events in a person’s life, it is often a time to celebrate the cherished memories or the future memories to be made.

Patch: What sets one real estate broker apart from another? And how are you unique?

Dana Caterson-Zdancewicz: Service! We work full-time on behalf of our clients. We have the energy and experience to close. Our services are honest and straightforward. We are problem solvers and offer supreme client service.

Patch: What’s your advice to someone who’s looking to a buy a new home right now?

Dana Caterson-Zdancewicz: Take the time to interview different real estate agents and choose a knowledgeable expert that you can trust. You are entering into a relationship and likely making one of the largest investments in your life. It is important that you work with an agent who will be there 5-10 years down the line to help you sell that home and protect that investment.

Patch: What advice would you give to someone trying to sell his or her house?

Dana Caterson-Zdancewicz: Similar advice for buyers, interview at least 3 different agents. Ask questions about their track record and success. Make sure they are invested and committed to selling your home as much as you are committed. I often consider the relationship between seller and agent as a partnership, when working together great sales happen!

Patch: How can readers contact you?

Dana Caterson-Zdancewicz: We are open for business 24/7 on our website CatersonAdvantage.com. There you can learn a little about the sales team and our commitment to buyers and sellers. Or just pick up the phone and give us a call! We are never too busy to talk and offer our advice. We love what we do and our success builds with each new-satisfied client.

This Patch article is sponsored by Caterson Advantage

Dana Caterson-Zdancewicz pictured left with colleague/mother, Laura Caterson.