In a competitive market, a buyer needs a savvy real estate agent who knows the techniques they need to win a bid, but also has their best interest at heart. A seller should find an agent with extensive knowledge of the market and how best to improve, stage and present their home to sell. That broker should stay with clients every step of the way, listen to their needs, and establish a long-lasting relationship of mutual trust. 

No one in the Metrowest area does this like Lisa Zais, of Realty Executives Boston West. 

Lisa’s local knowledge is on the ground, from Metrowest communities—Framingham, Holliston, Ashland, Hopkinton, Sherborn, Walpole, Medway, Natick and surrounding towns –to the city of Boston. She represents clients for both residential and commercial sales and leases.

“This spring is an absolute great time to sell, and I do think with people getting vaccinated, more homeowners will feel confident to put their house on the market,” says Zais, “but inventory is low, so if you’re selling, you’ll need a plan.” Interest rates, at an all-time low, do help buyers as well. 

Zais believes in educating and leveling with her buyers. She builds a rapport with her clients and encourages them to make bids they can be comfortable with. 

“I listen to their needs,” says Zais. “With tight supply and strong demand, the housing market is highly competitive and fast-paced. It is not uncommon to enter an auction-type scenario where there is a multitude of offers, driving prices up. The client needs to be prepared and have the right real estate agent that is knowledgeable and experienced to help them navigate the market.” She helps buyers establish upfront expectations and strike the right balance to compete with strong offers.

“Lisa was with us every step of the way with the purchase of our new home,” says Robyn H., one of Lisa’s clients. “She was extremely professional, incredibly knowledgeable about the market, and always answered our call or emails no matter what time of day or night it was …  She helped us navigate the home buying process with ease and was next to us every step of the way with expert advice.” Lisa helped the same client stage, professionally photograph and sell her home within a matter of days on the market. “I now consider her a friend,” writes Robyn.

Lisa continues to interact with her clients long after a sale, staying in touch and reaching out with special messages during the holidays. “When I have a connection with someone, it’s for life. I keep in touch with everybody I’ve done business with, and they’re wonderful.”

As a result, Zais has many repeat customers and referrals. “I’m here if they need me,” she says. “If they want to start looking, if they want to upgrade or downsize, I’m here for them, and they know it.”

One such referral, Nancy M., was looking to sell her elderly parents’ home while she moved them to assisted living near her home in New Hampshire. Lisa suggested targeted improvements to the property and even stepped in to help with the work. “When I was close to finishing,” writes Nancy, “my dad had a fall and an injury, and I had to stop … Lisa stepped up, found me some contractors who could help finish and touch up my painting, and then she went in and cleaned the house from top to bottom.” The property sold at the first open house, with several offers.

Another of Zais’ clients, Timothy R., who needed to travel out of state during his selling process, notes that Lisa “would water my plants, meet with inspectors, retrieve my mail, have the driveway plowed, have the lawn mowed and kept an eye on the property until it sold.”

Zais is as committed to her community as she is to her clients. Named Holliston Citizen of the Year in 2017 at the annual Celebrate Holliston, she is a member of the Holliston Lions Club, served on her town’s Economic Development Committee for four years and spent 12 years as Chair of the Celebrate Holliston’s Chili Contest Throwdown. Lisa founded the Kids Community Harvest Garden for Holliston middle school children and educates kids through The Culture Connection. An avid animal lover, the president of The Friends of the Holliston Police K9 has also taken it upon herself to beautify the Bogastow Bridge every season since 2010. Recently, during the pandemic, she created a Facebook group, Community Recipe to the Rescue, and, thanks to generous donations from her friend Sheldon Strasnick, owner of The Muffin House, even delivers extra muffins weekly to people in need and first responders.

“I love this town, always have,” says Zais. “The running joke of our house is, ‘I’ll be right back.’”

Looking to buy or sell a home, or need tips on staging? Reach out to Lisa Zais, at Realty Executives Boston West, at (508) 353-1092, or email her at [email protected]. You can also find the help you need at LisaZais.com.