The Usual Suspects

I'm not going to talk about Real Estate in this week's article. No talk of homes, commercial properties or land. Instead, this week's topics will be one of the best things about selling real estate: people! Nice people!

Today, I was having lunch with the publisher of this paper, and a group of friends I like to call "The Usual Suspects, (although UNusual might be more accurate!). This group of sage friends afford me insights to the area that I couldn't possibly get from any other source. They live the seacoast. They are the seacoast. I'm a fortunate soul to be able to be in their circle. I was introduced to this bunch as a result of being active in the local real estate business.

Often, during our conversations, we compare notes on various things in our lives: good restaurants, various service providers, exceptional businesses and business owners, and so on.

It occurred to me after today's "summit meeting" that one of the things I enjoy the most about my business is getting the opportunity to introduce people to the seacoast, my seacoast. You see, when people are moving to the area they don't have a clue where to go for a great breakfast, pizza, massage, cocktails, fine dining... nothing! Without good recommendations, getting to know the area would be a long, tedious, trial-and-error process. So I'm pleased to give my clients referrals to my favorite things in the coast.

Let me share some with you...

When I think of the seacoast, I think of food, great food, casual food, seafood. The seacoast has no shortage of great places to dine.

My preferred spot for fine dining is right in Hampton. Bonta is a welcoming restaurant where the owner has instilled a culture of excellence in his entire staff. The menu is varied and everything is superb. The clientele is as friendly as the staff. Great food, great service, great clientele. How can you go wrong?

When I want a great casual lunch and I'm in the mood for chowder, I head up the coast to Petey's in Rye. Never a disappointment. Great fried seafood, and always a fun crowd. The Old Salt is a Hampton landmark, and the food and staff are consistently solid. Have a hankerin' for Chinese food? The Ocean Wok is the place to go in Hampton. If sushi is more your style, head to Sakura in downtown Portsmouth.

Need a gym or personal trainer? I personally recommend Synergy in Exeter and Penny Matel, with whom I've worked out for seven years. The seacoast boasts some of the finest doctors and specialists in New England. I'm happy to share personal recommendations and those of my trusted clients and friends. If you need to get a kink worked out with a good massage, call Judy Harrington.

Nothing delights me more than having someone call and tell me how well they were treated at Bonta, how much they loved the Sunday reggae on the deck at Saunders on Rye Harbor, how much they enjoyed the curry at The Carriage House.

As a newcomer to the coast, you could panic when you need service on your new home. Who do you call for a plumbing problem? What if you need and electrician or need some painting done? My clients know they can call me for an answer. And believe me, I'm happy to help.

Who would call an attorney they found in a phone book, or a financial planner or accountant for that matter? Personal referrals are a much safer bet in all cases.

Along those lines, I run my business primarily on referrals from clients and friends- in fact over 90% of my business year to year comes as a result of personal referral. It's the only way to go- people naturally like to share information on folks they've worked with that have provided them with an excellent level of service.

Which brings me back to my friends "the usual suspects". When we get together, you can be sure that the conversation always comes around to great service, and sharing recommendations.

Welcome to my seacoast!