Real Estate & Tennis: The Art of Reading the Ball

In tennis, I don’t get to choose the balls that are hit to me. Some come at me fast, some with heavy topspin, others are soft slices or high lobs. Each ball requires a moment of assessment – a split step – to prepare for the next move.

Real estate is no different.

When a property comes to me, I don’t get to choose its condition, its tenants, or its unique challenges. I might receive:

• A property needing repairs to maximize value.

• Tenants who take wonderful care of the home – or tenants who don’t.

• Sellers with urgent timelines or those who want to wait for the perfect offer.

• A situation involving probate, trust sales, or unexpected family circumstances.

My first move is always the same:

I pause. I assess. I ask questions.

Just like my split step in tennis prepares me for any shot, my initial pause in real estate prepares me to create the best game plan for my clients.

Sometimes, I see a clear offensive strategy – a property that’s already a “9” and with strategic adjustments can become a “10,” generating multiple offers and record-high prices.

Other times, the play calls for defense first. For example, a property occupied by difficult tenants might require a thoughtful and patient approach before going on the offensive to maximize value.

Clients come to me with different goals:

• Some want to cash out at the highest price.

• Some want to solve a problem quickly.

• Some are timid, needing education and guidance to feel confident.

• Some need speed, others need time.

In tennis, my opponent’s serve might come at me 120 mph. My first priority is to keep the ball in play. In real estate, my first priority is the same: keep your deal in play. From there, we strategize:

🎾 Do we play defense and set up for a winning shot later?

🎾 Do we move forward and take the opportunity immediately?

🎾 Do we build towards an overhead smash – that winning offer or ideal buyer – once the ball is high and ready?

When you choose me as your real estate partner, you’re choosing someone who knows when to pause, when to rally, and when to finish the point decisively. Just like a tennis partner who’s got your back on the court, in real estate I’m on your side – every step, every shot, every decision – working towards your goals, your win, your peace of mind.