NOOZHAWK: What is your experience and education?
Nicole Wesley: I have a strong foundation in education, having worked as an elementary school teacher for many years. Throughout my teaching career, I developed a passion for helping students build a solid academic foundation while fostering a love of learning and effectively engaging students with diverse learning styles and needs.
After my years of teaching, I transitioned into real estate, where I’ve had the opportunity to blend my interpersonal skills, attention to detail, and problem-solving abilities. Real estate has allowed me to work directly with clients, guiding them through one of the most significant investments they will ever make.
Whether it’s helping first-time homebuyers or assisting with investment properties, I am deeply committed to ensuring that clients make informed decisions that meet their goals.
My background in teaching has greatly influenced my approach to real estate by enabling me to communicate clearly, explain complex processes in simple terms, and provide a supportive and patient environment for clients.
Both my experiences in elementary education and real estate have shaped me into a professional who is passionate about helping others, whether it’s guiding students to academic success or helping clients find their dream home. I am committed to providing excellent service and creating lasting relationships through trust, knowledge, and dedication.
NOOZHAWK: Is this your full-time job?
NW: Real estate is a demanding industry, and I definitely dedicate my availability and expertise full-time for my clients. I thoroughly enjoy building relationships, and developing the skills necessary to succeed. My full-time commitment offers the best opportunity to dive deep into the business and establish my presence in the market.
NOOZHAWK: Which neighborhoods do you primarily work in?
NW: I have experience working in Santa Barbara neighborhoods spanning Carpinteria to Goleta. This area is known for its unique charm, diverse communities, and beautiful coastal living. Whether it’s the serene beaches of Carpinteria, the vibrant energy of downtown Santa Barbara, or the family-friendly neighborhoods of Goleta, I have helped clients successfully navigate the real estate market across this region.
My local knowledge and commitment ensure a tailored approach to meet each client’s needs. I also work with referral partners throughout California to assist out of area clients.
NOOZHAWK: How long does it take to sell a house in the neighborhoods you specialize in?
NW: The time it takes to sell a home in Santa Barbara can vary based on several factors, including the home’s price, condition, location, and the overall market conditions at the time.
Here are some factors that can influence the timeline:
*Market Conditions: In a seller’s market (when demand exceeds supply), homes can sell quickly, sometimes in just a few days or weeks. In a buyer’s market (when there are more homes than buyers), it could take longer to secure a buyer.
*Home Price: Homes priced competitively for the local market tend to sell faster. If a home is priced too high, it may take longer to find a buyer, even in a strong market.
*Condition and Appeal: Homes that are well-maintained, staged, and have desirable features will likely sell more quickly than those needing significant repairs or updates.
*Marketing and Exposure: Homes that are marketed well, with high-quality photos, virtual tours, and effective outreach, tend to sell faster.
NOOZHAWK: How do you market your clients’ homes?
NW: I leverage a comprehensive marketing strategy to showcase my clients’ homes. Using my personal website and social media accounts, I create engaging, tailored posts to reach diverse audiences. Additionally, I utilize local print ads to connect with the community directly. Partnering with Village Properties, I provide a custom marketing plan, which includes high-quality flyers, brochures, postcards, and placements in respected local publications. For broader exposure, I offer opportunities to advertise in nationwide platforms, ensuring each property gets maximum visibility.
NOOZHAWK: Do you work on your own or as part of a team?
NW: I work independently while benefiting from a collaborative partnership with my colleagues at Village Properties and my husband Elvin Wesley, Broker/Owner at Ranch & Coast Mortgage Group, Inc. Together, we combine expertise in real estate and mortgage services to deliver comprehensive support tailored to each client’s unique needs.
NOOZHAWK: What type of support staff or resources do you have?
NW: I have access to a dedicated team of support staff and resources to ensure a seamless experience for my clients. With this team of professionals supporting me, I can offer a high level of service and manage every aspect of the buying or selling process with confidence. Here’s an overview of the key support I rely on:
*Transaction Coordinators: These professionals help manage all the moving parts of the transaction, from ensuring deadlines are met to overseeing paperwork and compliance. Their attention to detail allows me to focus on client relationships and strategy.
*Marketing Team: At Village Properties, I have access to an in-house marketing team that assists with creating professional marketing materials such as flyers, brochures, postcards, and digital content. They also help with online campaigns to ensure properties are marketed effectively on various platforms.
*Professional Stagers & Photographers: I partner with home staging professionals and photographers who specialize in real estate to present homes in their best light, both for showings and online listings.
*Mortgage Partners: I often work closely with my husband, who owns Ranch & Coast Mortgage Group, Inc. He and his team collaborate with over 20 lenders to ensure my clients secure the best mortgage options available. They help with everything from pre-approvals to securing the most competitive rates.
*Home Service Providers: I have a trusted network of service providers to assist with everything from home repairs and inspections to contractors and landscapers. These partners help get homes market-ready, and I can refer them to clients who need assistance with repairs or upgrades.
*Legal and Title Support: I collaborate with reputable escrow officers, title companies, and real estate attorneys to ensure all legal aspects of the transaction are handled correctly and efficiently.
NOOZHAWK: How do you keep your clients informed about your progress?
NW: I prioritize keeping my clients informed by maintaining clear and consistent communication throughout the entire process. I provide regular updates via phone calls, emails, or messages, depending on their preferred method of communication. These updates include detailed reports on marketing efforts, feedback from showings, and any new developments in the market.
Additionally, I share insights on the performance of online listings, print advertisements, and broader-reaching campaigns. My goal is to ensure clients always feel informed, involved, and confident in the progress we’re making toward selling their home.
NOOZHAWK: Can you recommend service providers who can help your clients obtain a mortgage, make home repairs, etc?
NW: I offer clients personalized recommendations for trusted service providers who can assist with obtaining a mortgage, insurance, completing home repairs, and addressing various needs related to buying or selling a home. This network of professionals ensures a smooth and efficient process every step of the way.
I often collaborate with my husband, Elvin Wesley who owns Ranch & Coast Mortgage Group, Inc. He partners with over 20 lenders to secure the most competitive pricing for our clients, ensuring they receive the best financing options tailored to their needs. This teamwork allows us to provide a seamless experience for buyers and sellers alike.
NOOZHAWK: What distinguishes you from other real estate agents?
NW: After my time in education, I transitioned into real estate, where I found a new way to help people—by guiding them through one of the most important decisions of their lives: buying or selling a home. As a full-time real estate agent, my goal is to provide exceptional service and to be a trusted resource throughout the entire real estate process. I work closely with clients to understand their unique needs and ensure they make informed, confident decisions in every transaction.
I am passionate about helping people find their dream homes, whether it’s a first-time buyer, a growing family, or someone looking for a new investment opportunity. I pride myself on being a dedicated advocate for my clients, using my skills and experience to ensure they have a seamless, stress-free real estate experience.
My experience as an elementary teacher has shaped me into a patient, attentive, and detail-oriented real estate professional. I approach every transaction with the same commitment to education, communication, and personalized support that I provided to my students. As a full-time real estate agent, I am dedicated to helping my clients achieve their real estate goals with confidence and ease.
I have also continued to support local elementary schools through my donation program where I donate a portion of each sale to local neighborhood public elementary schools. Likewise, I support the Teachers Fund founded by Village Properties.
NOOZHAWK: What is your negotiating style and how does it differ from others?
NW: My negotiating style is client-focused, collaborative, and backed by thorough preparation. I prioritize understanding my clients’ goals and tailoring my approach to achieve the best possible outcomes for them. By emphasizing open communication, I build trust and establish a positive rapport with all parties involved, which often leads to smoother negotiations.
Unlike more aggressive or rigid styles, I use a strategic and solution-oriented approach, seeking to find common ground while advocating firmly for my clients’ interests. This ensures not only successful transactions but also lasting relationships built on professionalism and respect.
NOOZHAWK: Do you provide references for your clients?
NW: Yes, I’m happy to provide references from past clients who can speak to their experiences working with me. I believe that firsthand testimonials from those I’ve helped can provide valuable insight into my approach, dedication, and results. If any potential clients are interested, I can provide references or direct them to online reviews where they can read more about how I’ve assisted others in successfully buying or selling their homes.
NOOZHAWK: What do you suggest sellers do to get their house ready to put on the market?
NW: Taking the following steps will help ensure that the property shows well, attracts more buyers, and ultimately commands a higher selling price. To get a house ready to sell, I recommend sellers take the following steps:
*Declutter and Deep Clean: Clear out personal items and unnecessary furniture to create a more open and inviting space. A thorough deep cleaning, including carpets, windows, and kitchen appliances, makes a big difference.
*Make Necessary Repairs: Address any minor repairs like fixing leaky faucets, patching holes in walls, or ensuring doors and windows operate smoothly. These small improvements can boost the home’s appeal.
*Enhance Curb Appeal: First impressions matter! Freshen up the landscaping, trim bushes, mow the lawn, and consider painting or staining the front door. A welcoming exterior encourages potential buyers to take a closer look.
*Stage the Home: If possible, stage the home to highlight its best features and help buyers envision themselves living there. This could involve rearranging furniture or adding decor to create a cozy, inviting atmosphere.
*Neutralize the Space: Consider neutral paint colors to appeal to a broader audience. Avoid bold or overly personalized choices that might turn off potential buyers.
*Organize and Declutter Storage Areas: Buyers often check closets and garages, so it’s important to keep these spaces tidy and organized to show that there’s ample storage.
NOOZHAWK: How do you arrive at the listing price?
NW: To arrive at the optimal listing price, I use a comprehensive approach that combines both data analysis and market knowledge. By balancing all the following factors, I can suggest a competitive, market-driven listing price that maximizes exposure while aligning with your goals. Here’s how I determine the price:
*Comparative Market Analysis (CMA): I start by reviewing recent sales of similar homes in the neighborhood, known as “comps.” This includes homes that are currently on the market, recently sold, and those that didn’t sell. I compare factors like square footage, condition, location, age, and upgrades to see where your home fits in.
*Current Market Conditions: The real estate market is dynamic, so I consider whether it’s a seller’s or buyer’s market. In a seller’s market, where demand exceeds supply, pricing can often be slightly higher. In a buyer’s market, where there are more homes than buyers, a more competitive price might be necessary to attract interest.
*Home Condition and Features: The condition of the home and any upgrades or unique features (like a pool, views, or eco-friendly installations) can impact pricing. Homes that are move-in ready, updated, or offer standout features can often command a premium.
*Days on Market: I also review how long similar homes are staying on the market. If homes in the area are selling quickly, it could indicate that the market is hot, allowing for a slightly higher listing price. If homes are lingering, it might suggest pricing adjustments are needed.
*Buyer Sentiment and Demand: I keep an eye on buyer behavior and interest in the area. If there’s high demand due to factors like location, school districts, or other appealing community features, I factor that into the pricing strategy.
*Client Goals: Finally, I consider my clients’ specific goals. Whether they need to sell quickly or want to achieve the highest possible price may influence how aggressively I price the home. We’ll also factor in how much flexibility there is for negotiation.
NOOZHAWK: What kind of guarantees do you offer?
NW: As a real estate professional, my goal is to provide exceptional service and ensure a smooth experience for my clients. While real estate transactions inherently involve uncertainties, here are some assurances I offer:
*Personalized Attention: I guarantee tailored advice and consistent communication throughout your buying or selling journey.
*Expert Guidance: Leveraging my expertise, market knowledge, and marketing strategies, I work diligently to position your property for maximum appeal or find you the perfect home.
*Access to Trusted Partners: Through my collaboration with several trusted professionals, I ensure you have access to reputable lenders, inspectors, and contractors who can support your needs.
*Commitment to Deadlines: I adhere to timelines and contractual obligations to keep the transaction on track and minimize stress for you.
*Ethical and Transparent Practices: Your interests always come first. I operate with integrity, honesty, and full transparency to ensure you feel confident in every decision.
Nicole Wesley
Visit website
805.448.6858
nicolewesleyhomes@gmail.com
License #02017169
“I am passionate about helping people find their dream homes, whether it’s a first-time buyer, a growing family, or someone looking for a new investment opportunity. I pride myself on being a dedicated advocate for my clients, using my skills and experience to ensure they have a seamless, stress-free real estate experience.”