9 Small (But Mighty) Home Updates Agents Recommend Before Listing
Why One Industry Veteran Has Worked With Curbio 8 Times – And Counting
Dale E. Mattison, AHWD, CRS, GRI
Bethesda, Maryland
Associate Broker, The Mattison Group at Long & Foster Real Estate Inc
Industry Experience: 49 years
Dale Mattison is an industry leading real estate agent in the DMV area with an already-stellar track record (we’re talking nothing but 5-star reviews, people!). So why was an agent at the top of his game even looking for something to make his performance even better? Because agents don’t typically enjoy 5-decades-long careers by just observing the status quo. He is constantly searching for ways to optimize: how to make his clients more money, and how to increase efficiency – and eliminate stress. “I don’t mind thinking outside the box,” he told us, “that’s what drew me to Curbio.”
Q: You’ve been with Long & Foster for 39 years, but even before joining their team you had 10 years industry experience! How did you first get into real estate?
It was quite accidental, actually. I used to race cars, we did street racing back then, in the late 60’s and the early 70’s, and as a result of that a partner and I went into a gas station business. Together, we built it up from one location, to two, to three, and then the oil embargo hit. When oil prices hit the floor, we had to go our separate ways. I didn’t know what I even wanted to do! But as someone that loves working with people, I decided I would dabble in real estate. And here I am, 49 years later – still dabbling!
Q: What do you love the most about what you do?
I love the difference every day brings. No two days are the same. But the people aspect is what can be most rewarding. Just like a doctor observes your body, we go inside your home, your lifestyle, your closets: we see everything behind closed doors. The good, and the bad. It’s wonderful to be able to build relationships with people at such an important junction in their life.
Q: What are some of the biggest daily hurdles for you?
The biggest issue we all face is time to get it all done. To be complete in your efforts, both professionally and personally. I teach real estate for our company, and I tell my students: You have to be process-oriented. You have to have structure and strategy in everything you do. If you can automate some of the process that reduces your labor and time costs, you can get more things done.
Q: And was it on that mission to reduce your time and labor that you discovered Curbio?
Yes and no. I first heard of Curbio through the partnership announcement from our company. But I was quickly drawn to them because I could see how they were going to help me and my clients. What appealed to me the most is how simple the process could be. Typically, when we work with individual vendors, we have to change them like we change shirts. They come and they go. They may be good for a while, and then after a bit you need to replace them. Then there’s the fragmentation component: you may need a landscaper, and a roofer, and a plumber… it’s a different store you’re going into for each of those. That was what got my attention about Curbio: they’re all of it, plus the general contractor – in one.
Q: How did you decide on which project would be great for Curbio?
I think every project is great for Curbio – it’s very rare when there isn’t anything needed to enhance value for the seller.
By basic philosophy, every seller wants more money. I love to use the analogy of the Broadway show: there’s the lighting, the costumes, and the music… and then there’s what I typically do as an agent: to fill all the seats. If the seller – who’s in charge of preparation and presentation – if they do their job well and I do my job well, then we get a standing ovation.
Typically, when we work with individual vendors, we have to change them like we change shirts. They come and they go. They may be good for a while, and then after a bit you need to replace them. Then there’s the fragmentation component: you may need a landscaper, and a roofer, and a plumber… it’s a different store you’re going into for each of those. That was what got my attention about Curbio: they’re all of it, plus the general contractor – in one.
Q: And was it difficult to get your client on board?
It’s the kind of proposition that, if you’re a seller, how do you say no?
Q: Curbio is a tech-powered solution, meaning that there are many aspects of pre-listing improvements that get improved with the help of technology. One of those aspects is communication. How much of a difference did that kind of access make for your clients?
It makes such a big difference: getting the weekly reports with pictures changes everything. Especially if the client isn’t on-site. They get to feel like they’re there, for every step – without any of the stress. People are pretty easy to deal with when they know what’s going on. That transparency and communication take a gray hair out of my scalp every time!
Q: And now you’re on your 8th project (excuse me, 8th gray hair removal) with Curbio! Is each project as easy and stress-free as the last one?
Absolutely. I don’t have to manage the transaction, the oversight, the change orders, or the hassle in general. I let Curbio have the headaches. I get to work with vetted contractors that put out good work.
The presentation of the property is critical. The better it looks, the quicker it will sell, the more it will sell for more. The projects with Curbio sold faster, and for more. Plus, my client doesn’t have to worry about where the money is coming from – it makes it so easy.
Q: What would you tell an agent who isn’t yet working with Curbio?
What are you waiting for!?