FITZ BICKERSTAFF : COLUMBUS REALTOR

By Destinee Williams | Photos provided by Fitz Bickerstaff

Getting into real estate was something Fitz Bickerstaff looked at doing for a long time. Fitz cherishes her clients and leaves no stone unturned in her work on their behalf. For a seller, that means comprehensive market acumen, extensive broker and vendor connections, and unparalleled exposure for your property. For a buyer, that means her full commitment to find and secure your dream home.

What sparked your interest in the real estate industry? My husband sells real estate, and I have always enjoyed looking at properties with him, so when I decided to leave my job as a fifth-grade teacher with Muscogee County, I joined him in real estate. In a way, I get to educate my clients about buying or selling a home. I have enjoyed helping first-time home buyers from the beginning to the end of the process and seeing their excitement about the purchase of their first home.

What does a typical day look like for a realtor? A lot of assisting buyers and sellers. I keep a list of clients that are actively looking, and I check the market daily, look at pricing to see if I need to adjust any listings and current mortgage rates, and I make lots of phone calls.

You have lived in Columbus for quite some time. What are some of the most popular places in Columbus to purchase a home? Right now, everything is popular in Columbus. A homebuyer usually has an idea of where they want to be, whether it be Midtown, Green Island Hills, or North Columbus, depending on their wants and needs.

The market has begun to shift within the past couple of years, and with that, trends have begun to change as well. What are some of the latest trends that you have been seeing? Open concepts, outdoor spaces, gourmet kitchens, energy-efficient homes, and larger lot sizes, to name a few.

For first-time homeowners, what are the most essential things clients should look out for when buying the home of their dreams? Being mindful of buying a house that may need repairs in the future.

What is your favorite thing about being a realtor? I love meeting new people. I have had a few clients transfer in from other large cities. I have enjoyed hearing their life stories and finding that perfect house for their lifestyle and personality and then seeing them excited for the next step or transition into their new home.

When interacting with clients, how do you create an inviting and informational environment? I typically begin a client relationship with a few questions regarding what they are looking for in their ideal home. This includes their budget and areas of interest— location, size, and a few others. This helps me personalize specific factors for finding their dream home. Communication is key to creating an inviting and informational environment. I want my clients to walk away knowing that I did my best with qualities of integrity, empathy, and trust. SVM