The scope of a real estate professional’s job encompasses far more than hosting open houses and touring fancy homes. For Carrie DiTullio, voted Best Realtor in Bend Lifestyle’s 2018 Readers’ Choice awards, the skill set includes everything from market analysis, marketing, negotiating, and investigative research to the psychology of reading people and listening carefully.
“My goal is to be sure I understand what my clients’ goals are and help them get the information they need to make the right decisions for themselves,” Carrie says.
That decision often means buying or selling a home in Bend. Having lived in Central Oregon for more than 25 years, Carrie has first-hand knowledge of our community. Her background is in broadcasting and communications (she may be recognized as a former anchor for local television station KTVZ-21). She is a parent of two children, Molly, 19 and Blake, 16, who were both born and raised in Bend. A workday for Carrie includes reliance on both fiscal and personal savvy as she provides clients guidance on everything from navigating the buying or selling process to discovering neighborhoods and schools, medical providers, or even providing a helping hand finding tenants for a rental home. For a real estate professional, a day in the life is anything but predictable. CarrieDiTullioTeamBend.com
6 a.m. The day begins with a cup of coffee and the sunrise.
6:20 a.m. Start answering emails that came in the night before or in order of time sensitivity.
7 a.m. Make 16-year-old son Blake a hot breakfast. “I really enjoy doing this for him,” Carrie says.
7:30 a.m. Hop back on the computer to tackle urgent emails of the morning. It requires time and research to follow up with clients in response to their questions about specific homes—some inquiries can easily take an hour or two. At 8 a.m., when mortgage lender and title/escrow offices open, communication picks up. “I reserve time each day for active transactions—there are always questions or documents needed to close a deal,” says Carrie.
10 a.m. Pick up coffee and pastries to take to the first appointment.
10:30 a.m. Meet sellers at their home to go over pre-listing tasks. This includes de-cluttering, moving furniture, scheduling maintenance on the furnace and AC systems, getting carpets and windows cleaned. Revisit their list price and talk about any new comparables.
12:30 p.m. Take a phone call from a new client calling from out of town who will visit Bend next month. Discuss the current market, their needs, and a plan to send them an email with potential homes they may like to see.
1 p.m. "I meet with my assistant, Ashley, at our Old Mill office to go over priorities for the next few days, including hospitality for out-of-town clients flying into town for a day of showings."
3 p.m. Meet with local buyers to see three homes new on the market.
4:30 p.m. Return phone calls and emails that have stacked up between running from one meeting to the next.
5:45 p.m. Yoga with daughter Molly.
7 p.m. Dinner break with both children. “I really value any time I can get with my two teenagers. They are growing up so fast and I'm very proud them,” Carrie says.
7:30 p.m. Schedule showings for the next day, spend time on the MLS looking at new listings to stay informed. Answer emails and texts in anticipation of the next day.
9:30 p.m. Hang out with teens, play with Havanese puppy, Rosie, or watch a favorite TV show to unwind.
10:30 p.m. Call it a day.