The phrase “you don’t know what you don’t know” has never been truer than in today’s real estate market. Alina Postolatii of AP Realty (aprealtyco.com) guides buyers through a record housing shortage and helps sellers prep their homes for top bids.
A charming mother of a 10-year-old and 21-year-old, Alina uses her natural ability to connect with people on a personal level to help make the real estate process enjoyable. “I studied children’s psychology as my major in college, and it’s not that different from understanding adults,” says Alina.
She came to the U.S. in 2001 and speaks four languages (English, German, Russian and Romanian), which helps her not only translate words, but also understand diverse perspectives. Combined with her education-focused approach, Alina makes the often stressful process of searching for a dream home, or making the decision to sell, easy for her clients. “I’ve had clients write reviews saying I’ve changed their view of realtors,” says Alina. “I know what I’m doing; it’s who I am, it’s what I do every day.”
Alina was drawn into real estate 10 years ago, when she was looking for flexibility for her family. “I have always loved working with people,” she says. “I first went into teaching, then interpreting. Then I met a broker who showed me how I could make my own hours while helping others. It drew my attention.”
Today, she’s a knowledgeable expert in communities from Troy to Jackson to Grosse Pointe and everything in between, maintaining a noteworthy 5.0 rating in her reviews.
One of the questions Alina is asked most is how to prepare a home for selling. “If you’re thinking of selling, start looking for your new house first,” she advises.
If you can find a home you like, or land to build on, then you can put your current house on the market two to three weeks later. To prep a home for sale, Alina conducts a market analysis and walks the property herself. “I know what buyers are looking for and can help them see what they need to upgrade or things they don’t need to touch.”
She advises sellers to keep the home as neutral as possible. She can also refer service providers to help clean and fix the house, keeping in mind what the buyer wants to see. She tells clients, “Know your ‘why.’ And get help – it’s easy to get sidetracked when you’re doing it yourself.”
In addition to making a house look appealing, Alina handles the backend of the transaction so that it feels seamless. She advises clients on title companies, inspections and negotiations.
Alina loves her work, and that passion shines through in everything she does. To keep herself centered, she meditates daily and stays focused on her purpose. “Stories inspire me,” she said. “Every household has one. Focusing on people and their stories motivates me to be the best version of myself, while helping my clients.”
Over the past decade, Alina has learned a lot about Southeast Michigan, the real estate industry – and herself. “The biggest lesson was to know my own worth, and how to set boundaries. I’ve always been a negotiator, and I’ve learned how to explore the art of negotiation in the best way possible. I’ve gained strength as a person and as a woman to stay strong in my ethics.”
If you're thinking of buying or selling, call Alina at (734) 358-6303.
“Focusing on people and their stories motivates me to be the best version of myself, while helping my clients.”
