Richard (Rick) LeBlanc

Broker Manager
Pro Realty Group NW, dba RealProNW.com
360-828-0538 direct
503-781-3991 cell
www.ProRealtyGroupNW.com

How long have you worked in Real Estate?
I have been a licensed real estate broker since January 2007 right at the start of the crash. After 35 years in the confection and snack business and being inducted into the Candy Hall of Fame, I sold my business and began my second career in real estate.

What is your specialty?
Our group focuses on Residential although I do some commercial also. Two of the group, Jessica LeBlanc and Kara Matson, primarily work with buyers and I generally work listings. Listings are something I take great pride in and have perfected a presentation that sets us above the bar. We never launch listings without professional photos, professional virtual tours, all room sizes and amenities of the home on every listing. We always attach all required documents to our listings to include Lead based paint when necessary, Property Disclosures, Property description A and what is called a “trio” so other Realtor® associates have everything they need to make a valid offer.

What is one tip you have for someone looking to buy or sell a home?
Anyone looking to buy a new home should ask their Realtor® to set up an auto search in RMLS or other major site for them. Many websites are poorly managed and include homes for sale that have already been sold. Your Realtor® knows the best sites. I also advise all of my clients to restrain from spending during the loan approval process. No new cars, no appliances for your new home – absolutely nothing until you have closed on your new home. Anyone looking to sell a home should interview more than one broker.

What is the most unique property you’ve listed or sold?
One of the more unique properties I have sold was a home that not only provided a spacious, beautiful setting but also came with a hidden, walk-in safe as well as a “panic or safe” room. There were several other hidden closets throughout the house. The most gratifying part of the sell is that the buyers purchased the home at the county court house. I merely helped them understand what they needed to do in order to win the house. There is more to Real Estate than doing what we do just for money.
What is the most challenging/gratifying aspect of what you do?
The most gratifying aspect is working with people to either sell or buy a home. When all is done, seeing that smile on their face and their sense of pride. The most challenging part of this business is knowing my listing prices are correct but for some reason the showings just are not at the level I would expect. Drives me crazy.

What do you see in the future for real estate sales/prices?
Real Estate is cyclical. In the last six Real Estate market cycles, the market has gone up for a time and then down. Today, the market for homes priced at $500K and up has not fully recovered. They continue to sell more slowly. Homes in the $400K and down range are in high demand and currently there are not enough to satisfy the demand. If interest rates begin to creep up on us, it may result in many potential buyers becoming hesitant to enter the market.

What do you enjoy doing when you are not working? Hobbies, volunteering, family, fun?
When I am not working I am usually on a river. I am a fanatic fly fisherman always chasing steelhead. With me however, it isn’t about catching but rather it’s about the river and me. My wife of 44 years, my two children, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, and four grandchildren are the most important things in my life.

What do you like about living in this area?
I have lived in Clark County since 1978 when we moved from Eugene, Oregon. I feel a strong sense of community in Vancouver and working in Real Estate provides opportunities to always be meeting new people. And then there are all those rivers to throw my fly in.

Anything else you would like our readers to know about you and your company?
Our motto is simple: The 4 P’s are our core values at ProRealtyGroupNW, dba, RealProNW.com.

• PRINCIPLES: Integrity is the cornerstone of all of our business relationships
• PEOPLE: Well trained, highly motivated Brokers are the means for serving our clients
• PERFORMANCE: Nothing happens until we make a sale and no sale has value unless it serves our clients best interest
• PLANNING: Planning is the art of preparing for change; therefore, we use planning as a management tool to be prepared for the changes that must and will come.