LORIE FELLING

EXECUTIVEAGENT MAGAZINE

LORIE FELLING Executive Agent of the Month

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LORIE FELLING RE/MAX Realty Centre

Written by Haley Freeman - Photography by Michelle Fairless

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fter a successful first career as a customer service manager in the heating and air industry, Lorie Felling was ready for a change. She was looking for a profession where her genuine care for people and her tireless work ethic would make a greater difference. That’s when her aunt suggested real estate. Lorie accepted the challenge with courage, entering the market during the troubled days of the recession. By working nights and weekends, she achieved her first sale in only 90 days. A decade later, Lorie has a strong presence in North Orange County and beyond, with a reputation for client-focused real estate representation seasoned with

knowledge and kindness.

Lorie brings many notable credentials to her real estate practice. She holds a degree in accounting and has been a licensed notary public for more than 20 years. Since obtaining her real estate license, she has acquired several certifications, including Accredited Buyer Representative (ABR); Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE); and Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES). She has received the 100% Achievement Award from RE/MAX for the past eight consecutive years, and in 2017, she was honored with a Hall of Fame Award.

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In her first career, Lorie was accustomed to being available to her customers around the clock, ready to respond to their urgent need for air conditioning service in Southern California’s warm climate. She brings that same responsiveness to her real estate practice, where she can be counted on to answer her phone day or night. “I believe that customer service is the backbone of any profession, and you get the return of what you put into it,” Lorie says.

“I pride myself on being a people person. I always found it rewarding to solve problems for my customers before, however, my relationship with them was limited to the phone. Real estate is so rewarding because I get to spend time with my clients and really get to know them. I meet people from all walks of life and learn about their cultures and their families. I feel I truly build a relationship for life.”

With her clients’ best interests always at the forefront, Lorie continues to draw upon her many years in the residential/commercial building arena to advise her clients

about various concerns in the homes they are considering for purchase. “I became very astute in construction in my former profession. When I show a house, I go the extra mile to point out things that other Realtors® may not know to look for, like the hot water heater not being strapped down or other deficiencies. I can go through all the things that are redlined on a home inspection and explain which items are health and safety issues. Then, if they need repairs made, I have the resources to complete them. I won’t use just anyone. I pride myself on building a great team of contractors I have used at my own home. I have a great guy that I use all the time at my house, and I absolutely recommend him. I’m also savvy on what things should cost, so I won’t let my clients just try their luck on the internet. Somebody needed a tub reglazed, and they were quoted $750. My guy did it for $350. When people become homeowners, so many of these decisions are new to them. They never had to hire contractors before, and having someone they trust to give them advice and recommendations is something they really appreciate.”

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Call Lorie and Start Packing Lorie’s tagline, “Call Lorie and Start Packing,” is a testament to her enthusiasm for real estate and her determination to help every client find the perfect home. But her approach always begins with educating her client about the process and choices available to them, rather than rushing them into a unwise decision.

limit. Lorie suggested they wait for a home that would be a better fit for their family in the long run. She was eventually able to find them a single family home in a great neighborhood where their little boy could start kindergarten. It even has a pool! Lorie successfully negotiated their offer, and now they are proud homeowners.

A California native, Lorie grew up in Westminster and has lived for many years in North Orange County. Her familiarity with the region and its many enclaves is yet another asset she brings to her clients.

“I went to the house warming, and they are so in love with it,” Lorie says. “They spend so much time in the pool. It turned out to be the perfect house for them. This is a good example of how when people take advice from an agent who is not familiar with an area, or they just go online and search for properties themselves, they don’t always know what they’re looking at. People really need to consult with a qualified agent about what they are buying, someone who is committed to doing what’s best for them. I spend a lot of time educating my clients, giving them the pros and cons of the situation, and then letting them make their own decision.”

Recently, Lorie met a young couple who wanted a home in Huntington Beach, but the area was outside their budget. They began shopping in Corona, where they found a condo. However, the property had been a flip, and the bank would not appraise it at full value. Further, the home inspector found multiple concerns, and the HOA dues drove the monthly payment to the couple’s affordable

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Lorie and her husband, Jon, have been happily married for 25 years, and she describes him as the love of her life.

They have lots of outside hobbies, including maintaining a vegetable garden, boating and riding RZRs in the desert.

No matter where life takes them, their 6-year-old black Lab, Teddy, is their constant companion. “All you have to say is ‘Home Depot,’ and he’s ready to go. As soon as we get there, he gets so excited! We do a lot of projects around the house, so Home Depot is a place he knows well.”

Lorie holds tremendous gratitude for her aunt, Margit Schatzlein, who mentored her in real estate so many years ago. “She was such a big part of me getting into the business and learning how to do it right. She’s an experienced agent in the South Bay area, and she spent countless hours on the phone with me, reviewing my contracts and going to open houses with me. I wouldn’t be where I am today without her help.”

Lorie’s clients return to her again and again with absolute confidence that she is someone they can trust to guide them home. “I’m not just here for the transaction,” she says. “I’m here to stand beside you and walk with you through the journey. It’s all about doing what is right for my client.”

A comment from a recent buyer demonstrates how great an impact Lorie’s caring service makes on the families she serves. He said, “Lorie has become more than just a Realtor® to us, she has become a family friend. Her vast knowledge and expertise made my buying experience so much easier. She has truly changed our lives forever, helping us get a beautiful turnkey home in a beautiful, quiet neighborhood where we can raise a family. For that we are eternally grateful.”

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LORIE FELLING

RE/MAX Realty Centre 20459 Yorba Linda Blvd., Yorba Linda, CA 92886 Tel: Cell: 714-883-1093 — 714-777-5112 Email: LorieFelling@sbcglobal.net - Web: http://www.loriefelling.com CalBRE # 01851256 ExecutiveAgent Magazine