Five Questions With: Aleen Weiss

ALEEN WEISS is the office manager and Realtor at Spitz-Weiss Realtors in Providence. / COURTESY SPITZ-WEISS REALTORS
ALEEN WEISS is the office manager and Realtor at Spitz-Weiss Realtors in Providence. / COURTESY SPITZ-WEISS REALTORS

Aleen Weiss is the office manager and Realtor at Spitz-Weiss Realtors in Providence, one of the oldest agencies on the East Side. The boutique agency has six agents. She responded recently to five questions posed by the Providence Business News.

PBN: Spitz-Weiss has a long history in Providence. Tell us the founding story and why it remains independent?

WEISS: Saul Spitz [Aleen’s husband’s grandfather] started this agency over 55 years ago. We have always remained family-owned and operated. We are now third-generation, and one of the few remaining agencies that can say that. Saul was a visionary. He still worked seven days a week, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. up until his passing at the age of 94-and-a-half. You could drive by any day at 7 a.m. and see him sitting at his desk in a suit and tie, with his index cards detailing every home he sold on the East Side of Providence.

He could tell you what he sold it for, who owned it and what it looked like, just by his cards. He dealt with generations of families. And to this day, people stop by to share their many stories about him. His word was gold. He worked hard for his clients and was very clear on his feelings. People loved him, as did other agents who would call him for advice. He once said to me, “You only have one reputation in business. Remember that, because people never forget.” That’s the motto we use today. This office is his legacy.

PBN: What are the advantages of buyers and sellers using a smaller, boutique agency?

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WEISS: Being small, we can offer that personalized service tailored to our clients’ direct needs. We are always available, 24/7. We treat every client as if they are the only one. We specialize in making our clients No. 1.

PBN: You list short sales as an area of expertise. What should buyers know if they are interested in a short sale property?

WEISS: A short sale isn’t always the bargain it seems. It is a little challenging. It can take an average of six months, sometimes longer. Most of these sales involve two or more lien holders that must approve the short sale. Some of the homes have some issues that some owners have not been able to address, all of which will be the responsibility of the buyer once the sale is approved.

PBN: What are the trends heading into 2017 in properties for sale? Are you finding more listings in price ranges that buyers have most demand for?

WEISS: The market last year gave us more buyers than sellers. Prices have returned to a stable place. That being said, if a house is priced right, it will sell usually within two to 30 days. If it is priced too high, it will sit. Individuals these days are move-savvy and watch market trends. The mid-price range is a challenge. There are not many homes out there for buyers.

PBN: What are the myths of this profession, if any? What do you tell people who are considering a real estate career?

WEISS: That it’s a great exciting career. Every client has different needs and goals, but to remember it is far from 9-to-5. You need to be there for your client day, night and weekend. But the end result is amazing. And when you see how excited and happy they are when they get the house of their dreams, and you were a part of this journey, that’s the most rewarding part.

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