It might sound surprising, but real estate shouldn’t be stressful. Every move, from luxury sellers to military members PCSing to and from Alaska, each one has a backstory.
Equally, there is a reason underlying the success of Alaska’s best realtors. They’re the most coveted professionals, not for their transaction volumes or sales records, but for the service they provide and the impression they leave on their clients. And when it comes to your real estate journey, the best impression is as little stress as possible.
Patricia O’Neil has taken on the task of alleviating real estate’s most daunting aspects with empathy at her core. Recently, her philosophy has paid dividends for her and her clients—she was the 12th best agent for closed units in Keller Williams’ Northwest Region in 2023 out of 6776 associates, and, as of April 2024, is a Top Solo Producer for Listings Taken and a certified broker.
“I am providing services other agents are not willing to invest in and perform,” Patricia, an Associate Broker at Keller Williams Alaska Group of Wasilla, explains. “I am told I do too much by other agents, that I should outsource and reduce my time invested. But that is what I feel makes the difference and wins clients—they like the hands-on approach and working with one person, who they know will answer the phone.”
But how can you follow in her footsteps and achieve real estate bliss in every transaction? If you’re selling, it starts with a reputable listing agent, while those purchasing need a buyer’s agent they can rely on. Once you’ve partnered with one of Alaska’s best realtors, follow these steps from Patricia O’Neil for seamless buying and selling:
1. Value your realtor’s verdict
“Listen to your trusted agent!” Patricia O’Neil begins. “I study the industry and the market and constantly analyze what is going on for your benefit. What I share with you, I do for your best interest.”
Uniquely in her industry, Patricia focuses on down-to-earth advice rooted in reality. Communication is fundamental to her approach—she can ascertain the best properties or route to market for each client through attentive listening and intuitive questioning: “I won’t tell you what you want to hear but what is true.” Whether providing insight on writing a competitive offer or advice on preparing your home for selling, she will give it to you straight.
Alaska is the perfect playground for her insight. The Associate Broker has called The Last Frontier home since 2002. She ventured into new territory in 2020, by living off-grid with her family while developing a property into a place they call home. Beginning with raw forest they’ve been clearing land, bringing in power and gas, and having wells drilled, all while living in a fifth wheel and building a barndominium. This has given her unique insight into development costs, steps required to build, and time to create a homestead. When clients question life on the last frontier, she has a wealth of experience to share. Her exposure provides a unique perspective for assisting every client in various scenarios, from luxury sellers or military spouses worried about winter home maintenance or Alaskans looking to buy or build a forever home.
2. Maximize the market
“Agents are not in charge of the market,” Patricia proclaims. “The market isn’t as easy to navigate as others and the media would like you to believe.”
“Having a trusted person on your side makes the difference in a home you buy or sell,” she adds. “The market will always determine the price of your home, whether you are buying or selling. I can only share with you what the market is telling us at that given moment.”
Buyers and sellers face distinct challenges, but Patricia aims to be the best realtor in Alaska for both. As a proven listing agent, she provides insight from previous buyer feedback to guide her sellers in preparing their homes and she works tirelessly to fine-tune the staging of every home, at no extra cost. From cleaning and dump runs to bringing furniture to make the property shine, she sets her sights unwaveringly on attracting buyers for her sellers.
Meanwhile, on the purchasing side, her collaborative ethos takes center stage. Understanding what is being presented in offers allows her to guide her clients in writing competitive offers to acquire the homes they love. Remembering her first-time buying experience, Patricia walks buyers through each step patiently. Whether it takes two or twenty viewings to ascertain what a buyer is looking for, every stage warrants her devotion.
3. Harness a harmonious relationship
The last piece of your buying or selling puzzle is less tangible but equally vital. Camaraderie isn’t limited to the military or first responders—it’s a feeling that could make or break your real estate transaction.
“Look for an agent who will work beside you,” Patricia states. “If you feel the relationship is not balanced, find an agent who will match or, even better, exceed your energy and your enthusiasm. Find an agent who will go the extra mile and make your life easier.”
For Patricia O’Neil, that manifests in honest communication, lasting friendship, and a willingness to take on the burden. She welcomes clients’ calls anytime during the home buying or selling experience and after the closing table too, sharing her know-how beyond the parameters of their working relationship.
The Associate Broker offers a personal example of the synergy she’s talking about. Her husband plays a pivotal role in her business, providing practical advice to clients, conducting repairs in the absence of other contractors, and assisting with staging. The anecdote demonstrates that Alaska’s best realtors, listing agents, and buyer’s agents know the value of teamwork firsthand.
The constant in Patricia O’Neil’s advice is her strong sense of collaboration. Her staging, Alaskan experience, practical knowledge, and committed work ethic set her apart, but her sense of personal investment seals the deal. When searching for the ideal Alaska listing agent or buyer’s agent, seek a rewarding relationship that will continue after you “Find your way Home”.
