With over twenty years experience in the Cambridge and Somerville real estate markets, Ferle is a recognized and talented advocate for her clients. She is a passionate participant in transforming her community into a thriving collection of neighborhoods – alive with families, artists, fine dining, historical renovations, and remarkable energy.
Ferle meets each opportunity as a personal challenge. She possess incredible acumen when working with sellers on pricing and marketing their home, and when working with buyers to find and purchase theirideal living space. She has built an extremely loyal and appreciative group of discerning clientele. Her extensive background in the fine arts and marketing in New York City, and project development and management in Cambridge, have further attracted a network of dedicated clients who depend on her total commitment and her remarkable instincts for staging, pricing, and negotiations.
Q. Ferle, you have been a successful Cambridge Realtor for over 20 years and I often hear you speaking about the importance of working with your seller clients to achieve perfect pricing. Can you tell us a bit about your strategy?
A. Over the years I have learned that pricing is a moving target – a snapshot in time. The fact that I have 20+ years’ experience in the Cambridge/Somerville market gives me a broad and deep view of the dynamics in this particular marketplace. I know the neighborhoods. The reality is that each year the market is different. Is it going to be a seller’s market or a buyer’s market? Is inventory high or low in all categories – singles, condos or multis – or in a particular segment? What are the economic dynamics in this market, not just nationally. Real estate really is local. I am always aware of the current inventory and try to see everything that is on the market. I study the sold comparables. There is always a range to price within – is pricing at the high end of the range or somewhere in between going to achieve the highest price for a Seller. There are subtleties. I bring all of these elements together in my presentation to the Seller so that we reach the perfect price together. Right now from what I am seeing, Spring 2015 looks to be a seller’s market for the third season in a row.
Q. You have many pieces of furniture and home accessories in the basement at our Massachusetts Avenue office. One of your services, when needed, is helping your clients stage their home for sale. Is this really important for your client?
A. Absolutely. My education in art history and the fine arts allows me to bring a design talent to the table that most of my clients very much appreciate. When a buyer pulls up to a property for the first time I liken it to a blind date. First impressions count. Whether it is a light or extensive process, staging definitely adds value to a property.
Q. I know how passionate you are about listening to and guiding your buyers in their search. Tell me about the background to this approach?
A. I am passionate about most everything I get involved in. I was passionate about my work at the Metropolitan Museum of Art and at Estee Lauder. When I lose that passion, I leave. I am in real estate because I love houses. Helping buyer clients find what they are looking for is very gratifying. I care. I listen very carefully to what my buyers want and need, and do not begin to think that I know what is better for them. It also helps that I am very detail oriented and do my homework. I believe that my buyer clients would say that they have found what they were looking for.
Q. What is the happiest thing you do when you’re not working?
A. There is not just one thing. I indulge my creative side (which is why I love to stage properties). I make jewelry, knit, crochet, needlepoint and collect American primitive furniture. I love to go hiking. Movies are a must, and hanging out with my friends. And, of course… long walks on the beach!
Connect with Ferle by calling 617.304.1129or visit her agent page.