Featured in Homebase Real Estate Guide

REALTOR® of the Month - Ron Clappison

Expertise and industry-wide network guarantees customer satisfaction
By Pepper Rodriguez

 A strong team and an insiders' knowledge of the industry helps Ron Clappison navigate the often-tricky waters of real estate with ease.

The recent flood that hit southern Alberta in June was a tragedy for many homeowners, disrupting hundreds of lives and resulting in thousands of dollars worth of damage in many cases. But Ron Clappison's clients can rest easy, as the REALTOR® extraordinaire had already done his homework to ensure his clients will not be faced with such a calamity even before concluding a sale.

In fact, he is certain none of the houses he had sold in the eight years as a Calgary REALTOR® had flooded basements during the wettest month on record for the city. How does he know? Because he was in contact with his clients situated in the crisis zones to find out if they encountered any water problems in the houses he sold.

"A new client was surprised that I was calling to find out if he had a sewer back up or a flooded basement from all the rain. He was very happy firstly, that there was no problem with the house and secondly, that I cared enough to check in with him," Ron told Real Estate Guide.

It is this kind of pro-active approach that has endeared Ron to his clients and has made him one of the more successful REALTORS® in the industry today. His thorough, systematized method of working for buyers and sellers, as well as the top-notch network he uses, has ensured a consistent, trouble-free way of conducting business.

"The first thing I do is look for those signs that reveal water problems and I back it up with my home inspector who checks the plumbing and measures moisture levels, using specialized equipment. This strategy is important for homeowners down the road," he said "and has proven extremely valuable and worthwhile, especially after the record rainfall we've had in Calgary this past month."

Another thing that sets Ron apart from the field is his inside knowledge of the industry brought about by his background in rental property management. "I own rental properties in the city, and the concerns I face are similar to the concerns most homeowners and prospective homeowners have. This gives me a valuable insight which enhances the service I provide for my clients."

The trade network he has established through his rental properties offers another advantage. "If they need anything fixed in the home, I can give them excellent references on people that would do the job right and this can save them money and an enormous amount of stress in the long run."

Ron is an avid believer in technology and the advantages this can offer. His clients can find the latest listings with the simple touch of a button, and have access to a lot of other information, as well.

Strong time management skills and the ability to keep track of a myriad of details at the same time have proved to be a valuable skill for Ron. "There are only so many hours in the day, so it is important to set time apart to devote to each task. My highly-systematized method of doing business has allowed me to tackle each task efficiently, no matter how big or small the task is, I see that each one gets the attention it requires."

His secret is simple: hard work and a team that shares the common goal of conscientious, quality customer service.