The Jewish Link sat down with Linda Stamker to learn a little bit about her and her life in real estate, the real estate market, and her advice to people looking to follow in her footsteps.

Where do you live?

Bergenfield.

When did you start working in this position?

2007.

What do you like most about your job?

That my clients tell me they couldn’t have bought or sold their home without me — that’s the true essence of providing value. When I represent a seller, they know I got them the highest price for their home and handled the entire process for them. There is so much involved in the sale of a home and it’s a daunting task to understand and manage it all. When I work with a buyer, they are so grateful I found their home, guided them through the process, and advocated and negotiated for them until the end.

What are the challenges of your job?

Managing a process that is both a highly sophisticated financial transaction and a very personal life event. Since a home is often the most valuable asset a person owns and it’s also the center of their lives, I find it really important to help my clients make smart business decisions while understanding the many emotions involved.

What is the strangest thing that happened to you on the job?

I happened to be selling an investment property for my client that was right next door to where I lived. At 10 p.m. the night before this closing, I heard fire engines and looked out my window to see the structure in flames. I had to call my client and say, “I don’t think we’re closing tomorrow….”

What advice would you give someone looking to sell a home in this market?

First and foremost, only work with a licensed real estate agent. According to the National Association of Realtors, sellers who try to sell their homes on their own sell for 16% less than when working with an agent. Not only that, there are no less than 50 steps an agent handles during the sales process. Most sellers aren’t even aware of all the things their agent does behind the scenes. Do your homework and hire a top agent who is an expert in your town — someone with a lot of experience, a proven track record and sterling references. Then meet with them to make sure there is chemistry between you because you’re going to be working very closely together. An agent is a knowledgeable and experienced advisor, negotiator and advocate, and will most likely become a trusted friend.

What advice would you give someone looking to buy a home in this market?

Find an agent you trust who can be your advocate. Real estate agents will prepare you for the buying process, help you find a home, prevent you from overpaying, point out defects or issues with a property even before you make an offer, and educate you every step of the way. There are too many pitfalls in buying a home that can be very costly if you don’t know what you’re doing. In a competitive market like the one we’re in now, a real estate agent can help you put together an offer that stands out among others. And getting your offers accepted is just the start. Agents provide invaluable advice through the contract process, inspections, appraisals and so much more.

Do you have a mentor/business role model?

I have learned so much over the years from the brokers I’ve worked with and from industry leaders I follow. The real estate industry is always evolving, and I invest literally hours every week staying on top of real estate and mortgage trends and new marketing tools and regulations, with the sole purpose of providing more value to my clients. In the past three months, I have attended a two-day marketing summit with the top 1% of real estate agents across the country, completed a two-day course to earn the Accredited Buyers Representative designation from the Realtor Association, and attended a marketing seminar with the #1 real estate marketing guru to learn best-in-class marketing techniques to serve my seller clients.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to go into your field?

If you’re going into real estate because it seems like fun to find homes for your friends and family and you can “set your own schedule,” think twice. I recently heard Jerry Seinfeld say that you should “Find the torture you’re comfortable with and you’ll do well.” For me, real estate is a 24/6, around-the-clock obsession. I’m never not working; I even dream about my work! If you’re really invested in your clients and care about every single transaction, it’s torture. But it’s the torture I love.

What do you like to do in your free time?

I love to start my day with a challenging, energizing gym class that sets the tone for my whole day. I’m an avid reader of current events and real estate industry news, which I think is essential to my career. I also usually read a book a week, historical fiction is my favorite. But spending time with my family is the most meaningful and enjoyable thing I can do. I treasure every moment with my son and I take daily walks with my husband and our yorkie Piper. She’s lovable, feisty and an endless source of amusement. And my favorite luxuries?

Unquestionably, interesting travel, amazing food and good wine!