One of the most complex and significant events in people’s lives is the purchase or sale of their real estate–and most people turn to an agent to assist them in these transactions. Before you select a professional real estate agent, however, you should determine if he/she is qualified to handle your Virginia Beach real estate business, what he actually does, and how he is paid.

REQUIREMENTS: All real estate brokers and sales agents must be licensed by their state. Although the rules and regulations of individual states vary, most require educational courses, a written examination, and license renewal every 1 or 2 years. Usually between 30 and 90 hours of formal coursework are required in topics such as real estate principles, contracts, and ethics to ensure that the agent has a thorough knowledge of the fundamentals and legal aspects of the field. Many states also have a continuing education requirement. In addition, many agents are members of the National Association of Realtors, an organization designed to provide an exchange of ideas to improve the industry as needed in order to protect the consumer and provide quality service.

SERVICES PROVIDED: A good agent wears many hats and is knowledgeable about many aspects of real estate. An agent handling your Virginia Beach real estate business should:

• be familiar with your target area

• represent a buyer or seller in the purchase or sale of real estate

• search for suitable buyers and/or properties

• assist in procuring financing for your Virginia Beach real estate
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Joyce Sharples is The Butler Team’s Client Care Coordinator.

Joyce Sharples is The Butler Team’s Client Care Coordinator.  Joyce’s primary job is to be certain that all members of The Butler Team:  Ruth Ann, Dave, Denise and YOU stay completely informed and up to date.  She provides accurate and timely updates to our buyers and sellers.  Her constant communication with our clients ensures a seamless transaction.

In 2007, Joyce moved to Virginia from New Hampshire where she had been a licensed real estate broker for twenty years.  Relocating isn’t new to Joyce, between her personal moves and assisting others in their relocation, she understands that moving, whether across town or across country, can be a trying experience.  Call her, she’s there for you!

Ruth Ann Macklin (formerly Butler) has been in the Real Estate business since 1987

Ruth Ann Macklin (formerly Butler) has been in the Real Estate business since 1987. She was The Butler Team’s leader until 2005, but now works behind the scenes as Marketing Specialist, creating the marketing materials for the Team and for the properties we list and sell.

Ruth Ann obtained the ABR (Accredited Buyer’s Representative), CRS (Certified Residential Specialist) and GRI (Graduate Realtors Institute) and is an Associate Broker. Ruth Ann is married to Team Leader, Dave. She and Dave have 4 sons, Matthew, Tim, Greg and Brian.

Ruth Ann has grew up in West Trenton, NJ and lived in Vermont, Massachusetts and Rhode Island before moving to Virginia Beach in 1982. She is a real beach bum and can be found walking or reading on the beach anytime the weather permits. Her other hobbies are gardening and travel.

Ruth Ann graduated from Wilson College with a Bachelors Degree in Sociology and ran an Inn in Vermont before becoming a Mom and then a Realtor.

Although, Ruth Ann enjoyed working directly with buyers and sellers, she was ready for a change and now enjoys focusing on marketing. So much so, she has opened a Virtual Assistant business, helping Realtors all around the country with their marketing. Be sure to visit her website, myREassistant.com.

Dave Macklin is the Butler Team leader, specializing in assisting Sellers and Landlords to sell and manage their properties. Dave’s knowledge of the market conditions and negotiating skills assure Sellers top dollar for their property with a minimum of disruption in their lives.

Dave also enjoys working with Buyers to help them achieve their goal of home ownership. Whether a 1st home, move-up home, 2nd home, vacation or investment property Dave has the knowledge and expertise to make the purchase a great experience!

Dave firmly believes that there is no substitute for education and continues to attend classes and seminars whenever possible, keeping him on the cutting edge of the real estate industry.

One of Dave’s greatest strengths is Active Listening, listening for both the spoken and unspoken meanings in statements and actions. This allows him to do a superior job of negotiating in his clients’ best interest.

Dave has obtained a number of designations…the ABR (Accredited Buyer’s Representative), CRS (Certified Residential Specialist) and GRI (Graduate Realtors Institute) and is an Associate Broker. He is a member of the National Association of Realtors, Real Estate Information Network, RE/MAX International Network and the Hampton Roads Realtor Association. He also belongs to the by-invitation-only organization, Cyber Professionals.

Dave grew up and lived in Columbus OH most of his life and sold real estate there for 15 years prior to moving to Virginia Beach. Dave moved to Virginia Beach in 1998 after meeting Ruth Ann (wife and Team marketing specialist) on the Internet (In one of our real estate marketing groups). In his spare time, Dave loves to play golf and relax on the beach…his license plate is BchTme (Beach Time). And there is no better place to do this than in Virginia Beach!

Dave and the rest of the Team are here to guide you through your real estate transaction, whether you are buying, selling or managing property, they are here to help. They use cutting edge technology combined with good, old fashioned service to give you the best real estate experience possible, while getting the best deal!