Real Estate Consulting

    Expert advice for complex real estate decisions

    Consulting Services

    Objective guidance when you need expert insight, whether you're buying, selling, or investing

    Transaction Guidance

    Navigate complex real estate situations

    Due Diligence

    Thorough analysis before major decisions

    Timing Strategy

    Market timing for buying or selling

    Goal Planning

    Align real estate with life objectives

    Real Consulting Scenarios

    Here's how consulting works in practice. For investment-specific analysis and portfolio strategy, see Real Estate Investing.

    Divorce Settlement

    The Challenge:

    Determining fair property value when emotions run high

    Dawn's Approach:

    Dawn provides objective market analysis to help both parties reach fair agreement. She can recommend appraisers and work with attorneys as needed.

    Inherited Property

    The Challenge:

    Keep, sell, or rent? Multiple heirs with different opinions.

    Dawn's Approach:

    Financial analysis of each option, market value assessment, and guidance on probate real estate requirements.

    Investment Evaluation

    The Challenge:

    Is this deal actually good, or am I missing something?

    Dawn's Approach:

    Comprehensive analysis of the numbers, property condition, market position, and potential red flags.

    Market Timing

    The Challenge:

    Should I buy/sell now or wait for better conditions?

    Dawn's Approach:

    Current market data, historical trends, and honest assessment of what waiting might cost (or save).

    Common Situations

    Dawn provides consulting for a variety of real estate challenges, including relocation and multi-family decisions:

    Divorce or estate settlements
    Inherited property decisions
    Relocation planning
    Downsizing or upsizing strategy
    Development feasibility
    Market value disputes
    Rent vs. buy analysis

    The Consulting Process

    1

    Initial Consultation

    Understand your situation and objectives

    2

    Research & Analysis

    Gather data and evaluate options

    3

    Recommendations

    Clear, actionable advice based on findings

    4

    Implementation Support

    Help execute the chosen strategy

    Consulting Structure

    Initial Consultation

    Up to 1 hour to discuss your situation and determine if consulting is the right fit.

    Complimentary

    Hourly Consulting

    For specific questions or limited-scope projects. Research, analysis, and recommendations.

    Contact for rates

    Project-Based

    Comprehensive analysis for complex situations (estate settlements, investment portfolios, development feasibility).

    Custom quote

    Objective, Unbiased Advice

    Sometimes you need advice without the pressure of a transaction. Dawn offers consulting services where her only goal is to help you make the best decision for your situation, whether that involves buying, selling, or neither.

    When Dawn Recommends Against Action

    Part of honest consulting is telling clients what they might not want to hear:

    • • "The numbers don't support this investment at this price"
    • • "Waiting 6 months could save you $20,000"
    • • "This property has issues that outweigh its potential"
    • • "You'd be better served renting than buying right now"

    Consulting FAQs

    How is consulting different from agent representation?

    Agent representation involves representing you in a transaction (buying or selling). Consulting is purely advisory. Dawn provides analysis and recommendations without any expectation of a transaction. Sometimes consulting leads to representation, sometimes it leads to a decision not to transact at all.

    When should I hire a consultant vs. an agent?

    Consulting works best when you're unsure whether you should act, need objective analysis before committing, or face a complex situation (estate, divorce, investment analysis). If you've already decided to buy or sell, agent representation is typically more appropriate.

    Do you have any conflicts of interest as a consultant?

    Dawn is transparent about this: as a licensed real estate agent, she naturally benefits when clients decide to transact. However, her consulting philosophy is to give honest advice even when it means recommending against a transaction. Her reputation is worth more than any single commission.

    Can consulting fees be credited toward commission if I later list or buy?

    Yes, in most cases. If the consulting engagement leads to you choosing to work with Dawn as your agent, you can discuss crediting some or all consulting fees toward the transaction. This is negotiable and discussed upfront.

    Need Expert Guidance?

    Let Dawn discuss your situation and explore your options. Learn about Dawn's approach or explore the Marquette area.