LOCAL PROFILES
Real Estate Exec: Sharon Exharos

Whirlwind, powerhouse and dynamo are words that one might use to describe Sharon Exarhos of Realty Executives in Las Vegas, and they wouldn't be an exaggeration. She is a woman in perpetual motion, and Real Estate is her passion. "I'm a 'cup is half full' kind of person," she says. "And I believe every day is a good day."

As a third-generation REALTOR® (her daughter is now the fourth generation in the business), Sharon grew up hearing the language of Real Estate and watching her father and grandfather display a strong work ethic and great people skills. As a teenager in New Mexico, she worked two summer jobs at a time, and a 40-hour work week in addition to her high school classes.

Sharon inherited a deep appreciation for land from her grandfather, who was a developer in Grand Junction, CO, and her affinity for wide open spaces lead her to accept a position with the Bureau of Land Management. As their wild horse and burro specialist she was in charge of adopting out animals across the United States, and later became BLM's public affairs specialist for 30 states and volunteer coordinator for 32 states.

In 1976, Sharon decided it was time to follow family tradition and go into Real Estate. She earned her license in California and started to work at a time when interest rates were as high as 17.5 percent. "I knocked on 1,500 doors in one month," she recalls, "and made four transactions."

Over the years, she has sold ranches, residential and vacation properties, condos and ocean-view land, and still practices some of the business techniques that boosted her to success in those early years. "I have a goal of talking to 500 people a week," Sharon says, "and I like to meet them in person.”

Being knowledgeable about her community is a quality that gives potential clients confidence in Sharon's ability to help them find exactly the type of property they're seeking, whether they're coming from across the country or across the globe. "We have 5,000 to 7,000 people moving here each month," she says. "And with more than 80 languages spoken here. It's a place where everyone fits in."

Sharon believes that the area's many gated communities are a big draw for clients looking for second homes or vacation homes, because they're more protected when the owners aren't in town. And potential business developers are drawn by Las Vegas' 24-hour work force. Many of her clients buy homes or condos and rent them out until they're ready to occupy them themselves.

The great weather and relaxed lifestyle of the area are always an attraction, as Sharon likes to remind potential clients from other parts of the country. "I always tell them they can leave their coats, hats and gloves behind and just bring tennis shoes and a baseball cap," she laughs.

Because so many people come to Las Vegas to get away, Sharon says that holiday weekends are often her busiest times. "I usually get them after they've done all the tourist things and they're tired," she explains. "So I need to have their options ready to offer them." Good customer service is key to not only making the first sale, but a healthy return and referral business as well.

Sharon is also adamant about creating good relationships with other REALTORS® and other companies. "It's not a 'me' business, it's a 'we' business," she says. "Networking and making the right contacts benefits the whole community." She is a charter board member of the Las Vegas High-Rise & Condominium Association, active in her church, belongs to the Chamber of Commerce and serves on two committees for the National Association of REALTORS®.

Sharon has earned her ABR and will soon be a Risk Reduction Graduate. The RRG is a new designation by the Greater Las Vegas Association of REALTORS®, and is taught entirely by attorneys. She is also a member of the RRG Society, which provides updates to keep designees informed about changing laws affecting Real Estate.

In 2010, Sharon will be president of the Las Vegas chapter of the Women's Council of REALTORS®, and she's preparing by being the 2009 membership chair. "The Council isn't just for women," Sharon explains, "and it isn't just for REALTORS®. It's a great place for home inspectors, landscapers, title searchers, mortgage bankers, etc. to network."

Always the optimist, Sharon isn't worried about the present Real Estate market. "I work hard and I'm as busy as I can be," she says, "and I've been through all the different Real Estate cycles. It'll be ok."

In her spare time, this human tornado doesn't slow down. She loves to spend time with her two children, five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, and she enjoys eating Greek food with her husband. They like to travel, and hope to go to the Holy Land in the near future. "And," Sharon adds, "I'd like to get into square dancing." Her goal for the future? "I'm a fitness fanatic," she laughs. "I'd like to live to be 150 years old."

For more information about Sharon and her business, go to www.livinginthelasvegasvalley.com. She can also be reached by e-mail at Sharon@livinginthelasvegasvalley.com or by phone at (702) 858-1200.