Mara Erlandson

Since she decided to call Grand County home in 1988, Mara Erlandson has not missed a day outdoors. In winter, she is on the Nordic ski trails, in summer, on her mountain bike. “Every day, after work, I need to get out into nature, without fail,” she says.? ? Her lifestyle here is about being present, but so, too, is her work in real estate. “With our clients, we are?focused on the result, but we make a point to enjoy the journey. I love exploring a property that is new to me or turning somebody else on to a great property is really fun. The day-to-day business is never the same, which makes it interesting and challenging but we also get the opportunity to get excited for our clients.” ? Despite being in touch with her clients’ feelings of joy, Mara strives to be a calm, cool and collected negotiator and partner. “Keeping extreme emotions out of the transaction is important,” she adds. “We are therapists when it comes to keeping things level and not as emotional as it could be. I grew up in a family of nine kids. You learn to share, negotiate... you learn relationships and patience.”? ? Early in her career Mara worked to build her real estate foundation by receiving her Graduate Realtor Institute designation, and in 2005 earned the prestigious Certified Residential Specialist. Fewer than 3% of realtors nationwide currently hold this designation which is the highest professional designation awarded to realtors in the residential sales field. She also acquired her Resort and Second Home Specialist certification, which is critical for the Grand County market. ? When describing her team’s style, she explains “we are not bulldogs. We want to make it easy for other agents to collaborate with us, because that benefits our clients. We hope to have a reputation for that, and in a small community, it is critical.”? “I’m one of those connector people,” Mara says. “I have a lot of acquaintances and I love connecting my clients and friends, helping them feel part of the community. ?I like to introduce them to volunteering opportunities with our local non-profit organizations or invite them to book clubs, library, and town events. I enjoy seeing clients become a part of the fabric of our community.” ? Fast Facts: Favorite trail:? The new WTB and Razzmatazz Favorite org:? Pet Pals, Headwaters Trails Alliance Favorite bite:? Paella’s and Durbar in Winter Park?Grand County’s best kept secret:? Hot Sulphur Springs hot springs resort