Danko receives 2017 REALTOR® Award of Excellence

FALLBROOK – Deborah Danko of Windermere Homes & Estates is the 2017 recipient of the REALTOR® Award of Excellence for the Fallbrook/Bonsall area.

The Award of Excellence is given to a local REALTOR who demonstrates, among other things, high principles of integrity, adherence to the REALTOR Code of Ethics, service to clients and the community and involvement in local association activities.

Over the last 15 years, Danko has earned a reputation built on trust, respect and reliability. Prior to entering the real estate industry, Danko invested nearly 20 years in the computer software business as a director of sales. Upon entering real estate, her background in the high-tech field was a perfect fit as real estate had just made the leap from paper-based tools and marking into the digital world.

Online marketing and client relationship tools were a seamless integration for Danko into her business. Her corporate life, project management, consulting experience and legal education has provided her the skills, discipline, and work ethic to navigate her clients successfully through the real estate transaction "obstacle course."

Danko's experience in communications, time management and systems are also noteworthy. "Having good systems in place in my business frees up my time to make sure my clients experience a world-class level of service," she said.

As a REALTOR, Danko shines in negotiations. Like project management, she explained, a real estate transaction is all about managing details, troubleshooting and problem-solving to achieve a win-win outcome for all parties. Each transaction has a plan, she explained, whether it is with a buyer or a seller, and Danko's structure makes business run like clockwork.

"In real estate there are so many i's to dot and t's to cross," she said. Her attention to detail is impressive; the hours she commits to her work ensures the job is done right. "I am a full-time REALTOR," she said.

The work ethic developed in the corporate world is engrained in Danko still today, "every day I get up, get dressed, and go to work." Danko primarily deals with residential property and loves working in the greater Fallbrook and Bonsall area.

"I grew up in Michigan where everyone played outside in a large yard." Camping and hiking were her favorite activities. "I love the outdoors, and am just a country girl, in a suit." Danko, her husband and two Boxer dogs reside in Fallbrook. When she finds time to relax, golf, hiking and quilting are her favorites.

In the current real estate market, Danko pushes on with a positive attitude. "Every day, someone is buying or selling a home." Inventory is low, prices are going up, and interest rates are still historically low. "This is the perfect storm for sellers – the best time to sell in a long time." Danko says the challenge is finding homes for buyers or a replacement home for her sellers. "I have to get real creative to find buyers their next home."

Danko's professionalism in the real estate industry makes her a valued member of the Windermere Fallbrook team. "We are thrilled to have Deb in the office", said Diane Hogencamp, Windermere branch manager. "She has a fantastic attitude, is always ready to lend a helping hand, and is a pleasure to work with."

"Our clients hire us for our expertise in negotiating on their behalf, transaction and contract management, and for our sellers, developing and implementing a creative and effective marketing plan to get their home sold," Danko said.

For Danko, transactions mean far more than just a listing and hanging a "for sale" sign in the front yard. An effective agent listens to her clientele, recognizes their mission, develops and implements the plan, and is there from beginning to end. Danko said that her favorite part of the job is turning over the keys to a first-time buyer or someone who just chose Fallbrook as their new home. Helping clients move from one residence into another that better suits their current lifestyle is a joy for her. "I have had the pleasure of helping so many great people here. I enjoy bumping into them around town" said Danko.

Danko is a member of the North San Diego County Board of Realtors and invites visitors to http://www.DeborahDanko.com. To reach her, call (760) 271-4760 or email [email protected].

Excerpts in this article, Village News, March 19, 2009, Christina Macone-Greene.