Christiansen: Realtor with exemplary experience

In the spring of 1986, Harry Christiansen started selling real estate and relocated to Fallbrook with his wife, Isabelle.

Before becoming a Fallbrook resident, Christiansen had already established impressive credentials as a Certified Public Accountant, land developer and home builder and venture capitalist. He ran a worldwide marketing electronics company and acted as a business consultant. He excelled in every position and each would link him to yet another opportunity.

“I never went looking for a job in my life,” added Christiansen. His clear-sightedness in business and his attention to work ethic shined brightly, so new career paths always found him.

Though it was in 1986 that he became a professional Realtor, he had dealt with real estate projects long before this. A CPA in San Francisco, Christiansen had numerous tax clients who were developers in Sacramento.

“I got myself transferred [to Sacramento] to work with those people,” said Christiansen. “I became the number two man in a one-man company.” At this job, they subdivided and built homes, apartments and shopping centers.

“I really loved houses and dealing with the people,” he said. His past experience dovetailed into his rapidly growing real estate expertise.

When Christiansen settled into Fallbrook as an agent, he instinctively knew he did not want to be part of a large company, because he felt it would restrain him with franchise rules. Focusing on volume and earning copious amounts of money was not a priority.

“To me, [money] is not the most important thing in the world,” Christiansen said.

Real estate transactions have changed over the years, Christiansen explained. These days, properties are sold on the Multiple Listing System (MLS).

“Right now, about three-quarters of all the sales are from out of area agents,” he said.

Christiansen knows Fallbrook, Bonsall, De Luz and Rainbow and is well-educated in all their real estate nuances. Being a board member of the Fallbrook Community Planning Group for the past 16 years has also been an ongoing educational experience for him. His knowledge of the area sets him apart from agents who are unfamiliar with the territory.

Most of all, Christiansen has roots in the town he lives in and enjoys being a Realtor. “I’m in real estate because I still love houses and I still love dealing with people.”

An expert negotiator, Christiansen is keen in all stages of a real estate transaction. “I recognize what people want on the other side of the table,” he explained. Once recognition is captured, a deal can be made.

Right now, the real estate market is “dead slow,” said Christiansen. Being through this type of slump before, Christiansen offers some wise advice to help to his clientele climb out of this gelatinous state.

“I have to be honest with [clients]; if I’m not honest with [clients], then I am not doing my job,” he said.

For example, he might tell sellers to cut the price another five percent and/or accept a bit lower offer, because if they don’t in this day and age, a home could take a very long time sell.

Christiansen was awarded the prestigious Fallbrook Chamber of Commerce Lifetime Achievement in January. And as a Realtor, he continues to provide individualized service, honesty and integrity to his clientele.

Christiansen can be reached at (760) 728-3725 or [email protected]. He also invites visitors to his Web site at http://www.Fallbrook-Realty.com.