Sides a knowledgeable icon of Fallbrook real estate

At Coldwell Banker Landmark Group, broker associate Geri Sides shares her immense real estate knowledge with others and is known for her fun-loving personality.

Sides’ comic wit is not only refreshing but makes doing business with this professional all the more pleasurable.

Sides has specialized in Fallbrook area real estate for 28 years but has a total of 37 years of experience in the industry.

“I can tell you anything about Fallbrook and Bonsall that you want to know; get me out of Fallbrook and Bonsall and I have to use my GPS [global positioning system],” said Sides, laughing.

Along with Sides’ classic humor, she is a savvy agent who has received numerous accolades, including International Presidents Circle, International Sterling Society, International Diamond’s Society, Top Producing Agent, Top Selling Agent and Outstanding Performance awards.

The great thing about working with a seasoned agent like Sides is that she has been through the tumultuous market before and doesn’t see any reason whatsoever to be an alarmist.

Like anything else in life, real estate will get better; Sides says she is seeing the change for the better already.

“The market is picking up and I can feel it,” she said. “We are getting walk-ins here by the droves now and there is movement.”

Still a buyer’s market, the choices are unbelievable, not to mention the low interest rates being an eye-catcher.

“When I came to Fallbrook the interest rate was 17.5 percent and now it is 4.5 to five percent; it’s like you’ve died and gone to heaven,” quipped Sides, adding that she never thought she’d see single-digit interest rates again.

Sides also pointed out that there are loans out there for “everybody.”

Likewise, if one does not want to pay mortgage insurance, she explained, they can put 20 percent down on the loan.

For Sides, the best part of real estate is being with people. “I have a good rapport with people and I haven’t been thrown out of too many cars,” she joked. “I just love what I do and I love real estate.”

Her talent in the industry is evident, as nearly 95 percent of her business is derived from referrals.

After a transaction is completed, Sides said, she always keeps in touch with her clients, many of whom become friends.

What makes her career even more enjoyable is working with Coldwell Banker Landmark Group.

“They are a wonderful company,” said Sides. “And they are so on top of everything. If a new law comes out, we hear about it immediately.”

Aside from being knowledgeable and enthusiastic about her business, Sides is available around the clock for her clients.

“I am married to a horse trainer and we never get out of town, but because I’m not much of a morning person, maybe you can call me a little later in the day,” she said, grinning.

One of Sides’ favorite getaways is Del Mar during racing season. Watching their family-owned horses from Sides Racing Stable galloping around the track is always a thrill.

Sides is known to watch the calendar until Opening Day in July. And when that time arrives, she places a small sign on her desk that reads, “Gone to the races. Be back tomorrow.”

Although Sides has fun at the races, she has also been known to multitask top-notch real estate business at the track in the owner’s lounge.

“With my cell phone and their fax and copier machines, I do work out of Del Mar,” she said.

Regardless of how much Sides adores the racetrack and enjoys her time there, for her, Fallbrook and Bonsall are still the best places to reside. “Our area is upscale rural living at its best!” she exclaimed.

Geri Sides can be reached at (760) 731-5174 and [email protected].

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