Navigating the complexities of today's real estate market can be confusing, even daunting, for many. Fortunately, Lisa J. Saul, partner and chair of the Real Estate Group at Forde & O’Meara LLP, brings a wealth of knowledge, experience, and leadership to the table, offering invaluable insights for both REALTORS® and clients alike.

With a natural ability to build personal relationships, foster open communication, and leverage the strengths of her team, Lisa has become a go-to for those seeking guidance in an ever-evolving industry. And with the rapid changes of late, that number is increasing. As Lisa notes:

"Things are increasingly becoming more electronic and tech-based with many lenders utilizing e-signing, so I get a lot more lending questions earlier on in the process than I used to. Email is our best friend and worst enemy, and, with that, it's important for me to provide quick answers and responses, so we function 24/7."

Understanding the pressing challenges clients face in today's market is key to Lisa's strategy. With the fast-paced nature of residential real estate, timely communication and clear guidance are paramount. "It's important to get on the phone with clients," Lisa emphasizes. "We try to explain to clients upfront what to expect from the process, what the various timeframes are, and let them know about pertinent dates ahead of time so they have a better understanding of the transaction process and are prepared for both the lulls and the chaos."

This personal touch helps clients make informed decisions quickly, reduces their stress, and enhances their overall experience, which is why so many of her clients return for future business. It’s a detail Lisa notes with pride: "The most important thing I preach to my team is we want every client to feel like they are the only client," she explains. 

Emphasizing the collective effort of her success, Lisa says she couldn't do what she does without her outstanding team. Each member plays a crucial role. Lisa's team works in harmony to ensure clients receive top-notch service.

"Everyone knows what is going on across the business," Lisa asserts. "So, if a team member receives a call about any part of a file, whether they are working on it or not, they will be able to answer or get back to the client immediately."

Team members Chris Tateo and Jennifer Allen bring legal acumen and dedication to the team, ensuring every case is handled with the utmost professionalism. Jena Annis, the senior paralegal, is a cornerstone of the team's operations, meticulously managing every detail. Julio Rodriguez, the office manager, keeps the office running smoothly with his exceptional organizational skills. Finally, Kay Brubaker, described as the "ringleader," plays a pivotal role in coordinating the team's efforts, ensuring everything runs seamlessly.

Lisa emphasizes the importance of staying informed about market trends and changes in regulations. Her team holds bi-monthly meetings to discuss current trends and address any questions, ensuring they are always up-to-date. For instance, the changes in buyer representation agreements and lender requirements are hot topics that Lisa and her team continuously monitor and discuss. 

Lisa's collaborative style extends to her work with REALTORS®. She makes herself readily available to assist with contract reviews, lending advice, and addressing any concerns that may arise before and during the transaction process. This proactive support ensures smoother transactions and more informed decisions, benefiting both REALTORS® and their clients.

Outside of her professional achievements, Lisa is deeply family-oriented. Her two sons, Jonah and Max, are now in high school, and she treasures the time spent with them. With a shared love of history, country music, and traveling, the family enjoys going to concerts and visiting historical locations. Just this past year, they attended the eightieth anniversary of the D-Day invasion in Normandy. Lisa is also a voracious reader of nonfiction, and has recently found inspiration in Jonah’s love of basketball.

"I often joke with him that I equate his love of basketball to my love of real estate, and that we are both pursuing it [that love] the best we can," she says. 

Lisa also considers her team and everyone she works with, REALTORS® and clients alike, as extended family. She recalls the ten years she spent in commercial real estate before transitioning into residential real estate and considers herself lucky.

"I love the personal aspect of residential real estate—all the relationships I've made along the way," Lisa shares. "I want every client to come out of the transaction feeling like it was more than just business, but a personal experience where we added a personal touch, so they will feel comfortable to reach out to us with questions down the road."