(A photo of me) You decide. Do I look like my caricature?

LET'S MAKE THIS FUN WHILE WE GET THE JOB DONE!!!

I believe life is too short to not have fun while you do an excellent job at your chosen career. That's been my motto throughout my life, and it has served me well and tends to make transactions more enjoyable for the people I assist in real estate.



YES, I'VE HAD A LOT OF LIFE EXPERIENCE BUT I'M NOT OLD AND STUFFY!

I have worn a LOT of different hats in my life...but somehow they all play into my real estate career. I have been assisting people with their real estate needs whether just consulting, or helping purchase or sell for over 5 years. In my LBRE (Life Before Real Estate) had a lot of twists and turns that prepared me for this multi-faceted industry. Most notably though, was my combined 20 years in writing, marketing and advertising.

I have found that this is my "secret" ingredient to getting the job done for my clients. It also brings a flair for the creative to my projects and allows me to put some special touches on my listings that other realtors do not offer.

My other "careers" were in radio broadcasting (dj) and promotion, owner of a bakery and catering company; publishing company editorial assistant; mail carrier and waitress.

Which means: I have a voice to record your free 888 recording; I make great food for open houses; I know how to edit my work and write great copy; I am great at delivering things, and I can fetch a cup of coffee with the best of 'em. I also use those food skills when I have client parties!

MY EARS WORK AND SO DOES MY HEART!
I pride myself on listening to client's needs. This is not a "one size fits all" business. People have different needs and situations. Compassion is important. Moving is not always a pleasurable experience, and a Realtor needs to be sensitive to that.

EDUCATION AND CREDENTIALS

I am an involved Realtor who believes education is important and what sets apart the folks who "phone it in" and those who are really in this as a career. In my five years in real estate I have attained my GRI (Graduate Realtor Institute) designation; my ABR (Accredited Buyer Representative); completed the At Home With Diversity course; attained my Michigan Broker's License; served as the President of the Women's Council of Realtors Western Michigan Chapter for 2007, and VP of Membership for 2008; and since my first full year in real estate placed consistently among the top 10 producing agents at my former brokerage (out of 160 agents). Of course I am a member of the Michigan Association of Realtors, the Grand Rapids Association of Realtors and the National Association of Realtors. I am an entrepreneur and  the founder and owner of Donna Batdorff Associates, Your Way Realty.

DO I HAVE REAL ESTATE EXPERIENCE?

Of course I do. I've sold well over 100 homes in every part of the Greater Grand Rapids community, every type, single family, condo, and multi family, in every condition and in every price range, new, old, foreclosures, shortsales, luxury and modest...I've done it all.

YEAH, THAT'S ALL NICE, BUT CAN I SELL YOUR HOUSE?

Of course I can! I'm sure you've heard it before: homes are sold 3 ways: price, condition and location. You can't control or change the location, but we can control condition and set the right price. Hey, it bears repeating. It's true. If you heed the advice I give you up front about condition, and we set a realistic price we will get your home sold. I have sold many homes in the first week of listing at full price or above. This isn't just lip service, I have records and stats to support every claim.

AND CAN YOU HELP ME BUY A GREAT HOUSE?

Of course I can! I really try to bring the extra touch to success for my buyers. First of all, I am an Accredited Buyer's Representative, which means I've taken extra education to serve buyers. I havea full understanding of the needs and wants and take time before we even begin to educate my buyers with a book I've written. Whether we need to look at one home or 100 homes to find you the right one, we'll do it and we'll succeed.


AND I SHARE MY KNOWLEDGE

I love to help others be all that they can be, so I share my knowledge and teach other Realtors how to market their listings, and themselves, how to develop their listing presentations and computer skills.



AND WHAT MAKES ME, ME?

 I love travelling, with Paris being my favorite place, but there are so many places I've been and each is special. I love to cook, and have taken lots of cooking courses, and even have taught some. It probably goes without saying that I also love to eat. To work off the calories I do Zumba, Yoga, Pilates, bike and blade. I am a ballroom dancer, having taken lessons far before it was so fashionable. I've done some competing and showcases with Arthur Murray Dance studios. I'm currently shopping for a poodle. I love home decor and am an Ikea junkie.

I suffered a life threatening illness in 1996, from which I've fully recovered, but due to it I began a non-profit foundation and field questions and provide information in regard to necrotizing fasciitis through the NNFF and have written a book on the subject. I am from the southern part of the state (that would be Detroit), and was raised in Grosse Ile, an island between Trenton and Amerstberg, Canada. I attended Ferris State College in journalism. I am an amateur gardener, and am proud to say my garden has been featured in Grand Gardens Magazine. 

I love to entertain and some of my parties are legendary. If you get to know me, you'll find out. I live on a little lake at the Grandville/Wyoming, Michigan city line and have a 13 foot electric pontoon boat that provides me with a lot of backyard sunset cruises.