Whether it's the specifics of a residential sale, the intricacies of a land deal, the cutting edge of technology or ways to lessen a client's risk, Chris Anderson is in the know. Chris, who represents Town & Country Realty, Inc., is tops in her field in those areas and more, which is a boon to every client she works with. "I think knowledge is what sets agents apart," said Chris. "I strive to obtain more knowledge to benefit my clients." Chris sells a variety of residential properties, including single-family homes found on city lots, 1- to 10-acre "ranchettes" and horse properties that are abundant in the Ramona area, where she's based. "The back country is quiet, family oriented with traditional values and a reputation for being friendly. Living and working here, I have found that more than the sun beams all year round - wearing a smile is almost a part of the dress code," she said.
Many customers wanting to find a custom or semi-custom home in the area select Chris because of the insights she can provide regarding complex zoning laws. She also has the insider knowledge about what's being proposed regarding growth and development - elements that might dramatically change a community's look a few years down the road. Chris participates in a large number of commissions and boards. She's been elected to the Ramona Community Planning Group, is a member of the Ramona Design Review Board, been appointed to the Ramona Village Design Committee and also has been appointed as an alternate to the General Plan 2020 Interest Group, which centers on the future planning of the county's unincorporated areas. Chris said, "Being locally active, I feel I can help shape the future as well as preserve the past. "All that I do is because of my passion to set myself apart with knowledge and expertise in real estate," she said. "For instance, the Planning Group gives me knowledge of projects that are proposed for development, county funding for our local parks and trails systems, and circulation elements, such as future roads and traffic." Clients appreciate Chris' thirst for real estate knowledge. "Chris was a tremendous source of support and information and made buying a house easy," said Cindy Tarantino. "We heard from her constantly regarding new listings, updates and for everything we needed." "I liked the personal attention and consideration she gave to our particular situation," said Jackie Rieber. "We are extremely grateful to Chris for all the hard work and dedication she gave our escrow from beginning to end." Chris also offers understanding and compassion for others facing some of life's tougher situations. "When you're going through a hardship, like bankruptcy, probate or divorce, and then you have it coupled with the stress of having to deal with real property, it can be more than a little stressful," said Chris. "I steer them through it and get them the best deal with the least amount of pain."		Chris at her client's ranch house. She and her clients may be located in a rural setting, but don't confuse that with lack of sophistication. Chris is proud that she is up to date on the latest generation of devices available, including phone, Internet, tablet computer and more. PHOTO © JAMES JAEGER PHOTOGRAPHY

LAND: UNDERNEATH IT ALL Nothing is quite as complicated in real estate as selling and buying land, one of the reasons Chris set out to master it. "I was told early on it's like driving a car: Once you learn stick, you can drive anything, and, once I knew land, I knew I could sell anything. Land and home sales can go in any number of directions, and it takes understanding and knowledge to navigate through the transaction," she said. Chris's knowledge can also help locals looking to buy properties. "Many buyers today are looking to buy a couple of acres and build a 'family compound' on it. They want two homes on one parcel," she said. "I can direct them to the proper counter at the county and where to begin their research with county codes and find the property with the proper zoning that fits their needs. Having the knowledge of working with the county and selling real estate is a nice blend that benefits my clients."
She also appreciates the history of the land, how it has been conveyed and how people have chosen to use it. PHOTO © JAMES JAEGER PHOTOGRAPHY		TECHNOLOGICALLY SOUND Making Chris unique among Realtors is her mantra of "us ing tomorrow's technology to sell real estate today." "I've always been technologically intrigued," she said. Not afraid to take on the cutting edge, she was one of the first in Southern California to purchase and use the Real Estate Dashboard, a computer program specific to real estate and its myriad of documents. She also has a tablet computer, which allows for electronic signatures on documents, easing the transaction process for all involved. "I'm up to date on the latest devices out there, be it the phone, Internet or other communication vehicle," she said. "Communication is the key to real estate." Her clients can take advantage of their agent's know-how, too, with e-mailed documents and copies of signed ones available in a password-protected area on her website, realestatechris.com. "They are already moving and packing, and have enough chaos in their life at that moment. They can go onto my site, and go in, and get every document they need," she said. "It's been fabulous for out-of-area clients, too. I can be anywhere, or they can be anywhere and we can do business." It also helps with paperwork that's exchanged between agents, title companies and escrow companies, which means a quicker transaction completion.
Chris started her career as a client coordinator and also became an assistant to the number one agent in the office. It piqued her own interest, and she became an agent soon after. Chris was named Rookie of the Year her first year in business and, in her career as a Realtor, has never had less than a multimillion-dollar year. She specializes in Ramona, Julian, Mesa Grande, Santa Ysabel and other unincorporated areas of San Diego County, specifically the back country. Among her accolades was being named San Diego County's Realtor of the Year 2001" by the San Diego Association of Realators (SDAR). She has held the office of President, Vice President, Treasurer and Director of the Ramona Real Estate Association. Heavily involved in SDAR, Chris is, or has been, the Chair of the organization's Realator/Attorney Committee, member of the Risk Management Committee, Professional Standards Executive Committee, Events Committee and Communications Committee. Chris co-authored the Vacant Land Transfer Disclosure Statement, a disclosure that facilitates the sellers in disclosing material facts about their property to potential buyers. She also works with attorney firms, where she handles their client bankruptcy, foreclosure and probate sales or serves as an expert witness. She's a believer in strong industry ethics and has been a member of several committees that help guard professional standards in the industry. In the end, however, it all comes back to looking for ways and knowledge to better serve her clients. It's an asset clients recognize and appreciate. "We liked Chris' product knowledge and her integrity," said Ken and Sally Westbrook. "The customer service we received in making repairs needed to close was exceptionally professional and efficient." Adds Ramona resident Debra Dunbar, "We really feel that Chris was more than a real estate agent, she was a friend. We are pleased to have met such a nice person in our community."
A Ramona resident since 1985, Chris describes her community by saying, "For Southern California, it still has a rural country feel, but a much better climate. It's a nice small town, and there's snow, desert, ocean or another country in just 45 minutes." PHOTO © JAMES JAEGER PHOTOGRAPHY, WWW.JAMESJAEGER.COM