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Although there has been a decline in prices over the past few years, Dan Gutfreund says the real estate market is seeing significant signs of revival and uptick in purchase prices, as qualified buyers have re-entered the market and are taking advantage of accurately priced homes. As a realty specialist with SKBK Sotheby's, Gutfreund has seen just about everything, and it's because of this experience that he can speak with confidence and enthusiasm about the stability of our market conditions.

A passionate, positive thinker, Gutfreund is also a realist who knows that earning customer trust requires more than just being a good listener. He knows exactly what is needed to make his customers want to invest in the housing market again. After all, buying a home is one of the most important decisions that any person or family ever makes, and Gutfreund stays ahead of market variances so that he can offer his customers the most up-to-date information and market resources available.

Gutfreund specializes in Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, and Oakland County luxury real estate, but is equally comfortable in qualifying and working with clients in the unique surrounding neighborhoods. For 18 years, he has successfully negotiated new construction builds and multimillion-dollar projects, and he creates a customized marketing plan for the homes he lists through Sotheby's.

"SKBK Sotheby's represents clients throughout Michigan. Wherever there is a relevant lifestyle, we typically have a presence," Gutfreund says.

With hundreds of offices worldwide, SKBK Sotheby's has the advantage of bringing national and international exposure to their listings. This internationally recognized brokerage also has an ongoing list of potential buyers who are often corporate executives and bring new buying power to the local economy. Many are relocating to the metro Detroit area to further the automotive recovery. "It's a welcoming sign," notes Gutfreund — one that he says should continue to help the local housing market in the coming years.

In addition to his extensive knowledge of the Oakland County market, Gutfreund has cultivated real estate relationships across the United States with Fortune 500 leaders who trust him and rely on him for action and advice. They know his background, know that he successfully built three companies from the ground up, and know that he has a wealth of knowledge regarding building materials and interior finishes. He produces sales and gets results, and that makes everyone happy in the real estate business.

"I know how to buy smart and seek out good-quality homes for future investment and opportunities," he says. Gutfreund is instinctively aware of the power of staging a home to get the maximum value for his sellers. His advice? Less is more. Reduce clutter, minimize furniture and artwork, and provide a home where potential buyers can easily envision themselves.

Gutfreund offers tips for clients on an online blog where he advises on staging, separating wants from needs, and determining an amenity list to narrow buying options.

The simple tips and strategies he offers may prove to be the success in strategically matching the right buyer with the right property.

"Now is an excellent time to leverage property for positive future growth. Sell with the idea that you can also
buy low," he says. "This brings more, not less, to the future of your portfolio, including more security and sometimes even greater tangible assets."

His commitment towards real estate has earned Gutfreund the respect of colleagues and customers alike. "I appreciate that Sotheby's has evolved alongside today's customer," he says. Customers can view Sotheby's listings in traditional places such as The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times, or they can visit various websites or download a phone app. In the ever-expanding system of social media, Sotheby's has a viable presence. What never changes is the Sotheby's style of presenting homes with distinction.

To succeed in your real estate transaction in today's market, Dan Gutfreund, Sotheby's realty specialist, is hosting a series of informational sessions. These sessions focus on trending, how to market your home for sale, and appraisal pitfalls. Learn successful tips only a Sotheby's representative would know. Call or e-mail dan@skbk.com to reserve your place at the next session, Sept. 28 from 7-9 p.m. at the Community House in Birmingham.

It takes a multidimensional group such as SKBK and Dan Gutfreund to ensure real estate success. Sotheby's is a leader in bringing new homebuyers to Michigan.