Business

Meet the agent: Diane Dunbar of Century 21 Albertson Realty

KATHARINE SCHROEDER PHOTODiane Dunbar outside her Greenport office.
KATHARINE SCHROEDER PHOTODiane Dunbar outside her Greenport office.

She didn’t relocate to the North Fork full time until the early 2000s, but Diane Dunbar’s memories of the area began taking shape when she was a child, during summers at her family’s East Marion cottage on Peconic Bay.

“It was always my husband’s and my goal to someday make the move to year-round, permanent residency,” said Ms. Dunbar, an agent with Century 21 Albertson Realty in Greenport. “We made that move in 2002.”

Now, the former advertising and media sales veteran can’t imagine working — let alone living — anywhere else.

“There is so much the North Fork has to offer,” she said. “Great beaches, fantastic restaurants, wineries to fit everyone’s tastes, boating, fishing, sailing and farm stands that bring local produce to your table.”

Having worked in advertising and media sales for more than 35 years in New York City before embarking on her current career, Ms. Dunbar believes she’s particularly well-equipped to sell homes.

“I think [my professional background] prepared me for several aspects of selling real estate: the presentation of the product, defining the potential salability, the negotiations and bringing the deal together,” she said. “It’s a very similar work mode.”

Q: Tell us about the first house you ever sold on the North Fork.

A: It was a listing for one of my neighbors, who was relocating to be closer to family. I think it was bittersweet for both of us, since our families had known each other for so long and her daughter and I were close summer pals every year. But it was a win-win for both sides since the house sold for more than the seller expected and the new buyers became an important part of the community.

Q: How do you start your day?

A: By going through all the emails that have accumulated during the night — and there are many — and responding where necessary, initiating new messages and planning the rest of my day. I log on to the Multiple Listing Service database and catch up on any changes: new listings, price changes, open houses. Since my day usually starts around 5:30 in the morning, I can get a lot done before phone calls and personal calls can be made.

Q: What is the most challenging aspect of being a realtor?

A: Bringing the buyers and the sellers together so that everyone is happy with the process and the outcome. This is also the most rewarding thing. Occasionally, you’ll come across seller’s remorse or buyer’s remorse, but for the most part that may be a fleeting emotion. When both sides are smiling at the closing table, you know you’ve done your job well. <@ALL_Body copy bold>

Q: What sets you apart from other realtors?<\n>A: <@$p>I think it’s my steadfast dedication to the listings I generate. My service goes above and beyond just listing and advertising. I make sure I’m present for every showing because, as the listing agent, no one should know more about my product — the home — than I do. When I take a listing, your home becomes my home.

Caption: Diane Dunbar outside her company’s office on Front Street in Greenport. (Credit: Katharine Schroeder)

[email protected]