ASK’s Broker

Sharon Hawthorne

Twenty years of investing in Sonoma County real estate before becoming an agent

…convinced me of the need for real estate professionals who approach agency as consulting rather than sales. I became a Realtor with this in mind and continue to strive for noteworthy and superior service by practicing lifelong learning, listening carefully, and operating with utmost respect for each person’s unique style of information gathering and decision-making. I have also garnered certifications in several real estate services specialties.

I was the second agent in Sonoma County to be certified as an Accredited Buyers Representative.

Though I enjoyed working with both buyers and sellers, when this certification first became available in 1998, I was immediately attracted to learning more about the unique challenges and responsibilities of buyer representation. I’ve worked with all sorts of purchasers, from VA buyers and those using 95% financing to acquire their first home, to investors doing 1031 exchanges. Likewise, I’ve represented sellers of all types – from moving up, to downsizing, to giving up property ownership altogether. I am also a Seniors Real Estate Specialist, described in detail under the Unique Services section.

In September 2008, I became a Certified Eco-Green Real Estate Agent…

..followed by earning several advanced certifications related to green building practices and other environmental protection strategies, described here.

I’m a Country Property Specialist.

I grew up on a cattle ranch in Nebraska. I have owned several rural properties in Sonoma County and I have completed multiple Country Property trainings over the years through the Sonoma County Realtors Association. In 2009 I became a Certified Distressed Property Expert in order to more skillfully represent buyers and sellers of foreclosure properties. I am also proud to point out that not a single buyer who I represented during the build up to the mortgage crisis of 2007-2010 found themselves in trouble from either paying too much or using a subprime purchase loan.

In January 2020 I was certified as a Real Estate Negotiation Expert.

I’ve always believed negotiation expertise to be the most essential skill for successful representation and have cultivated my abilities throughout my career, but I wanted formal recognition and to find out what is currently being taught.

I am keenly aware that my enduring success relies on an ongoing commitment to excellence

…a curiosity and love of learning coupled with a compelling sense of personal responsibility. And I enjoy working collaboratively with the many professionals and service providers involved in a successful real estate transaction — from the other agent to the escrow and title officers, to the pest, home, septic and well inspectors – just to name a few of the most frequent transaction partners.

My business is service.

My results are a purchase or a sale. I am happy for the opportunity to put my skills to use for your benefit. Just ASK.