Special offer
Karen Baker, Professional Help with Rapid Responses... (Sunset Beach and Beyond Realty) Real Estate Broker/Owner

RAINMAKER

532,225

Karen Baker
Professional Help with Rapid Responses...
location_on Sunset Beach, NC — Sunset Beach and Beyond Realty
Get to Know Karen Baker

 

Sunset Beach and Beyond Realty Website

 

 The Sunset Beach and Beyond Realty Team



 Karen Baker - Broker at Sunset Beach and Beyond Realty

Sunset Beach and Beyond Realty


910-612-1931
910-612-1906

Frank Baker, Retired Lt. FDNY
Broker/Owner, BIC, ABR, SFR, GRI, CRS

Karen Baker, Retired RN, BS
Broker/Owner, ABR, GRI, SFR, ePRO, CRS

 

Frank Baker, Retired Lt. FDNY

Broker/Owner, BIC, ABR, SFR, GRI

 

Karen Baker, Retired RN, BS

Broker/Owner, ABR, GRI, SFR, ePRO, CRS

 

We Listen ... We Learn ....  We Find .... Your Home ....

 

Hello, we are Frank & Karen Baker, a true husband & wife real estate team. We have been married for 39 years and work full time running our real estate business. Our company is dedicated to working with BUYERS delivering the highest level of customer service. We always represent our clients with the utmost honesty and integrity. We provide the most up to date information for our clients by employing the newest technology available. Most importantly, we make the home buying and selling experience enjoyable as we help our clients find the home of their dreams.

 

We are both natives of New York City, Karen from Bay Ridge, Brooklyn and Frank from Staten Island. Although retirement in Sunset Beach, NC had long been a dream, it happened a little sooner than expected when Frank, a Lieutenant for the Fire Dept. of New York with 20 years service, and Karen, a critical care RN for more than 25 years, decided to semi-retire and move to Sunset Beach in 2003.


We both became licensed real estate brokers in the states of NC and SC in June 2006. We started working for a large Weichert Realtors franchise to take advantage of their extensive training program because we believe education is the key to success in any endeavor.

 

As the market changed we strengthened ourselves with as much education as possible and acquired multiple designations.  In April 2010 we formed our own Real Estate Company and Sunset Beach and Beyond Realty was born.

 

We have attained the knowledge and experience to ensure each transaction runs smoothly from start to finish. We have a network of reputable professional service providers with whom we work and refer should the need arise. We also have a large and active referral database so that we are able to help clients, friends and family anywhere in the country find the most highly qualified real estate agents to assist with the sale or purchase of a home.

 

 

Building relationships is extremely important to us and we are proud of the fact that many of our clients come from referrals of satisfied clients.

 

In our spare time we are usually outdoors enjoying golf or walking on Sunset  Beach and spoiling our adorable doggies, Bonita & Bella.

We also truly love visiting our daughter Tamzen and her partner Emily in Pennsylvania and our son Travis, our daughter-in-law Kristy and grandson Zachary in Massachusetts, but most of all we enjoy turning clients into new friends and neighbors.

 

 

 

Certifications

Karen Baker - Broker at Sunset Beach and Beyond Realty 

 

 

 

 

Our focus is you, our client, what we can do for you, and being able to have the information at our fingertips immediately. 

 

 

Our Designations

 

Home 

What's a CRS?

  LogoThe Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) is the highest Designation awarded to real estate professionals in the residential sales field. The CRS Designation recognizes professional accomplishments in both experience and education.

Since 1977 the Council of Residential Specialists has been conferring the CRS Designation on agents who meet its stringent requirements. Currently, there are more than 34,000 active CRS Designees.

Why Use a CRS?

Today, home buying and selling is faster, more complex, and more competitive in every way. Our goal is to make the process a little easier for you. The first step is choosing the right REALTOR®.

Experience - To earn the Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) Designation, every REALTOR® must have significant experience and volume of real estate transactions.

Ethics - Every CRS Designee is required to maintain membership in the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® and to abide by its strict Code of Ethics.

A Focus on Home Buying and Selling - To help make the home buying and selling process more rewarding, every CRS Designee must have a proven track record in the business, as well as advanced education in related areas like finance, technology and marketing. Work with the top 4 percent.

Technology Expertise - The training available to CRS Designees includes a strong focus on technology and its applications in the real estate business

 

  LogoABR - The Accredited Buyer Representative Designation is the benchmark of excellence in Buyer representation. This coveted designation is awarded to real estate practitioners who meet the specified educational and practical experience criteria. The ABR® designation is designed for real estate Buyer Agents who focus on working directly with Buyer-clients. By attaining the ABR®, you receive valuable real estate education that elevates your skills and knowledge in the eyes of home Buyers. There is also ongoing specialized information, programs, and updates that help you stay on top of the issues and trends in successfully representing Buyers.

 

  logoGRI - Graduate REALTOR® Institute is the mark of a highly trained real estate professional who has made the commitment to provide a high level of professional services by securing a strong educational foundation to better serve and protect their Clients. It is nationally recognized, and is considered the nation's number one professional real estate designation. This designation may only be earned after successfully completing a rigorous educational program that requires 92 hours of live course instruction on topics ranging from marketing and servicing listed properties to real estate law. It is one of the most comprehensive training programs available to Realtors®today. GRI is recognized nationwide as the standard for real estate professionalism. A GRI has superior knowledge of real estate marketing, and has acquired skills that will set them apart from other REALTORS®.

 

   LogoSFR - Short Sale and Foreclosure Resource is a new Designation that is available through the National Association of Realtors®. Unfortunately, it is a sad fact of life that short sales and foreclosures comprise a large amount of today's standard real estate transactions. These deals are not at all like the traditional transaction with which we were so familiar. It is important that the Realtor® knows how to help Sellers understand the complexities and repercussions of a short sale. It also takes special knowledge to help a Buyer pursue these opportunities knowledgeably. These are not just good skills to have in this market, they are critical to making sure that you are representing your Client professionally. Short sales (where a home is sold to a Buyer for less than what the Seller owes to the Mortgage Company) are not for the Realtor® who is faint of heart. Agents who have received the SFR Designation will have much more confidence to see the transaction through to the end, and are much more likely to have the proper tools and training to navigate the rough waters of a short sale or foreclosure for their Client.
 
 
 
  LogoePRO - is a Realtor® who has been Certified by completing training endorsed by the National Association of Realtors® in the specialized area of using the internet to better assist their Clients. If you use the internet, and you are looking to buy or sell a home, it is important that you work with an ePRO. You can trust doing business with them online, knowing that you will receive the information you need, but that you won't be spammed. They respond quickly to your questions, but know enough not to send you unwanted communications. Your personal information is protected, knowing that an ePRO will guard your privacy. You will receive the most up-to-date information available from a professional who knows the intricacies of online navigation. If you are relocating, an ePRO is an absolute must. With the tools to do your research electronically, the entire buying decision can be made online with a competent ePRO who can show you houses online, can share videos, electronic contracts and signatures, email, and any number of other resources that are at your disposal to make your transaction smooth and streamlined from showing to closing.

 

  • National Association of Realtors (NAR) (GRI) (ePRO)
  • North Carolina Association of Realtors (NCAR)
  • Brunswick County Association of Realtors (BCAR)
  • Coastal Carolina Association of Realtors (CCAR)
  • Council of Residential Specialists(CRS)
  • Real Estate Buyer's Agency Council (REBAC) (ABR)
  • Brunswick County Chamber of Commerce
  • Bird Island Preservation Society Steward
  • Licensed in NC and SC

 

 

 

Awards

Quality Service Certified

(QSC)

 

Skills

Researcher Extraordinaire

Consistently Communicating

Attentively Listening

Rapid Responser

Accomplished Negotiator

 

Testimonials
Debbie S
07/17/2014
Karen and Frank were wonderful in helping me find and buy the right home for me and my Daughter! They listened to my needs and wants, understood my timeline, and found wonderful properties for me to see when I was in town. Karen is such a great listener that I actually ended up buying the first house on her list to show me! My experience was nothing less than smooth and absolutely exceeded my expectations! Thu, Jul 17, 2014
Jr Robinson
07/17/2014
Karen has helped us find a house and our closing is coming up in August. She has been very helpful and has quickly found the answers to all our questions. I would recommend her to all my family and friends. Thu, Jul 17, 2014
Sal Luca
06/26/2014
Frank and Karen Baker has been there for my family and me from Sept. 2013. We are looking to buy a home in an unfamiliar area and Karen had made us comfortable with her help and knowledge of the Realtor business in that area. Many other agents would of given up on us but Karen has stuck with us, through all of our delays as we are finally putting our home on the market. I'm glad to have Frank and Karen on my side as a buyers agent as we continue the process of buying a home.
Bonnie Wadsworth
06/25/2014
They are not only a super friendly people but very good at their job! They always responded at once to any questions we had. Neither her or her husband are pushy people either. I strongly recommend them!
Doug Crandall
06/25/2014
Karen is a dedicated professional who earns your trust , doesn't waste your time showing you houses that lack the requirements you have established, continually searches the market for new listings meeting your criteria, makes appointments efficiently, gives excellent information on the local area and is willing to spend whatever time it takes to find YOUR PROPERTY! We highly recommend Karen!
Debbie
05/12/2014
I want to once again express my gratitude for all your support these past two days! You made me feel so welcome and comfortable!! I truly enjoyed the pajama party with you and the pups...you are both truly special people and I feel honored to have met you and consider you friends! I'm looking forward to the move and am so excited about living there!
Carolyn Goodwin
04/09/2014
Karen and Frank did a great job helping find our retirement home in Sunset Beach. Karen promptly contacted me, provided us with suitable homes to view. She weeded out those that she felt were not a good match for us. We were able to find a home the first day we looked. They were able to assist with the offer because of their familiarity with the area. Their recommendations for painters, insurance as well as lenders was very helpful. We continue to see Frank and Karen socially and have become solid friends. Many, many thanks!
John/Judy
04/09/2014
After meeting with Karen and Frank several times, they knew what we were looking for. They found our home for us, and we bought it sight unseen on their recomendation and could not be happier !!
Colin Wilson
04/09/2014
Karen and Frank helped us purchase two properties and they were wonderful throughout the whole process. I would and have recommended them to family and friends.
Steve Dahlstrom
04/04/2014
Frank and Karen have gone above and beyond what I have asked of them. They have been great to me!
Steve/Theresa
04/04/2014
Frank and Karen have gone above and beyond what I have asked of them. They have been great to me. Fri, Apr 4, 2014
Kenny/Linda
02/12/2014
Consider yourself lucky if you have found Frank and Karen Baker as your Realtor in the NC/SC area. I met them in 2006 and maintained contact as I pursued our vacation home search in NC. In 2009 they helped us find our condo and now are currently assisting us in looking for a house in the Sunset Beach area. Frank and Karen have a knack for providing a warm welcome to all their clients and make the real estate search exciting and non stressful. They know the area extremely well and provide valuable insight into assisting in your real estate decision. Put your search in their hands and you wont be disappointed!!! Wed, Feb 12, 2014
Robert/Theresa
11/16/2013
Both Frank and Karen were personable and excellent to work with and seemed to instinctively know what we were looking for.
David/Nan
11/14/2013
Karen and Frank are friendly and know all about the Brunswick area including shopping, medical, restaurants,services, golf courses and beaches. They are respectful of their client's home preferences and budget. We received daily updates on available properties in our property niche and nothing that was not.This made our search easy and comfortable. We were amazed how many prospective properties they found for us. The closing deals and details were handled quickly and they were always available to help. We are now very happy owners of our new home. Thu, Nov 14, 2013
Allison Fanelli RN BSN
08/25/2013
Frank and Karen are proven professionals who listen to their client's wants and needs, and deliver! The level of service and attention you will get from Frank and Karen is far superior to other agents, and we know this first - hand. Karen's energy is endless, and her dedication and drive to help you find the right home will be as strong as your own! We would and have recommended Frank and Karen for their skills and integrity. It was a real pleasure working with Frank and Karen Top Qualities : Great Results, Personable, Expert A.F. RN, BSN
Kristine Lawless-Ginsberg , President/Owner, Elite Staging and Redesign, LLC (business partner)
08/24/2013
“Karen Baker is a top-notch Buyer’s Agent who will walk you through the entire process of finding your dream home while skillfully negotiating to get you the best price. Moreover, she has a proven track record, knows the area well and has excellent communication skills. If you’re looking for an agent who truly cares about her clients, look no further, Karen is the best in her field and will get you the desired results you’re looking for!”
Jim Bicknell
08/23/2013
Frank and Karen are the best. It took me two years to sell my house in NY, and I stayed in touch with them the whole time. When I finally came down in July 2012, they were right there to help. From returning my u-haul truck to taking me to the airport. They were there for me all the way. They showed me houses, and I closed within 30 days of signing contracts. Frank then helped me move. It doesn't get any better. On a personal note, I now think of them as friends, and would recommend them highly. Jim B.
Henry & Kim Brandt
08/22/2013
Frank and Karen are wonderful agents - and we're pleased to strongly recommend them. They know the area by heart, have knowledge of all the market activity, and demonstrated an intuitive feel for precisely the kinds of homes that were right for us. They are unfailingly easy to contact, and always kept in touch with new listings and status reports. They made home buying simple, gave us great connections to local firms for work we needed done, and were there when we needed them. Don't bother interviewing any other agents - Frank and Karen are the best! We really mean it. H/K Brandt
Colin Wilson
07/19/2013
Karen and Frank showed us dozens of properties in helping us to Zero in on what we truly wanted. They are wonderful, patient helpful with total integrity versus some of the Listing Agents. Fri, Jul 19, 2013
Phyllis Banyay
06/03/2013
Frank and Karen are wonderful! With limited time to find a house, they were diligent until the last day when I found the perfect house to retire and live near the beach. They made the grueling process a success. Mon, Jun 3, 2013
WendyKS
05/25/2013
What a refreshing experience to have a Buyer's agent that is totally devoted to you in finding that dream home. It is rare today to have someone who communicates not only ALL the time & but precisely & with knowledge & even understanding. They also keep you updated with market information that is not yet available publically. Going the extra mile is an understatment ! Forget trying to buy with a listing agent - they just don't have time to focus on the buyer's needs nor doing the physical research necessary. The Baker dynamic team are the way to go - so much so I purchased my dream home SIGHT UNSEEN based on The Bakers feedback - YES REALLY !
Don & Tina Springer
03/14/2013
Frank and Karen were the best!!!! Went above and beyond in helping us with our search for our dream home!! Highly recommend!! Thu, Mar 14, 2013
Geri Mileo
01/01/2013
Frank and Karen Baker took me any where and every where to find the exact home to fit my needs, they were constantly researching and setting up appointments. Then when I was driving back and forth to N.Y. they would call me to find out if I was OK and making sure I made it home safely. Frank and Karen were professional on the business level and caring on the personal level.
George and Elisabeth Smith
12/21/2012
Frank and Karen really go the extra mile to help buyers in their search for the right home. They know the area, they are patient, and they are fun to work with. I can sincerely recommend them to anyone thinking of buying in this area. George and Elisabeth
Mike Fanelli
08/09/2012
Karen and Frank exceeded every one of our expectations and provided superior advise and direction to us when we were looking for our home. They took the time to get to know us first, to really learn what we were looking for as well as what we didn't want; they did not waste our time with showing us homes that did not fit us or our budget, but guided us efficiently to the right locations. Karen and Frank both were attentive to our questions, and they always took whatever time was necessary to be sure we were satisfied with the answers. They both provided us a wealth of information on the area, the home buying process and even home maintenance details! We could not be happier with our home, and we sincerely thank Frank and Karen for the huge part they played in making this great decision right! We would recommend them to anyone looking for a new or second home in the area!
Ernie and Carol George
04/07/2012
“Karen & Frank Baker are the best. They are very knowledgeable with the area & showed us many homes. When we made up our minds which one we wanted, they got us the best deal on it. We were very satisfided with them. After the purchased was made & we moved in, they were still there to answer any questions or problems that we might of had. Like I said, they are the BEST.” Ernie & Carol G.
Matt and Amy Carver
03/01/2012
“Frank and Karen, Amy and I have bought and sold four properties in the past twelve years. Both of you are the best realtors we have ever dealt with. Amy and I both felt we could trust you to look out for our interest. The level of service you provided was outstanding, from taking the trash out, helping the buyer with inspecting the irrigation system, dealing with our tenants, always being there if we needed to ask a question, providing constant updates on the market and always keeping us informed on the sale of our house. I think your next venture should be training other realtors, because both of you have mastered the art of providing excellent service. I will be sure to recommend the Frank and Karen team to anybody looking for a trust worthy, knowledgeable and top performing realtor. It was a pleasure working with both of you.” Matt & Amy Carver
Steve & Jean DeVito
12/10/2011
Working with Frank & Karen was a pleasure throughout the search and purchase of our house in Sunset Beach. They are knowledgeable, trustworthy, respectful and extremely helpful. They listened to us and helped us find just what we were looking for. Start to finish we closed in two months, a bonus considering we lived in CT. They set up an internet portal which gave us opportunity to view houses before seeing them, including lots of details. When we met them they had a list of houses for us to see based on our interest and needs. Throughout our time working together they remained courteous and considerate, making the buying process a pleasure. We would work with them again should the opportunity arise. Recommend: Definitely YES! Steve and Jean
Linda Foltz
11/18/2011
Life will lead you to where you belong. Five years ago life led me to meeting Karen Baker at an Open House. Our relationship continues as Karen and her husband Frank have been outstanding not only in helping my husband and I find the right retirement relocation home, but we have watched their commitment in helping many others find their homes. She and Frank treat every client as if they are the only ones that exist. They provide thorough research of areas and homes of interest and present you with the options. They are not your typical hard sell, must-buy-now realtors. They are here to help you find your ?next home?. You won?t go wrong with the Bakers!" 11/18/2011
Carolyn Dobbins
08/01/2010
Karen and Frank Baker are not only exceptional realitors, but became good friends. They spent lots of time and effort into finding our beautiful home in Conway, SC I would highly recommed them. Carolyn Dobbins
format_quote

Researchers extraordinaire for our Buyer Clients to whom we respond rapidly, listen attentively, communicate consistently and negotiate for their best interests.