House sales keep Rockwell busy moving properties

By Joseph Cyr
Staff Writer
    ISLAND FALLS — Buying and selling a home in a tough economy can be one of the more stressful times in a person’s life.
    But for Karen Rockwell, proprietor of Rockwell Properties, dealing with stressful situations is what she does best.
    A licensed real estate broker, Rockwell is based in Island Falls, but works with clients throughout Aroostook County. Her office is located next to Bishop’s Market on the Crystal Road.
    “I got my broker’s license 20 years ago when I was in college, but I just never used it,” Rockwell said. “After college, I was busy raising a family. Once they got older, I decided it was time to get back into it. There’s never a boring moment.”
    Five years ago, Rockwell got into the real estate business as an agent, but after a couple of years, decided she would venture out on her own. Within a three-year span, she got her new broker’s license and opened her own business.
    “The one thing I want buyers and sellers to know is that they need to pick a realtor, then pick a house, and they should list with who they trust,” she said. “I represent buyers and sellers and am available all days by appointment or stopping in.”
    Her goal for 2010 is to sell 20 properties and expand her marketing.
    “There are aspects of real estate sales that seem pretty simple,” she said. “There are many elements of a smooth transaction, however, that are complicated and daunting. I can help with every aspect of buying or selling your home because I’m experienced, because I’m professional . . .and because I care.”
    A Notary Public, and a Dedimus Justice appointed by Governor Baldacci of Maine, Rockwell has sold 46 properties in the last few years.
    “I have always liked the challenge of dealing with problems,” Rockwell said. “I also like helping people work their way through a system that can sometimes be impossible at times.”
    Rockwell added having a good sense of humor is another key element in selling real estate.
    “There are four things in life that are extremely emotional,” Rockwell said. “The first is getting married, then having children, buying a house and dealing with a death. With all of these things, your emotions can take over.”
    Rockwell has training in selling bank-owned properties and is experienced in working with clients who may be losing their home.
    “We’re starting to see more and more bank-owned properties,” she said. “That can be a very stressful thing for everyone involved.”
    Stress is something she has become quite familiar with. Two weeks after she opened her business, her husband lost his job at the National Starch plant in Island Falls.
    “Last year, was one of those years where you had to be really tough to make it,” she said.
    As the sole employee of her business, being efficient with her time is a necessity.
    “When you are the only person, there is no day off,” she said. “I usually try to sell 20 properties a year, so I do a lot of running. I have listings from Lee to Caribou.”
    In 2009, Rockwell logged 35,000 miles on her vehicle for her business.
    “Some brokers like to stay in a general area, but I like to go everywhere,” she said.
    Rockwell resides in Island Falls with her husband, Brent, and two children Eric (age 15) and Cory (11). For more information, contact Rockwell at 463-2444 (office), 267-0767 (cell) or visit www.karenrockwell.net.