Vivian Olkin

About Me, aka CrazyViv:

What do I, as a Realtor® really do for you? I solve problems, real estate related problems. Every Realtor® shows and lists properties because that is the easy part. What happens when those transactions have problems right up until the close? You are in trouble if your Realtor® does not help resolve the issues—that’s what I do, resolve issues.

My real passion is advocating for others, affecting positive change. I look at foreclosures / distressed homes and think about the possibilities, ways of changing a neighborhood for the better. Investors who will be good landlords, not slumlords--those me

Advocating for others, helping them find the right living environment is what I do best. More importantly, I have common sense. I'm a hands on REALTOR who offers feedback to buyers and sellers willing to take it.

Yes, I have my GRI. Only 20% of Realtors® have taken the 12 very long days of continuing education to earn the Graduate of the Realtor® Institute-GRI designation, and I am part of that 20%. Professional, knowledge based, service oriented. Integrity and ethics, knowledge and customer service—that makes up the package. Tie it up with a bow —you’ve got me, the person who wants to solve ALL of your real estate issues.

Areas of Expertise:

First Time Home Buyers. I loooove them because they are appreciative and soak up info.

Growing Households or "upsizing"

Downsizing

Real Estate Investments. As an investor, I own and manage 6 house/condos, rehabbed & sold 1, in process of buying, renovating and selling more.

Short Sales. Negotiate with lenders for those who owe more than the house is worth.

Tenant-Landlord issues

I used to own a homemade ice cream store called The Inside Scoop. My staff from the store gave me the name of CrazyViv--it is on my license plate, my personal email, the way people remember me. I'm just your normal crazy over 50 yr old woman.

Areas of Expertise

Quality of homes--detailing and structure. I've gone through 2 major renovations of my own house plus renovations of rental properties. Architects and builders don't always have a good understanding of how people use space. Kitchens are a great example of this. I'll bet that most architects and builders don't cook. Having worked in commercial kitchens, I try to bring commercial aspects into residential kitchens in small clever ways. Ask me how I keep my pots and pans, or plastic wrap, or the corner "garage" door.

Any level of buyer except luxury. I don't specialize in that. In my market, that means up to around $1 mil.

First time home buyers--I loooove working with them because they are so appreciative and soak up the info.

Short Sales. Negotiate with lenders for those who owe more than the house is worth.

Growing households or “upsizing”

Downsizing

Tenant-Landlord issues

Real Estate Investments. As an investor, I own and manage 6 house/condos, rehabbed & sold 1, in process of buying, renovating and selling more.

Testimonials

"There are a lot of people I could work with but one of the things I value more than anything else is loyalty. You are loyal and honest, I know I can trust you." Andy C., Chapel Hill, NC

Investment: Rental

"One of the valuable services Vivian provides is that she is always out checking properties. She doesn’t wait for me to tell her I want to see something. If she thinks it may be good, she’ll go see it, then call me." Buddy T., Durham, NC

Investment: Buy, Renovate, Sell

"Vivian put together an amazing deal by doing things a bit differently. We saw an investment property with an asking price far more than we wanted to spend. She suggested we get an appraisal to help the seller realize his asking price was too much. It worked! We are currently renovating our property. Vivian already arranged for an appraisal of the market value after repairs so we'll have no trouble getting loans. We’ll definitely sell with Vivian when we are ready." Shane M., Carrboro, NC