Meet Barb Imes | Broker Associate/Partner with The Group, Inc

We had the good fortune of connecting with Barb Imes and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Barb, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
With a background in banking, finance, and lending then in marketing and advertising, Real Estate was a natural progression and blend of all those skills. After a few disappointing experiences personally with the home buying process, I felt with my background and expertise, I could do better. I know what a difference owning our first home made in my family’s life. We were able to gain appreciation, build sweat equity, enjoy starting our family with a sense of security. I want to introduce as many as I can to that American Dream – Home Ownership. Studies show home ownership results in a more stable community, lower crime, a happier, more confident people, and a cornerstone of wealth and prosperity. I fervently believe that I can touch lives and leave a positive legacy by encouraging establishing those deeper roots in our community.

Knowledge is power. I believe in providing as much information along the way, mapping the course, communicating consistently, and setting expectations. As a Partner at The Group, I find I can tailor my marketing and business experience, with the support of an amazing company behind me, to achieve that goal. Being of service is so important to me. Making a difference in lives while eliminating as much stress and discomfort as possible, is the key to what has been a nearly 3 decade career.

What should our readers know about your business?
A mentor once told me, as I was beginning the journey of my Real Estate Career, that in Real Estate, you will have the highest of highs, and the lowest of lows, and sometimes they would be in the same day! Never truer words have been spoken! Nearly always, it’s “pain” or “pleasure” that initiates a call to me. Getting married, getting divorced, having a baby, mourning a loss, new job, loss of job, kids moving out, kids moving in – big life changes. I get to see people at their best and sadly sometimes at their worst. It’s critical for me to be able to provide resources, sometimes a shoulder to cry on, counseling sessions, job placement – whatever is needed on any given day. Being able to shift quickly, listen closely, and respond as needed, all the while navigating an ever-changing market is challenging. I feel the most important part of my service is the love and attention I give, knowing sometimes I’m the only one they have that understands what they’re going through. Being kind. That’s the special sauce that flavors my day.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Oh this is so my jam!! As a Relocation Specialist, I work with businesses hiring from outside our Northern Colorado Community. I am thought of as part of the interview process. Interviewing candidates for their lifestyle, hobbies and needs, tailoring tours in whatever town they’ll be living in to match them to the area is so fun. Taking the job should be their only concern. I take the worry about fitting in or wanting to live here away and have them excited about the process. As such – depending on the season, brewery tours, maybe wine tasting at Blue Mountain Vineyards in Berthoud. Spring/Summer? Water!! Rent a boat at Horsetooth, go rafting down the Poudre, burn off steam with the kids at City Park or at the Old Town Splash Pad, or grab some tubes and head to the Poudre River Whitewater Park. Take a drive to The Mish and have lunch on the deck overlooking the river – maybe jam to live music while enjoying grilled burgers outside! Music? Everywhere? The Lagoon Concert Series is always a favorite. Don’t miss the Sculpture Show in Loveland! Or any of the wonderful events all summer long. Fishing? All kinds from fly fishing to ice fishing. We got it all. Hiking and biking – we have maps of trails and where they connect AND I have restaurant suggestions all along the trails! Winter time – Fort Collins lights are a must, turned on when Santa comes and to be enjoyed through Valentines Day. Arts? We have so many world class choices! Museums, ballet, symphony, Larimer County Chorale, shows at the Lincoln Center, grab a movie or show inside or out at the quirky Lyric Cinema. Fort Collins has a Drive In!! Catch a baseball game with the Fort Collins Foxes, a collegiate summer baseball team. Cheer on the Colorado Eagles at the Events Center, or a Colorado State University game!

Food? Wow do we have food! Local and chains, we have choices. The margs at The Rio are legend, but try the infused choices at the Blue Agave, along with their Mexican Fusion choices that give a delicious shift to the norm. A steak at Sonny Lubick’s or The Still Whiskey Steaks. Chicken roasted over an applewood fire at Austin’s with garlic mashed potatoes. Prime Rib night at their sister location, The Moot House. Delicious cinnamon rolls at The Silver Grill. Vegetarian? Try Tasty Harmony – it’s sooo tasty!!

I could go on . . . I love living in Paradise!!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I owe a lot of my success to mentors along the way. Sharing their processes and knowledge, they gave me a foundation to build from. You don’t know what you don’t know until you don’t know it – so absolutely true in Real Estate. You have to form a basic knowledge of the building process, roofs to foundations, plumbing to electrical, complicated water rights, septic systems, various products and potential defects. Learning to write contracts to protect your client to the extent possible, covering as many potential pit falls while still getting offers accepted. I’m blessed with so many friends in real estate and in various connecting businesses that even now give me a sounding board. The passion and focus of my team is ever evolving as the market and financial climate changes. I’ll always be grateful for the opportunities that has allowed me and the quality service I’m able to give to my clients.

Website: www.TimeForImes.com

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/barbimes