Agent Spotlight: Erin Lynch

Erin Lynch is an educator and a forever student.

“Even though I may have been doing this (real estate) a little longer than some, I like to hear what everybody has to say,” she said. “I learn every day.”

Originally from Ventura County, Erin earned her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Physical Education at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo — but she’s been a Central Valley convert for nearly 40 years since arriving as a whitewater rafting guide on the Kings River.

“I met a bunch of people from here,” she said. “I thought these are really cool people,” and felt they matched her self-proclaimed “hippie” sensibilities.

Erin found a job as an adaptive P.E. teacher with Clovis Unified School District soon after and found her calling.

“I got an opportunity to teach kids with disabilities and I fell in love.”

Her face lights up as she speaks about her role and it’s clear “love” is not an overstatement.

Erin continued working as a rafting guide on weekends and summers, exploring California rivers for 17 years while still teaching full-time.

However, in the early 2000s she found a new interest: Real Estate.

How Did You End Up in the Business?

Erin was about to sell her home and saw a sign for real estate classes at Century 21 that piqued her interest.

As she listened to the instructor describe what it takes to make it in real estate, Erin knew she could do more than just sell her home. She could help other people.

“I’m friendly and trustworthy, but I’m not fancy, so I thought it probably wouldn’t work out.” She continued going to meetings and taking more classes and soon realized that she didn’t have to be fancy to be successful.

She earned her real estate license and trained with Century 21.

“The very first day I sat on the phones, I got a listing.”

Erin juggled teaching with real estate for years, running home for quick changes after a day of school, then heading out to show property in the evenings.

Do You Have a Specialty?

“I love working with first time home buyers more than anything,” she said.

Erin’s inner teacher comes out when she works with first time buyers.

“I love explaining the process and seeing how excited they get,” Erin says with a smile. She also likes helping her clients stay calm when deals get stressful, and they get nervous.

She’s a hands-on agent who appreciates the entire process — from showing properties, to negotiating repairs, to managing all of the contracts in a transaction. Erin enjoys the fast-paced buying process.

“For 30 days, every day, there’s something to do.”

Erin’s Top Tips For Buyers in a Seller’s Market

1. Save money. It may sound like common sense but to have a chance in this market you have to have a strong down payment. She suggests 20%.
2. Wait. Erin says taking a step back in a seller’s market could make all the difference when you’re buying. Take the time to save money for a down payment that will make your offer competitive.

Why Premier Valley Realty?

“Brian and I hit it off like that,” Erin says with a snap of her fingers. “Through this whole journey I’ve been friends with Brian.”

Premier Valley Realty broker, Brian Domingos Jr, and Erin became friends while working together early in their careers.

With retirement looming, Erin felt it was time for a change.

“I loved it over there. I learned so much and I loved the people,” she says of her 18 years with Century 21. “I bawled my eyes out when I left.”

She was ready to start a new chapter. A boutique brokerage felt like the right move, at the right time.

“I love Brian and I like the idea of a small office.”

What’s Been the Most Rewarding Aspect of Your Journey?

“I love when I hear from clients.”

Erin keeps in touch with past clients with handwritten notes throughout the year.

“Every once in a while I hear ‘We love our house. It’s the greatest decision we ever made.’ I love hearing how happy they are.”

What Do You Enjoy Doing in Your Time Off?

To escape the Valley heat Erin enjoys going to the Central Coast where she plans to spend more time once traveling becomes less complicated.

She loves to travel and has plans to go to Africa, Switzerland, and her favorite spot, Kauai.