Why I Always Start With a Conversation...

by Trish Mancini

🗝️ The heart of homebuying starts with understanding—not square footage.

In today’s fast-paced real estate world, it’s easy to get caught up in the numbers. Bedrooms, bathrooms, price per square foot, school zones—all important, yes. But if you ask me, there’s something even more important that often gets overlooked: you.

As Knoxville’s Home Matchmaker, my approach to real estate begins where it should—with a real, honest conversation. Before we ever step foot into a home or scroll through listings, I want to learn about you, your lifestyle, and what truly makes a space feel like home.

🤝 Real Estate Is Personal—So the Process Should Be Too

Most agents start with logistics: square footage, price range, zip code. That’s important, but it’s only half the story.

Before we dive into the housing market, I want to know:

Are you someone who starts the day with coffee on the porch?
Do you dream of hosting Sunday dinners in a warm, open kitchen?
Are you looking for privacy and quiet—or vibrancy and walkability?
What makes a home feel safe, inspiring, or just “right” to you?

These aren’t just preferences—they’re the blueprint to your perfect match.

By starting with your story, not just your stats, I can help you find a home that supports the way you live, love, and grow.

📊 The Data Backs It Up

According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), over 80% of buyers report greater satisfaction with their home purchase when their agent prioritizes emotional and lifestyle factors—not just the transaction itself.

When agents take the time to ask deeper questions, clients make more confident decisions, have less buyer’s remorse, and feel a stronger emotional connection to their home.

Translation? You don’t just end up with a house—you end up with the house that feels like home.

🗣️ What I Ask Before Showing a Single Property

In our first conversation, I go beyond the typical checklist. I want to know:

What’s your daily routine like?
What stresses you out about your current living situation?
Where do you feel most relaxed or inspired?
Do you work from home or entertain often?
What are your goals for the next 5–10 years?

These conversations help me filter listings through a very specific lens: you. And when I know your values, I can be your advocate—not just your agent.

🧭 Why It Makes a Difference

Clients often tell me how relieved they feel after our first chat. They’re not overwhelmed by options or confused about what they’re really looking for. Instead, they feel seen, heard, and supported.

Here’s what this approach leads to:

Fewer wasted showings
More meaningful home tours
Better communication
Smoother negotiations
Stronger trust throughout the process

It’s not just efficient—it’s empowering.

💬 Let’s Start With a Conversation

Whether you're a first-time buyer, a growing family, or relocating to East Tennessee, I’m here to help you make one of life’s biggest decisions with clarity and confidence.

Before we talk about square footage or comps, let’s talk about you. What makes you feel at home? What does your next chapter look like?

📩 Let’s schedule a conversation and start finding the place that truly fits your life. Because the best home searches start with something simple: a great conversation.