Instead of using the pandemic as an excuse not to work, Janice Ratliff made it work for her. Ratliff, a Realtor with Bernstein Realty, increased her production by 50% and earned the company’s 2020 Achievement of Excellence Award for ranking among its five top-producing agents.

The last 10 homes she listed sold in an average of four days — all with multiple offers. “I will always communicate with the agents, giving them and their offers the respect they deserve,” says Ratliff. Not surprisingly, almost every buyer she represented in 2020 had their offer accepted, because she knew how to make the offers attractive to sellers. “It’s not always about price,” she explains. “I find out what the best date for possession is, and many times, we will offer a leaseback to the seller.” She also coaches buyers on writing their “love letter” about the house to the seller, to express how much they want the home.

Ratliff assists first-time, move-up and luxury buyers and sellers, as well as relocation clients, in the Houston metropolitan area. Throughout her 31 years of experience, she has been named Bernstein Realty’s top producer and top listing agent several times. A founding member of the Bernstein Realty Advisory Board, Ratliff generates a majority of her business from previous clients and networking. “I stay in touch with people over the years, and they remember me when the time comes to use a Realtor,” she says. “The last few years, I have worked with children of previous clients, so I am working with second-generation clients now.”

Ratliff became interested in real estate after flipping houses — long before it was a trend. Active in her community, she helped launch a local library, supports children’s charities and enjoys scuba diving.