Five Questions With: Jan Lyle Malcolm

Realtor Jan Lyle Malcolm recently joined Residential Properties Ltd. / COURTESY RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES LTD.
Realtor Jan Lyle Malcolm recently joined Residential Properties Ltd. / COURTESY RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES LTD.

Jan Lyle Malcolm, a real estate agent since the late 1980s, recently joined Residential Properties Ltd. She previously worked for six years with Coleman Realtors. Her late father, Alexander “Sandy” Lyle, led the Residential Properties Barrington office for nearly 25 years. Lyle Malcolm spoke with the Providence Business News about the practice of real estate.

PBN: How long have you had a career in real estate and what inspired you to become a Realtor?
LYLE MALCOLM:
It all began in the late 1980s. I was involved in the Blackstone Landing condo renovation (in Pawtucket). It was me and pigeons and the empty mill building when we got started. I was doing a lot of property management along the way. What inspired me was my dad being in real estate, frankly. I grew up with it around the dinner table. I knew it was truly a people business.

PBN: Your father retired at age 83. What did you learn from him about real estate?
LYLE MALCOLM:
I learned there is really no grey area. It’s ethically, morally, business-wise, being the best you can be, being the most honest you can be. And really trying to see all sides of things. [And that] the client comes first. That doesn’t mean you get walked on. But you always put their best interest first, and your business will follow. If you’re chasing money, your business won’t follow.

PBN: Why did you decide to join Residential Properties?
LYLE MALCOLM:
I love the progressive feel of Residential. All of these companies are out there, and are really good. I had a successful run at Coleman. But I really love the marketing infrastructure at Residential. I love the interoffice communication. The people are really supportive of each other.

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PBN: How do you view the residential market in 2016?
LYLE MALCOLM:
The spring market has already started. It is already so busy. There are so many pending [sales] out there. Nobody expected it to continue to be so strong. It really hasn’t had that winter lull. It seems to be quite busy, which is exciting.
PBN: What advice would you offer someone just getting started?

LYLE MALCOLM: I would pay attention to the people who have been in business a long time, and then sort out what works best for you. The best advice I have is if you keep putting your client first, and learn to read them, you will be successful. And not to be afraid to say, I don’t have an answer for something. Let me get back to you, let me get an answer, that is far better. There are too many areas that can be gray, that you’re not even aware of, that can trip you up.

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