Realtor profile

Name: Claude Labbe

Company: Flaherty Group Inc.

Address: 10410 N. Kensington Parkway, Kensington, MD 20895

Phone: 301/946-3900 (main); 703/868-7774 (direct)

Fax: 202/478-2128

E-mail: claude@labbe.com

Web site: www.YourBusyLife.com

Year started: 2001

How did you get started in real estate? My family’s business is residential development. I chose to pursue a career in high technology instead; eventually coming to realize that while I couldn’t work overseas into my senior years, I sure could work in real estate long into my golden years. In 2001, when high tech was becoming much more of a job and much less fun, I bailed out and figured I’d start my retirement career.

How long with the current company? Since 2001

License and designations: Maryland associate broker; real estate sales in Virginia and the District of Columbia; graduate, Realtor institute; accredited buyer representative; certified Internet professional

Associations: Greater Capital Area Association of Realtors, Northern Virginia Association of Realtors

Greatest accomplishment in the past 12 months: I’ve started volunteering at the U.S. Armed Forces Retirement Home with People Animals Love, which takes animals into retirement homes and hospitals for patient therapy. My dog visits with the veterans and does the work. I’m just the chauffeur.

What is your area of specialty? Capitol Hill

Highest-priced home sold: $895,000

Most memorable house: There was a situation where an elderly woman could no longer maintain her home. Her children were quite upset and confused and emotional with the disposal of the family home. We were able to get a good sale, and a year later, we all reunited to visit the new owners. We became friends because this wasn’t merely a house that I sold; it was a family home. Now, there’s a new family in it, with a new baby daughter.

Worst experience: I had previously worked with these buyers. This one particular purchase went awry. By the time I realized they were being dishonest, I’d already put myself out to the other agent. That deal cost my integrity with that agent. While the purchase did go through one month later, I still feel bad for the other agent, because if he can’t trust me, how can his client trust him?

Age: 48

Pets: A dog, Knight

Education: Bachelor of science in science, McGill University (Montreal), 1980

Community service: I work at the Academy of Hope, a program that helps D.C. residents obtain their GED.

Last book read: “A Question of Honor: The Kosciuszko Squadron, Forgotten Heroes of World War II” by Lynne Olson and Stanley Cloud

Last movie seen: “Little Miss Sunshine”

What kind of car do you drive? BMW 330

What is your personal dream house? Close to the shore, with lots of space. There are never enough bookcases, and I’d prefer fewer floors. In a perfect world, I’d have a place in Manhattan and a place on the shore.