Dear John,

I am writing to thank you for your great work as our 'buyers agent'.  Paul and I had always dreamed of buying a beach house and when we met you 10 years ago we appreciated your professional manner and willingness to answer questions.  Although we were not able to find a home at that time, we were both so impressed we vowed to remember your name.   When we searched for your name online this May and found you were still working in the outer banks area we were so excited to get back in touch.

Please know that your prompt responses to our calls and informative website links to open listings made the initial process of narrowing the search simple for us as out of town clients.  Paul and I both appreciated your willingness to provide answers to our many questions about rental property and services in the area.  Our closing went smoothly because of your attentiveness to detail and repeated follow through with the sellers agent. 

We have already shared our great experience with friends and neighbors and will continue to tell anyone who asks that, "John Leatherwood should be your first choice when looking to buy or sell real estate in the Outer Banks".  Paul and I wish you the best and hope to see you when we are in Duck enjoying our new home. 

Warmest Regards,
--
Marie Ireland

We both were very happy with the service you provided us. You provided us with all the information we requested and then some even before we decided on selling our rental home and purchasing a new one. Two transactions that went smoothly with your help, all during the holidays!! It was great working with you.

Jay and Mary Regan
Southern Shores, NC

I think it's our turn to say 'Thank You.' ...We couldn't be happier with the way you represented us. I'm sure we weren't exactly Ward and June to deal with, but your professionalism always helped us maintain perspective through the rough patches, and into the "gray area"...There are tons of Realtors out there, but very few with your ethics and professionalism. We feel extremely lucky that we had you representing us... You will be the first person we call if we find ourselves in the real estate market again, and if course in the event anyone ask us for a referral to "the best on the beach"!

Dave and Cheryl Needham
Duck, NC

I have known John for approx. 8 yrs. During that time John has worked with me on many properties. In spite of his best efforts I never purchased...I wasn’t ready. John’s good-natured but focused demeanor never vacillated during this long period. John’s patience, honesty and knowledge will surely be recognized as an asset to anyone who is buying or selling real estate in N.C…. John’s service and support go far beyond what one would expect a real estate agent to be.

Dave and Kathy Dillon
Wapole, MA

Having been through this process only once before, I don't think you can consider us experts or at all experienced in the purchase of real estate. That said, I was completely pleased with the entire process. You were responsive to every question or concern we had at every point from initial contact to the final closing . There were no surprises along the way. We saw each house that we were interested in seeing and saw them as many times as we needed to see them. You remained aware at all times of the reasons we were looking and steered us into those areas. I felt like our best interests were being protected throughout the entire process.

As for the us of the Van, that was great too. One less think to worry about and it enabled us to work around our schedules and not fit into someone else's. John had nothing but good things to say about the ease of driving it or the way that it handled on the road. Again, thanks for everything.

John and Kim Kenny
Kill Devil Hills, NC

Linda and I want to thank you for handling our real estate transactions over the past 15 years. Whether we were buying or selling, you always guided us in the right direction and made us feel comfortable working with you. Your knowledge, experience and true professionalism have guided us more than once in both investment and residential transactions. Linda and I look forward to a continued strong relationship as we prepare our move to the Outer Banks.

Tom & Linda Howell
West Chester, PA

Carol and I just wanted you to know how pleasant it has been having you as our agent for selling our lot in Chicahauk. We feel you did an excellent job of research, advising never pushing your thoughts on us and then selling our lot in a very, very timely manner.

You made everything so easy for us, but we know you must have put all your expertise in your work. Our lot was listed by a large firm in the area for a year and a half, for thousands of dollars less. But you researched the market and sold the lot in a very short time. We were amazed and really appreciate your effort. Not only did you work for us, we feel a true friendship was made with you.

Jack and Carol Long
Wyoming, OH

Just wanted to say thanks for an extremely painless transaction. Buying and selling homes are rarely without complications. The level of service your team provided definitely exceeded my expectations. Your research and knowledge of the market paid off in a big way. It is not often you sell a home for substantially more than you expect. I will definitely use 'The SANDMAN Team' again in the future. Thanks for the use of the Sandman Van. I am not aware of any other Realtor to offer such a service.

Ben Jamir
Kill Devil Hills, NC

You are perhaps the most professional realtor and most genuinely good person I have ever had the pleasure of working with. You were always on top of everything, which meant that nothing ever became a issue. The way in which you constantly kept me informed of the progress in the transaction was always most appreciated. I never had to second guess as to what or wasn’t going on. I thank you for all your help… wish you well in all you future endeavors and that someday our paths will cross again.

Pat Calabrese
East Hartford, CT

We could not be happier with the purchase of our oceanfront beach house. It went smoothly because of your attention to detail and prompt response to any questions. We can honestly say that as our real estate agent and friend you left no grain of sand unturned—hence the name 'The SANDMAN.'

John & Harriett Riley
Siler City, NC

As you remember, we purchased our Outer Banks home through you back in 1986. And here we are again, this time on the selling end. Your advice from the beginning was accurate, honest, and professional. You helped us set an achievable selling price. You drastically cut the time our house was on the market compared to the average. And, your suggestions as to how to present the house to potential buyers was right on. We also appreciate your going to great lengths to keep us informed on the home inspection items which entered the picture. You promptly returned every one of our phone calls! I would not hesitate to recommend you to anyone who may be considering selling or buying property on the Outer Banks. I hope to do future business with you.

Wynn & Nancy Poole
Gaithersburg, MD

Martha and I would like to first thank you for the highly professional way in which you handled our listing, negotiations with the buyer and closing. This is the second time we availed ourselves of your services. We knew we could count on you to guide us through this process, giving us the best advice available! As expected, you went the extra mile for us, helping us get required estimates and so forth. We have no qualms in highly recommending you to others. Thanks again for your help and exhibiting the highest standards of ethics in the transaction.

Jack and Martha Phillips

John, Jill and I just wanted to drop you a note thanking you for your help in purchasing an Oceanfront rental property in the Outer Banks. We had been researching the market about a year and had worked with other agents before we met you. We were looking for properties with very specific criteria for location and features, but most of all - we were looking for properties that would meet our financial return parameters. When we started working with you as our buyer’s agent, everything came together and within a couple months we were able to close on the purchase of a house that met all of our goals. Your knowledge of the market definitely stood out. Your ideas and negotiating savvy helped us with our plan and preparation of sequenced offers for several properties. After we obtained a contract on our second offered property, you continued to be a great resource in helping us to close earlier than the contract closing date and to switch over utilities and vendors once ownership of the property had transferred.  You and your team were always able to accommodate our schedule during our visits to the Outer Banks, and you responded quickly to whatever needs arose during the offer and closing phase. We highly recommend you to any person selling or purchasing real estate in the outer Banks, and I welcome you to use this as a letter of recommendation to give to your clients.                                                   

Robert L. Swain, Williamsburg, VA

Hi John,

Now that we're finished putting some personal touches on our new home, we thought we'd drop you a note of thanks for all you did during our purchase. 

Investing in a beach home was a thrilling but somewhat scary concept for us, but your unique blend of expertise and sense of humor put our minds at ease from the moment we stepped into your office.  Your knowledge of the area and attention to detail is very impressive.  Whenever we had questions or concerns, you and everyone in your office responded quickly and pleasantly.  Working with you made us feel confident through every step of the process. 

What else can we say - you're the best!

Looking forward to dealing with you in the future,

Dave and Cheri Rimshaw

John,

I wanted to thank you for all your help during the trials & tribulations of purchasing my home.  When we first met, I was worried on how we would work together, but you were definitely the man to have in my corner. The i's were dotted, the t's crossed and you held our ground with the Big Bank. Thank you, and I am never ever doing this again. Shannon Beatty, PS- Thank you for our first piece of mail at our new home!

John, we want to thank you for professional representation in our recent purchase in Nags Head. You were very patient with us for three years as we shopped for a cottage. Your knowledge of the market in the Outer Banks was exceptional, you knew the answer to every question we asked (and there were a lot of them). The entire process went very smoothly and we do think you went the extra mile in your efforts for us. Thank you very much!    

Mary Clarke, Richmond, VA

John, Just a quick note to thank you for the outstanding service you gave me in the sale of my house. In a really tough market you suggested successful ways to encourage a sale and it worked. I appreciate the time you took to explain every step of the process. I would definitely suggest you to anyone who might be looking to sell their home!                                                                                                              

Barbara Dougherty, Richmond, VA

John, Just wanted to thank you again for all your help in finding us a home on the Outer Banks. We thought you did a great job as our agent, we didn’t feel any pressure, and felt you were always looking out for us and seemed to know what we were looking for. We will highly recommend you to any friends or family members (and there are a lot of them) if they are interested in a home on the Outer  Banks!                                                                                                                                      

John & Nancy McNally, Silver Spring, MD

John, You sent an email to me a week or so back in which you asked for feedback on the Wax Myrtle transaction.  Honestly everything went exceptionally well and I have no suggestions for improvement. An exceptional broker along with an exception property and exceptional seller: what more could I ask for? I enjoyed working with you and hope to see you again when we relocate.                                                                      

Chuck Taney, Devon, PA

Hi John, You know very well that we were satisfied with your service and I guess the best comment was the one from the buyer who stated that our agent really worked hard for us. We don’t ever plan on buying another rental property again but you would be the first call for the Outer Banks. Thanks again for all your work!                                                                                                                                                                                  

Ginny and Del Kuzemchak, Loganville, PA

John, Thank you for all you did for us again, with Outer Banks Properties. As usual you handled all the transactions with class and dignity. I know that you treat the small property the same as the large ones and that has been a Blessing to us. You have now handled several small properties for us on the Outer Banks and as always it has been a joy working with you. This one was especially difficult, as you were working long distance with us. We still consider you as friends as well as someone we can count on when we have business issues in your community. We know that you also are busy with community, charity and church events. Truly you are a good man. Until next time, love and blessings.

Connie and Tom Holleman, Ocala, FL

Thank you for the email and the phone call. It’s been a crazy week and it’s only Wednesday! Thank you for all of your hard work and help to sell our property! It was a long haul but we made it!  We will definitely stop in and say hello next time we are down in the Outer Banks. We hope the best for you in this crazy market.

Mary and Jay Regan, North Wales, PA

Hello John, I’ve been meaning to email you for weeks now and I am sorry it has taken so long. Despite more than two months passing, I think we still have a box or two to unpack. I wanted to thank you for all of your help in securing our home here. We had a pretty rigid schedule for when we needed look at homes and close on a selected home and we didn’t leave very much time in between. In fact, a few family members were betting it wouldn't happen. But, it did! Everyone you recommended was just as helpful and committed to keeping things moving along as you were and we really appreciated it. We particularly appreciate you giving us a place to store our car and perishables for a week!  I hope everything is going well with you and hopefully, we and our dogs will run into each other again soon!                                                                                                                          

Lesley Bark, Mount Vernon, NY

Hi John, Tim and I would like to thank you for the professional way you helped us sell our house. From the way you listed our property to the timely way you kept us informed of every detail, we feel that we had the best agent on the Outer Banks. We will definitely recommend you to anyone who is trying to sell in these difficult times. Thank you again for everything.                                                                         

Tim and Tan Dutcher, Punta Gorda, FL

We listed our home with John Leatherwood of REMAX Ocean Realty after interviewing him and Realtors from three other firms. It was listed on 21 February after which John entered it in MLS, posted his sign with a 24-hr recorded message phone number and inserted a photo of the house in his ad in the monthly Outer Banks Home Tour magazine for the remaining months that it was on the market. The price was reduced after 30 days, Realtors from a number of firms on the OBX showed the home to prospective buyers over the next few months. On 10 October John brought an offer to us from one of his clients and after negotiations we agreed upon a price on 11 October. Settlement went without a hitch on 15 November.              

Hank and Joan Frazier, Keswick, VA

Hey John, Just wanted to send our greatest appreciation for a job well done! Thank you for all of your hard work, dedication and professionalism—it made us very happy home owners and you one more satisfied customer! Making one of the largest purchases in a lifetime when buying a home, comes so many questions, stress, hard work and time working against you. I have lived on the Outer Banks for most of my life and never thought it possible to own my own home, well John made that possible to me, for us. With a wedding just months away you can only imagine the full plate we already had and adding a home purchase to it, didn’t seem feasible. With a mere recommendation from your parents and a phone call to John Leatherwood, we were in good hands. From the last words of our first phone conversation to the day we closed on the house, we did not encounter any of the behind the scenes stress. We received advise that was professional and knowledgeable, with John always giving reasons and explanations in laymen terms. Business it was, but at it’s best! What an impeccable job done by John “The Sandman”! We would recommend with highest regards and feel confident you would receive the same treatment and service from a real estate agent who understands his job and the service he is providing to the public. Thank you again John for everything. You made our buying experience most pleasant and stress free!                                

Matt and Becca Cooke, Powells Point, NC

With little direction and basic knowledge, we attempted to tackle the Outer Banks real estate market alone during a one week vacation. However, a family member suggested that we contact “one of the best real estate agents around” and not go it alone. Within minutes of meeting John, we knew we were in great hands. John gave us invaluable direction, explained the complexity of owning a beach home, and helped us to narrow our scope. In short order we found the home we were looking for, made an offer and closed the deal with absolutely no hassles or concerns. John fully represented our interest with the sellers, and made sure that nothing was overlooked. We, without hesitation, would recommend anyone interested in buying or selling a home in the entire Outer Banks area contact John Leatherwood!

Laura and John Mitchell, Utah County, Utah

These are pretty tough economic times for a lot of people, and I greatly appreciated John Leatherwood as my agent. From the first day we met, he presented the facts, not just what a client/customer wants to hear. John’s professionalism, business demeanor and market insight puts him at the top, vs. other real estate agents I have conducted business with. He presented a market analysis, which allowed me to make the best decision on listing my home and exceeded my expectations on a time line on which it would take to sell. John marketed my property to a degree which resulted in multiple showings and brought attention to my home which resulted in a timely sale and closing. If John ever needs a recommendation or reference, he is more than welcome to use my name, as I was extremely satisfied with his level of customer service, market knowledge, and detailed information regarding the sales process.                                                                      

Shannon Allen, Cary, NC

John, We would like to thank you - sincerely - for a job well done! This market proved to be trying for us as sellers, but you kept us well advised and focused on the goal of selling our property.  Your expertise is deeply appreciated and your good nature handling of the sale was terrific!  We will continue to recommend you - “The Sandman” to our friends and neighbors and you can be sure, if we have any real estate dealings in the future we will contact you!  Again Thanks for all the hard work and for making it easy!                                                                                                

Don and Valerie Riggs, Southern Shores, NC

Sissy and I would like to thank you for your sincere interest in helping us find the property best suited our plans, at the best possible price. Throughout this endeavor, you always gave us options, and shared with us which one you thought would be best, and why. At times when it would have been much more convenient to you personally to let us go forward with our offers to buy, you showed us how to alter our offer to possibly get a better price.  Before we met you, we had thought of a list of attributes we wanted in our ideal real estate agent, but you have offered us more than we could think to put on that list. You were a true “buyer’s agent”, and performed many more services at your own initiative than most people would think to ask of their agent. In addition to knowing your job well, you were honest, courteous, and professional. We hope to keep in touch with you in the future, Sissy and I will be all too happy to share our experience with anyone you care to put in contact with us.                              

Frank and Sissy Ameri, Richmond, VA

John, I just wanted to thank you for all the help you provided us with the purchase of this property. It was surely your knowledge and hard work that made everything to so relatively smoothly.                    

Martin and Susan Dapot, Reston, VA

John, We contacted you over a year ago and explained that we were interested in purchasing a home at the beach. As so often happens in modern life, other events removed our attention from looking for a summer home. Blessedly, your automatic email notifications kept coming so we would know very home that either was entering the market (or an existing home change in price) and that worked great. We were able to get a great feel for the market and see everything in which we would have an interest as it came available.  When we finally did decide that we wanted to take the next step, you guided us through the process with ease and professionalism. Nicole and I managed to firm with outer 500 employees, which has customer service as the basis of its success. It was thus very comforting to learn your responsiveness and professional were exceptional. During our rushed trip through the OBX looking at homes, you showed great flexibility and patience. When we finally settled on the property, your experience was again brought to bear. Throughout the negotiations and the ensuing additional paperwork that comes with buying a foreclosed property, you guided us through this process from beginning to end. Despite your also representing the Seller of the home that we purchased, we had had absolute confidence that everything was handled professionally.  We are very excited about our new home, and having now owned the home for several months, imagine our pleasant surprise when that you have now become an invaluable resource for contractors, vendors, etc. in the area.  We love the beach and are excited to spend time in our new home. Thank you for your assistance, we will certainly highly recommend you to anyone thinking of purchasing or selling a home at the beach.                               

Chris & Nicole Stuart, Hampton, VA

John, Both of us wish to thank you for your hard work and expertise in the sale of our home on Ocean Boulevard in Southern Shores, NC. I know that we instituted a challenge in that we had to have an extended closing date from the time we talked about putting it on the market. We discussed the idea of waiting until closer to the time we wanted to move before we listed it, but after talking to you about this, we all decided to go ahead and list with the delayed date. As it was, we had an offer in just 8 days (although the closing date was going to be six months later). I think that this offer and acceptance was in a large part because of your knowledge of the market and prices in the area. I want to thank you again, and we will recommend you as a real estate agent to everyone.                                             

Bob and Janet Hamstead, Mount Vernon, OH

John, As you well know, Deb and I have moved a lot and so have had to buy and sell a number of homes. We have not always been happy with our realtor for various reasons. Deb and I agree that besides being very professional and knowledgeable you added to our ability to make this deal happen and to assist us in getting the house in an acceptable condition and in a timely manner. Some of the words and emails you sent out kept everyone on the same page and cognitive of dates and timelines and wording like “broom clean” was a brilliant way of getting the house in a fairly clean condition, something we want but just didn’t know how to ask in a polite way. When we asked for things or for you to make calls, you always followed up on your commitment to do so and that is a trait I highly admire and desire when dealing more with a friend than a person out to close a deal and make some money. Deb and I want to say thanks for everything you did to make this deal happen and will recommend you to anyone we know looking for a Realtor.   

Steve and Deb Rothrock, Southern Shores, NC

Dear John, Anyone looking to buy or sell a property on the OBX should talk with you! You were referred to us by our neighbor, and we, in turn, want to refer others to you. John and I loved working with you! As a former Realtor, I particularly valued your ability to listen well, your responsiveness to our questions and needs, your guidance. You are professional, experienced, and you know how to market effectively as well as evaluate the market itself. Our advice to your new clients "Use John The Sandman, listen to his advice, and trust him.” Thank YOU for working with us!                     

Sandy and John Fricker, Duck, NC

Well my friend, you did it again for us and with your usual interest, kindness and patience. After over 10 years and 4 homes, I should not be surprised, but you continually follow through with very professional and personal help. How you can keep up this fine 'craftsmanship' I am not sure, as the pressures of life in general would slow one down after all these years, but you continually refine your real estate knowledge. We appreciate all the help you gave us and are again satisfied with our new home. You always manage to listen and follow thru with our desires without any pressure. I would recommend you to any family or friend. Thank you again and God Bless.

Connie Lay & Tom Holleman
Kitty Hawk, NC

Linda and I want to thank you for selling our Kill Devil Hills Oceanfront house. Being so far away it seems as if all the burden of sprucing up and getting the house ready to show was on you. We really appreciate your getting quotes for all the work. It would have been very difficult to do from this distance. Thank you for installing the new return air grills also. We never had to wonder "what was going on" as you kept us informed of all activity at the house. Thanks for a great job, John. Let's try to play golf sometime at DWCC.

P. S. I't s nice to know that our house commanded the highest price ever in KDH!! Best Regards!

Tom and Linda Howell
West Chester, PA

When you decide to buy or sell a property, I view it as a serious financial transaction. I thought you displayed an extremely high degree of professionalism (very important) as well as being a personable individual and this was evident to us quickly. When you left after our first meeting, Jean and I had the same impression that we had found the right person to help us and we were right. I am sure you will enjoy continued success and we look forward to seeing you from time to time as we make our way to the OBX. Thanks again!

Jim and Jean Conner
Wayne, PA

John, You must have magical powers. To list our beach house at a price beyond our expectations, write a contract at 97% of the asking price one month later and three days before hurricane Isabel was scheduled to arrive on the OBX is far beyond what is expected of any agent. During the past 15 years, we have observed your outstanding services and it has been a pleasure to know and work with you.

Fran & Bill White
Virginia Beach, VA

A brief thank you for all your efforts in helping us find our first home. You certainly made the 'house hunting' process fun and with your professional guidance, you helped us pick the perfect abode. As you know you were highly recommended to us and your actions certainly proved why. Thank you again for everything. Our lifestyle and quality of life has improved tremendously, a lot of it is because of your help.

Toby and Sarah Schwartz
Southern Shores

Thank you for all your help in the recent sale of the home. Kim and I had lost a little faith about the ability of our house to be sold. Apparently, we looked in the wrong place to begin with, but made the right decision in listing with you and RE/MAX.

Tom and Kim Anglim
Washington, NC

Thank you for all your professionalism and dedication in helping us with our home search over the past months. As you know, we were not in a hurry. We wanted to find the right place, in the right location, at the right price. It took quite a while, but we appreciate your patience and those many road trips up and down the mile posts. In the end, Bobbie and I found our dream home. We greatly appreciated your responsiveness, which was almost always immediate. And, we enjoyed your company to boot. Your suggestions for a mover saved us a bundle. Also, thanks so much for the home warranty policy. John, we have used that policy four times already and saved about $1,000. Thanks again!

Ed and Bobbie Beckley
Nags Head, NC

Just a little note to thank you again for all your help on our behalf. Through thick and thin you stuck by us. As I told a friend early on, John, you were the only Realtor out of numerous ones we had contracted from time to time that ever followed up with us in our pursuit.... I forever sing your praises.

Dahl and Donna Clark
Kitty Hawk, NC