MP: What would you point to as your competitive differentiation in the marketplace?
DS: Our productive agents, professional environment and staff, and the dedication of Mary Lou and our team really set our company apart from the competition. In addition, consumers like companies that support good causes. One hundred percent of RE/MAX Crossroads’ partners choose to contribute a portion of each and every transaction to Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital and Akron Children’s Hospital through the Children’s Miracle Network (CMN). Every year since Crossroads opened in 1993, we have won the RE/MAX award for donating the most money to CMN out of all other RE/MAX companies in our region.
MP: What are today’s consumers most concerned with when it comes to buying and selling real estate?
DS: Tops on the list: working with an experienced, knowledgeable professional who can guide them through the entire process. Both buyers and sellers want a real estate agent that can effectively negotiate on their behalf. They also want an agent that communicates with them on a regular basis as well as an agent that utilizes the most up-to-date technology.
MP: How are you attracting and retaining top-producing agents?
DS: There is a saying: “If you want to play better golf, play with better golfers.” Providing an atmosphere consisting of top-producing agents naturally attracts other top-producing agents. It’s also as simple as getting in front of them to show them how many more transactions they can do at Crossroads. Our average productivity per associate ranks us in the top 50 companies in the U.S., No. 24 in 2011.
MP: In your opinion, what do today’s agents need to focus on most in order to succeed?
DS: Three things: Setting their goals, always working on and improving their skills, and providing world-class service to their clients.
For more information, please visit www.remaxneo.com.
