In the following interview, Richard “Dicky” Mopper and Jessica Kelly, co-owners of Engel & Völkers Savannah in Savannah, Ga., discuss recruiting, retention and more.
Region Served: Savannah Metropolitan area and surrounding counties
Number of Offices: 1
Number of Agents: 24 sales advisors
Average Time on Market: 100 days
Average Sales Price: $275,000
Motto/Work Philosophy That You Live By: Selling Savannah to the world, with exceptional service, now and forever.
How do you plan to tackle the Savannah market?
The Engel & Völkers Savannah marketing plan includes web, print and social media to reach our target market and relies heavily on an extraordinary personal reach to our clientele via direct contact from our advisors and license partners. Our team’s involvement in civic, community and charitable events and issues shows the responsible and philanthropic nature of our advisors, which is always good for community and business.
How do you see your market evolving throughout the next year?
Savannah continues to be a marvelous growth market powered by location, weather and an influx of new industry and tourism, all of which creates an excellent opportunity for an increase in economic growth. The population of our region is on the upswing and appears to be destined for continued growth.
What factor has the largest influence on the real estate industry today?
As in most communities, the current available interest rates and loan options have helped reignite buyer interest, while helping sellers find the right buyer at a fair price. This trend should continue for some time to come.
What about your new region most excites you?
The region we service is often called the Sun Belt, and it continues to be one of the United States’ fastest-growing areas in what appears to be a trend with no end in sight. Savannah is also becoming a major second-home market for U.S. and foreign purchasers. Our National Landmark Historic District continues to enamor buyers from around the world.
When it comes to closing a transaction, what is your top strategy?
The key to successfully closing a transaction starts the moment you meet your client by helping them select the right residence. Properly preparing a purchase and sales agreement is key—outlining a plan of action for the advisor to follow in order to make certain each element of the transaction, from loan to inspection and all legal details, are attended to promptly for the client, making the process as painless as possible.
What are you most looking forward to now that you’re part of Engel & Völkers?
Our team is ecstatic with our decision to partner with Engel & Völkers. The Engel & Völkers training, marketing materials and corporate leadership are the finest in the real estate industry, with unprecedented global connections. The connectivity and cooperation from the partners internationally not only positions our firm, Engel & Völkers Savannah, to outperform all other brokerage firms, it also gives that same enhancement opportunity to our entire network.
For more information, please visit savannah.evusa.com/en/ or www.evusa.com.
