Vitals: John Daugherty, REALTORS®
Years in Business: 51
Size: 3 offices, 150 agents
Region Served: The Greater Houston area
2017 Sales Volume: $1.108 billion
2017 Transactions: 1,455
No. 235 in sales volume in RISMedia’s 2018 Power Broker Report
www.johndaugherty.com
With the dual role of president and chief operating officer of Houston, Texas-based John Daugherty, REALTORS®, Cheri Fama brings more than 30 years of experience to the firm. Her favorite thing about working in the industry is producing results for the client, whether it be a next-gen homeowner or a baby boomer looking for their next move. And with Houston’s diverse mix of housing supply, she says there’s a perfect match for everyone.
How would you characterize the Houston real estate market in 2018?
Cheri Fama: It’s a positive marketplace. We pinch ourselves daily and feel very privileged to live in Houston right now. It’s a focal point for a lot of positive things in the media—for employers and for families. We don’t have a problem getting people acclimated to how nice it is here, and the pricing for a large metropolitan area is still considered to be very favorable. The middle price range ($570,000) has broadened and been very active. The media has been talking about the upper end slowing down, but our company has defied that. We’ve been very active in the million-dollar-plus market and higher.
What makes your firm unique in the marketplace?
CF: We’re a locally-owned luxury firm, which is unique because the personal service provided by this company is considered to be second to none in our marketplace. Our founder, when he started his career 51 years ago, realized there was an incredible lack of professionalism and training—and he’s stressed the importance of these two components over the years. We have a very good reputation for having agents who are knowledgeable and easy to work with.
What do you look for when bringing new agents into the mix, and what do they enjoy about the culture?
CF: No. 1, I always tell them that they’re probably in the wrong business if they’re not willing to make a commitment to both themselves and the company. Our people are our assets, and we strive to give all that we can to provide those who work for us what they need. It’s a very cohesive family, and we don’t have a competitive atmosphere in this company. Everyone works together and it’s a joy to work here with them. I compare it to the winning attitude of the World Champion Houston Astros in that it’s a fellowship that supports each other each step of the way. We’re about quality, and would rather have fewer agents who are productive than just taking on whoever comes knocking at our door.
Talk about some of your recent growth and plans for the future.
CF: We’ve opened a new Woodlands office in the north part of town, an amazing city connected to Houston. We’ve also expanded into the West Houston Memorial area, which is allowing us to grow into the Energy Corridor and the suburbs that way. We’re always looking at opportunities that can expand our reach in a smart way.
What sort of training and education do you offer to your agents?
CF: We don’t use the word training, but rather, professional development. We try to bring in outside speakers and motivational/inspirational people, as well as provide professional development opportunities within the office from our staff. We do our best to make these agents understand what they’re selling so that they’re so natural at presenting it that people want to work with them when listing or buying a home.
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