Fahada Saad
The Saad Team
Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate
Naples, Florida
Team members: Eight: four staff and four licensed agents. All four of the licensed agents have the last name of Saad. I have two daughters and one daughter-in-law and we all take listings and help buyers.
How long have you been in real estate?
Seven. My background is in nursing. The skills that I learned and used in nursing, like communication and empathy, all translate very well to working in real estate.
When and why was the team formed?
I started on my own and business was growing and growing-tripling annually-so we just kept adding to the team so that I could help more people with the same level of service. I will not compromise on the level of service.
What do you tell people on listing appointments about the value of hiring your team versus hiring a solo agent?
We can service the listing at such an incredible level. For one thing there is never going to be a time that we will miss an opportunity. There is always someone here to service the client. One person could not possibly do what we do.
What’s your best tip for getting a listing at the right price?
Be 100% honest with the folks going in. Don’t just take a listing to take it. We just have a real honest discussion about the market.
What advertising idea created the greatest return on investment?
About the only advertising that really works for us is the just-sold postcards, but the key to making that work is the follow-up phone calls. Nothing beats talking to people and following up in this market.
What’s your best idea for holding effective team meetings?
We have a team meeting every Monday. We have an agenda with a set plan. We want the team to have fun. Coming to work is like coming to fun. We are excited because what we are doing is working and we can help people.
What works best in generating online leads?
Our company has all the links with Google and Yahoo and we have a great Web presence. A lot of people may do their first look at the Internet so we have to have a presence there to get that first call and take it from there.
Do you rely on internal or external training and for what specific areas?
I have been a Mike Ferry trained team from the get go. The entire team goes to Mike Ferry seminars and training four times a year. I am adamant about going.
What sort of business/financial arrangement do you have with your broker?
I am pretty self sufficient with my team but I do rely on Coldwell Banker for the location and the great office. And Coldwell Banker is an international company with a great presence all over the world.
How are you developing your team into a true business entity?
We create team goals, like we want to help “x” number of people this year. Then we have individual goals. Where are we? You always have to have something you’re working towards and we have a clearly defined business plan that we review and track constantly. So we are always on track.
Have you formed an LLC or incorporated?
I am a PA which is similar to an LLC.
Do you have a succession plan in place?
It’s all family and it’s for them to have going forward so I would never sell it.
Philosophy on life in real estate
Work hard, play hard and have fun.
– Lesley Geary
