TOP 5 IN REAL ESTATE, July 2010 –
Chris Spada
Exit Realty of Cherry Hill, New Jersey
Years in Real Estate: 18
Region Served: Greater Philadelphia/South Jersey market
Average sales price in your market: $243,000
How have you evolved your strategies in this tough environment? As broker/owner, I chose to become associated with a company that truly understands what it takes for a Realtor to succeed. In order to serve the public at the highest possible levels, agents need time and market appropriate training, technology appropriate tools, and mechanisms for added income streams. At EXIT, we allow our associates to think in the corners of the box, not the center, and encourage them integrate new and innovative ideas into our profession and the ways we do business.
How does being with EXIT differentiate you in the marketplace? EXIT Realty International’s business model is one that brings life balance to our associates. In other at companies I worked for before EXIT, the mantra was always “close more deals.” The EXIT model at my brokerage is to encourage all associates to have the goal of helping 25 to 35 people buy or sell real estate each year and to have a well-balanced life outside of one’s career. Associates who want to earn exceptional incomes are not encouraged to churn out more and more transactions, but instead to sponsor new quality associates into EXIT, thereby earning residual income from the gross fees collected by these new associates. Sponsor more, earn more, live more by enjoying a balanced life.
Are you relying more on technology? Definitely. We heavily rely on digital media technologies. We focus on property and agent website development, EXIT e-Listing Internet presences, web-based video tours and digital listing magazines, search engine optimization and reciprocal linkings, Web 2.0 through Facebook, Twitter, and other social networking sites, and blogging. These venues provide avenues for people to become acquainted with us and learn of our capacities to help them. From contacts established through thousands of websites, we can automatically send these individuals updated information that is timely, meaningful, and wanted.
What are you doing differently this year to attract buyers? Industry surveys reveal that 82% of all consumers begin their exploration into real estate matters by using the web and that 90% use the web to search for homes, so naturally my answer on technology is a major component. However, once we begin to establish rapport with a buyer or seller, we educate, counsel, and nurture the individual relationship. In this way, we protect the interests of the consumer public while enjoying the benefits of building a referral based business.
What is the trend today? As in many markets, property values are still declining. Certainly, there was a bump last Spring as a consequence of the federal government’s economic stimulus package and the $8,000 tax credit. But, if you look at the seasonal data, the sales ratio over that same time last year is higher, so it is very difficult to say there is any real up-tick. My prediction is that property values will level off during 2012 and 2013 and will slowly start building appreciation in the 2014 and 2015 timeframe.
Why did you become a Member of Top 5? Many reasons. First, being a member of Top 5 provides us with recognition for the success we have been able to achieve as a Brokerage. Second, Top 5 helps keep us informed on trends and developments in our industry. This information allows us to proactively plan for and respond to business challenges. Third, Top 5 provides us with excellent consumer informational material that helps us educate the consumer and protect their interests.
What is the key to a successful life in real estate?
Balance. If you are always pushing for your next closing, always trying to beat your last quota, you’re probably going to miss out on life’s joys, beauty, and friendships. That is why you will see there are probably more associates at EXIT with a well-balanced life due to our business model and opportunities to earn residual incomes.
