 |
Sue Braemer Real Estate, LLC Corporate Plaza 211 Corporate Dr Suite E Beaver Dam, WI 53916 920-887-8345 1-800-787-5544 suesells@suebraemer.com |
An Interview With Sue
Background with the business:I've been in the business for 19 years, many of them as an individual contractor. I've been associated with franchises in the past because of the training and education they provided to a new realtor. Today, franchises have a different philosophy, so I decided to put my energies into getting as much education as I could through the Wisconsin Association of realtors. They offer the Graduate Realtors Institute and the Certified Residential Specialist. These credentials are designed to get you above the plane of most realtors. With this training, I gained the insight of the nation's top realtors, which is invaluable when you're about to start your own business. These credentials put one in the top bracket, but it's still up to the individual realtor. Just 5% of all REALTORS in the United States can call themselves Certified Residential Specialist. That's because just 1 in 20 have the extensive experience, commitment and the advanced training necessary to earn this designation. Why did you start your own business? In Today's market, it's not the company that sells the house, it's the agent. After being in the business for 19 years, and through hard work and dedication to my clients, I established the reputation as a realtor that could "get the job done." There was no longer a need to be affiliated with a franchise and pay the expenses that one incurs with that benefit. Because of my past experience, I know the importance of promoting, marketing and the advertising of each house listing that I acquire. Also, it's my job to build enthusiasm. I want clients to look at what might be just a potential property, and say, "Wow, this is what I've been looking for." It's up to the individual agent to make that sale happen, and that's what I've built my business on. What about your location? In real estate its location, location, location. My new location, Corporate Plaza, has been a wise decision. The north side of town is where all the growth is. We're right off of Highway 151, with 90 parking spots and it's handicapped accessible, everything an office should be. The only responsibility in leasing here is the interior; there is no outside or hallway maintenance. The utilities are low; since this is a new building it's very efficient. The units are designed for each particular business. The building design is fabulous, and so is the location. I just don't have any negatives with it. What were some of the challenges? Making the right decisions - the first thing was - to own or lease the building. Leasing has a lot of perks that people just don't realize. Overhead is lower, and there are few maintenance issues. Other decisions also needed to be made quickly, coming up with our own logo, marketing, and how to get our name out there, how fast could we get signs made. The biggest thing is, once you've made that move, don't look back, and keep your focus on the future. Describe your business today: Business has been excellent, and it's the best thing I've ever done. It's a business you can enjoy, but it is hard work and a balancing act at times. Technology has changed the way we do business today; I was one of the first to list houses on the Internet. I have two excellent people that handle the marketing and other business functions so I can focus on my clients. Currently, I have one agent and am looking for a good full-time agent to add to the staff. What advice would you give to other women thinking of starting their own business? Know your strong and weak points. Surround yourself with talented people that have positive attitudes. Then you can build a strong team that can focus on customer satisfaction, which is why we're in business. Good communication is important with your staff and clients. Realize you are going to be taking on some additional debt, but if you have a strong business plan, and believe in yourself, you'll be successful. If there are any women out there thinking of making that leap of faith and they know the business, do it. suesells@suebraemer.com | |