Author: Jessica Fuller, BSU student
Question: So, let’s start with are you from this local area?
Answer: I grew up in Whitman then lived in Bridgewater, and I currently live in East Bridgewater.
Q: Tell me about your business.
A: My real estate business is named after my daughter, and we are really focused on families. We mostly sell houses, but also do some rentals and a little commercial. We are not discount at all, which means our sellers get more money and our buyers get better deals. We work closely with related business (such as home inspectors, insurance, flooring companies etc.) to help meet clients’ needs. We also have a close relationship with attorneys because we want our buyers and sellers to have legal representation and be protected. We also have programs with mortgage brokers to help our clients get where they need to be financially to buy a home. We work very, very hard to get our clients the best deals and make them happy.
Q: Where do you serve?
A: We serve a wide area because our agents live all over. We are people based and serve our clients. We mostly serve the South Shore and South Coast but will travel for our clients.
Q: When did it start? What Year?
A: I started in when I was 23, which was in 1993.
Q: What was it that made you want to start this business?
A: From the ages of 13-23 I had a house cleaning business and was doing very well. I wanted to move into a more professional career and my friend suggested that I come be a realtor with her. I started at a big company and had a bad experience, so I moved around to other big companies but wasn’t happy. I took some time off and I decided to go on my own because I didn’t like people telling me what to do. I loved it and kept going.
Q: What was the toughest thing you went through when opening? What inspired you to keep going as you were getting the business off the ground?
A: We grew slowly and only rented a small office space to start. I was so scared signing that lease. Now, we rent the whole space. I love protecting and helping people so that’s what kept me going.
Q: If you had to start over from day 1 what would you have done differently? Or what was your most difficult challenge?
A: I would have had better tracking systems and contacted clients in a better, more organized manner. I would’ve been better about staying “top of mind.” I also would’ve had bigger goals for myself and my business and would’ve started investing money earlier.
Q: What is the toughest part about having a business in 2020?
A: The toughest part of my job is dealing with difficult people. It’s also tough having confidence in myself and the hard work I do and knowing how awesome I am.
Q: If a customer was to choose between your business and 3 others just like it why would you suggest they at least give you a try first? What makes you stand out?
A: My team and our genuine care for people makes us stand out. We have better communication, more experience and really care about people. We do what’s in the client’s best interest. We are not all about the money, we truly just want to help people.
Q: What is the number 1 way you currently bring in new customers?
A: We bring in new clients by doing a really good job and getting referrals from clients. We love our people and care about them and make sure they have a good experience. If our customers are happy, they will keep recommending us and will always keep us in mind.
Q: Has internet technology (website, online ads, social media, etc.) played a big part in your growth and making your company more successful?
A: Not really, but we’ve been adding to it in the past year. Two of our agents, Missy and Paul Farias, have helped update our website and Facebook page. Most of our business comes from referrals. Only a small amount of our business comes from technology and social media.
Q: Do you feel that internet technology could play a bigger role in your business if you had the right tools?
A: Yes, so we could get more visibility and turn phone calls into deals.
Q: If you had to look 6 months to a year into the future where would you like to see your business be?
A: I would like to hire two more solid agents. We currently have two and would like to have 4-5. I want to stay small and want to make sure that everyone stays solid. I want all our agents to meet their goals with minimal stress.
Q: Increase or decrease, step away and be more a manager, passive owner etc.? Why?
A: I like where I am now and want to continue doing what I’m doing. I love my agents and love working with clients. I do want to teach my agents to be more independent. I will always be involved because my job is very fun and fulfilling.
Q: Is there anything else you would like to add?
A: Hiring Missy Farias has been the best decision in Brook Realty history. I feels like everything is more organized and I have no stress. Her strengths are my weakness and vice versa. My income has doubled but I am not doing any more work. She is very smart, hardworking, and protects me.
Visit Brook Realty at: 205 West Grove St., Suite B, Middleboro, MA, or contact them via:
Telephone: 508-726-0622 or 508-207-2501
Email: Ruth@BrookRealty.com or Missy@BrookRealty.com
Webpage: www.brookrealty.com
Facebook: Brook Realty