Relocation Spotlight: Beth Wolff Realtors Real Living
When working with relocation clients, it helps for a company to have a collaborative spirit. This is definitely the case at Beth Wolff Realtors Real Living, where the agents and management team work closely together in serving the needs of their relocation clients.
I recently visited with two of the company’s top agents, Steve Sheffer and Roya Arfa, who shared their views about the culture of the company, and how this collaborative approach continues to provide the framework for their success.
Both pointed to the involvement and availability of the company’s management team, led by Beth Wolff, chairman and CEO, and Ed Wolff, president.
Following are excerpts from our conversation:
MS: How would you describe the culture of your company?
SS: We have a different culture within our brokerage in the fact that we do work together as a team, and can leverage each other’s skills or knowledge set. For example, Ed and Beth have been in the business since 1978, so they have a wealth of experience within Houston.
At our company, the corporate culture starts at the top. That’s something that Beth and Ed have worked hard to establish, and I think our clients can see that and appreciate it. Having the ability to work together as agents is unique within our industry. So, it’s unique within an office to have people who are truly interested in the success of their fellow agents.
MS: Why is this spirit of collaboration important to the culture of your company? RA: Beth and Ed help us as agents. We work together like a family, rather than competing against each other. We are happy for each other’s success, which is a good culture to be in. It’s where our success comes from, because we always work together. Every one of us is ready to jump up and help each other do whatever needs to be done, and I just love that about the company. I can call Ed early in the morning or late at night to ask a question and he will absolutely be there to help me out. As agents, we constantly wear many hats, so it’s wonderful to know that we have a helping hand in both Ed and Beth.
MS: In what ways do you collaborate with the other agents in your company?
SS: I get involved with many of our agents when they have questions about inspections or new construction, because of my background as a homebuilder for 20 years prior to getting into real estate.
That experience can be invaluable when agents are negotiating repairs or trying to make sense out of an inspection report. I welcome those calls, because I’m happy to assist any of our agents in that capacity.
MS: How do your relocation clients benefit from such collaborative efforts?
RA: They are protected no matter what. I can tell a client that I don’t know all of the answers, and that if we come across an issue or a problem, that I will find out about it and will get back to them. I can call Ed or Beth or someone else to get the answers, and we will resolve it for the client.
Also, if a client is looking in Kingwood or The Woodlands or somewhere else, and I can’t be there, I can call someone else from my office who will help them. We rely on each other for that, and I think our clients know that we work as a team, and that we will make things happen.
MS: Do you assist newer agents, or mentor them about the relocation side of the business?
SS: Absolutely. Our agents who are on the relocation team are available for our newer agents. All agents can pick up the phone and call Beth or Ed, and they will provide the assistance needed. Our agents share that same level of enthusiasm for cooperation and assistance with our new or newer agents. I think that having that ability to call on your fellow agents is invaluable.
MS: How do you draw on your own international background and experiences, and share that knowledge with your fellow agents?
RA: I am originally from Iran, and my father was an expat, so I traveled a lot as a young kid. So, from personal experience, I know how difficult it is for families that are moving with kids. I know what it feels like to be lost in a new culture, so I take that experience and try to help and hold my clients’ hands. So, I help other agents who might not know about this, so that they can be successful in dealing with their clients.
Michelle Sandlin is an award-winning writer, journalist and global mobility industry expert. Her work is frequently featured in Worldwide ERC’s Mobility magazine, and in various business and industry related publications and corporate blogs. Follow her on Facebook: www.facebook.com/TheMichelleSandlin and on Twitter: @ MichelleSandlin. Also visit “On the Move” at blog. chron.com/onthemove.