Insider's Guide to Brokerage Firms

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>> INSIDER’S GUIDE TO BROKERAGE FIRMS

Insider’s Guide TO BROKERAGE FIRMS

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elcome to the Insider's Guide to Brokerage Firms, produced by your friends at Nfocus! We're pulling back the curtain on Nashville's booming real estate market and introducing you to the agents behind some of the hottest deals in the city.

Despite the explosive growth of recent years, Nashville's real estate market isn't showing signs of cooling off anytime soon. From luxury urban living to sprawling rural estates and everything in between, Middle Tennessee has something for everyone. And there's no one better equipped to navigate through the often treacherous world of buying and selling a home than the region's top real estate firms. Get to know the men and women behind some of the city's most successful brokerage firms, what sets them apart from their competitors and what experience they bring to the table in this guide.

A special thank you goes to Carla Mathis, Heather Cantrell Mullins, Daniel Meigs, Heather Pierce, Whitney Clay and Jonathan Sims for working hard to make this guide a reality. We're also incredibly grateful to The Joseph hotel for providing the perfect backdrop for our photo shoots.

Keep an eye out for future Insider's Guides from the team at Nfocus. We're always working hard to keep you in the know!

Nancy Floyd Editor-in-Chief, Nfocus

Jennifer Trsinar Jezewski Publisher, Nfocus

Editor-in-Chief: Nancy Floyd Managing Editor: Jonathan Sims Writer: Whitney Clay Art Director: Heather Pierce Photographer: Daniel Meigs Publisher: Jennifer Trsinar Jezewski Advertising Solutions Consultants: Carla Mathis, Heather Cantrell Mullins Location: The Joseph hotel

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Jessica Averbuch (CEO/Owner), Jenny Telwar (Managing Broker, Green Hills), Stephanie Brooks (Managing Broker, Belle Meade), Charlie Neese (Managing Broker, Franklin)

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>> INSIDER’S GUIDE TO BROKERAGE FIRMS

Zeitlin Sotheby’s International Realty 4301 Hillsboro Pike, Suite 100, Nashville, TN 37215 | 629-202-6801 www.zeitlin.com

Zeitlin Sotheby’s International Realty has been successful for over 40 years by adapting to a changing real estate market while still abiding by the principles set in place by founder Shirley Zeitlin in 1979. The firm employs full-time agents who value continuing education and provide expert guidance to their clients.

Zeitlin employees live in the communities where they work, and civic involvement is a core principle. They donate time and money to the Zeitlin Charitable Fund, which benefits Second Harvest Food Bank, Our Kids, Bridges Domestic Violence Center and ShowerUp Nashville. “We’ve always had a very collaborative culture,” says CEO and owner Jessica Averbuch. There are no contests to see who can sell the most homes, and agents aren’t ranked. “We focus on providing the highest level of service and representation and truly care about our clients,” says Jessica. “We feel like if we do that, our legacy of excellence will continue on.”

What is the most important thing to consider when choosing a realtor?

There are many considerations when choosing an agent, yet data shows that most people work with the first agent that comes to mind. It is important to evaluate your expectations, preferences and needs to make sure you select an agent with a brokerage who aligns with them.

What can clients expect when they work with your firm?

They can expect a full-service experience. Our agents are supported by a team of professionals, including talented marketing staff, collaborative colleagues, inhouse lending, title and relocation services.

What’s a common mistake people make when choosing a realtor?

In the current market conditions, people know it is a strong market but may underestimate the role of their agent and their brokerage. The stakes are high in a fast-paced, competitive market, and it is critical to have representation that can guide you to a successful outcome.

What sets you apart from other real estate firms?

The reputation that we have earned over many years sets us apart from other firms. Our deeply rooted local brand, coupled with the global reach and marketing

firepower of Sotheby’s International Realty, is a powerful combination.

What is the most challenging aspect of the Nashville housing market right now, and how do you navigate it?

There is no question that low inventory is a challenge for buyers and sellers. We have honed strategic and creative ways to adjust to market conditions and help our clients succeed. The low inventory environment creates a fast-paced market, so it is important to work with an agent who has their finger on the pulse of the market and is part of a collaborative team.

How do you go above and beyond for your clients?

We are a luxury real estate firm, and we believe that luxury is an experience, not a price point. We embrace a high-tech and high-touch approach to ensuring a productive experience that exceeds our clients’ expectations.

What do you consider to be your firm’s biggest accomplishment?

Our biggest accomplishment has been our legacy that carries on as a female-led, family business. We embrace change while holding steadfast to the highest standards for professionalism. Our name has changed through the years, but our commitment to quality has only become stronger as our company has grown.

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RE/MAX Homes and Estates, Lipman Group 2002 Richard Jones Road, Suite C-104, Nashville, TN 37215 | 615-463-3333 www.lipmanhomesandestates.com

RE/MAX Homes and Estates, Lipman Group, founded over 32 years ago by Larry Lipman, has a local, relationship-based culture backed by global branding and exposure. The boutique real estate company cultivates solid relationships with its staff and agents, which, in turn, helps realtors establish amazing relationships with their clients. It prides itself on leadership and a supportive team that leads with integrity, strength, intelligence and kindness to maintain an unblemished reputation worth being proud of. It’s not about being the best in the eyes of other firms; it’s about being the best in the eyes of their staff, agents and, most importantly, their clients.

What is the most important thing to consider when choosing a realtor?

Honesty. There are many essential considerations to weigh when choosing a realtor. An adept realtor is a good communicator, is knowledgeable and is resourceful; however, we believe honesty is paramount among the qualities of an excellent realtor.

What can clients expect when they work with your firm?

Our agents’ clients know that our associates have two brokers that are readily available to help avoid pitfalls and a skillful and inventive marketing team, and they can expect to receive the same honesty, respect and personalized care upon which Lipman Group has built a long-standing reputation.

What’s a common mistake people make when choosing a realtor?

One of the most common missteps made when selecting a realtor is assuming a realtor associated with a “popular” brokerage is the best realtor for their needs. While most firms strive to be a one-sizefits-all company, not all firms can offer the care and support that meets the needs of every client and their realtor.

What sets you apart from other real estate firms?

Our realtors are our heartbeat. We are forward-

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thinking, with a heart to cultivate and support the best real estate professionals. We want homebuyers and sellers to know they are employing the best of the best when they sign an agency agreement with one of our realtors, and we achieve this by providing the best education, broker presence and conciergelevel marketing support to our realtors. We are blessed to be backed by the largest and most powerful brand in real estate but still be small enough to provide local, specialized support that is built around the unique business models of each of our realtors.

How do you go above and beyond for your clients?

Not only do we speak our mission statement, passionately helping all live the lives they envision, we incorporate it into our daily actions, especially our agents. Everything from listening to our clients’ needs and expectations while doing all we can to meet them to sitting at the closing table celebrating one of the biggest decisions they make in their lives.

We pride ourselves on knowing the current market and our feeder markets so we can accommodate first-time homebuyers, luxury buyers and sellers, investors, and those relocating to and from Middle Tennessee. In addition, we add concierge services when we see the demand, as we constantly acclimate to the current and forecasted market.

BACK ROW: Olivia Jorgensen (Senior Marketing Specialist), Bobbie Noreen (Lipman Group Leadership Coach), Maria Holland (Top Producer 2020), Stephanie Kelley (COO and CMO, Leadership), Lawrence Lipman, (Owner and CEO, Leadership), Kendra Nitz (Accounting and Administrative Manager, Leadership), Chris Grimes (Managing Broker, Leadership), John Grimes (Rookie of the Year, 2020) FRONT ROW: Gloria Houghland (Lipman Group Realtor with Longest Tenure), Sutton Lipman Costanza (Realtor and Lipman Group Legacy, Leadership), Alexa Lipman (Realtor and Lipman Group Legacy)

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Molly Edmondson, Whit Clark, Courtney Jenrath, Sean Simons, Steve Fridrich

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Fridrich & Clark Realty 3825 Bedford Avenue, Suite 102, Nashville, TN 37215 | 615-327-4800 www.fridrichandclark.com

Following its promise of “guiding you home,” Fridrich & Clark Realty has been the firm that top realtors have called home for more than 50 years. Locally owned and operated, Fridrich & Clark Realty combines longstanding hometown knowledge of the broad Nashville area real estate market — particularly in West Nashville and Williamson County — with experienced and well-trained agents who provide a high level of professional insight and personal service.

From its offices in Green Hills and Brentwood, the firm and its more than 195 agents bring a tradition of unquestioned excellence to the residential real estate process. It’s an approach that explains why you see Fridrich & Clark Realty signs in front of so many of the area’s homes.

What is the most important thing to consider when choosing a realtor?

Their integrity. Knowledge of the market is only one piece of the puzzle. Integrity ensures that the real estate transaction will be handled with the highest standards in the industry.

What can clients expect when they work with your firm?

Professionalism. Buying or selling a home is an intricate, stressful experience. Our agents possess the knowledge and empathy to guide clients every step of the way.

What's a common mistake people make when choosing a realtor?

Failing to ask the right questions about the process and expectations. This step enables them to make a sound decision to partner with a candidate they can trust.

What sets you apart from other real estate firms?

Our experience and our tradition. We are a locally owned firm with a proven management approach and more than a half-century of

leadership in training and customer service. That makes a difference.

What is the most challenging aspect of the Nashville housing market right now, and how do you navigate it?

Inventory. Finding homes in all parts of town is a challenge. Our experience, resources and our network throughout the city help us navigate this environment effectively.

How do you go above and beyond for your clients?

We treat them with respect. We are realistic and never over-promise. We are proud that 100 percent of our clients in a recent survey said that we greatly exceeded or exceeded their expectations.

What do you consider to be your firm's biggest accomplishment?

Seeing our agents succeed. Our firm’s realtors have received the most Awards of Excellence and Celebration of Excellence honors frequently from the local associations. Just as importantly, we have a lot of fun along the way.

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Compass RE

3990 Hillsboro Pike, Suite 320, Nashville, TN 37215 | 615-475-5616 www.compass.com

Americans are flocking to Nashville like never before, creating a highly competitive real estate climate.

The immense demand for Nashville homes, coupled with limited inventory, means realtors must get creative. And at Compass, that’s exactly what the agents have done. Compass is building the first modern real estate platform, pairing the industry’s top talent with technology to make the search-and-sell experience intelligent and seamless. From utilizing top-notch marketing tools in positioning a seller’s listing to crafting innovative ways to get a buyer’s offer accepted, even when there are multiple competing offers, Compass agents have an unmatched edge, which is invaluable in this market. Not just a transaction, buying or selling a home is an experience and should be treated as such. At Compass, the goal is to help you navigate the crowded waters of today’s market, ensuring you reach your goals.

What is the most important thing to consider when choosing a realtor?

In this competitive market, it’s imperative to use an experienced professional who can protect you from unforeseen problems down the line. Choose an agent who can serve as a trusted advisor and will help you make the most informed decisions. Ask friends or neighbors for referrals, or ask the agent to provide references from satisfied clients. The most important thing is to ensure the agent will represent your best interests.

What can clients expect when they work with your firm?

Our agents are dependable advisors, helping everyone from the first-time buyer to the seasoned seller make better, more informed decisions. One of our core business principles is to obsess about opportunity.

At Compass, our agents are obsessed with providing exceptional client experiences and to make the buying and selling process as seamless as possible.

What’s a common mistake people make when choosing a realtor?

People often choose an agent who is an acquaintance, but that agent might not be the best fit for your needs. Interview at least three agents to determine the right match. If selling, choose an agent who understands your neighborhood, comparable sales

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and suggests a strategic marketing plan. If buying, ensure the agent understands your “must-haves,” offers honest feedback on homes you tour and guides you appropriately to submit competitive offers.

What is the most challenging aspect of the Nashville housing market right now, and how do you navigate it?

2021 has certainly been a seller’s market in Nashville, and we have continued to experience low inventory, which, in turn, is driving up the average sales price of homes. At Compass, our agents are adept at crafting and submitting strategic offers to help their buyers secure their homes. On the sell side, our agents use their industry knowledge to help sellers sift through multiple offers to ensure they accept the one that best fits their timeline.

What do you consider to be your firm’s biggest accomplishment?

Real estate is changing, and Compass is positioned to adapt quickly to shifting trends. Compass helps agents grow their businesses, serve more clients, save time and stand out as valued, trusted and professional advisors in their markets. Our end-to-end technology platform empowers our residential real estate agents to deliver exceptional service to seller and buyer clients.

Stephanie Clark (Head of Operations), George Rowe (Sales Manager), Kristy Hairston (Managing Director of Sales), Tyler Graham (Associate Sales Manager)

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