The Magazine for Real Estate In The Shenandoah Valley
FUNKHOUSER Winter 2016
REPORT
Celebrating 40 Years! INSIDE THE LIFE OF A REALTOR® PREPARING YOUR HOME FOR WINTER MARKET REPORT • EXCEPTIONAL PROPERTIES
FUNKHOUSER REAL ESTATE GROUP
1
OUR TEAM
FUNKHOUSER REAL ESTATE GROUP HARRISONBURG OFFICE l 540-434-2400 WOODSTOCK OFFICE l 540-459-4002
JOE FUNKHOUSER
KEMPER FUNKHOUSER
ELIZABETH KISTLER
PETE LAVER
DAVID EMSWILER
PHILIP CONSTABLE
ANGIE GROGG
ALYSIA DAVIS
BECKY MESSINA
SUE EMSWILER
ANGELA ANDREWS
ANNA BERGEY
BECKY WILLIAMS
BEN SCHLABACH
BETSY GLENDYE
BOBBIE REEVES
BRAD COHEN
BURDETTE BONTRAGER
CAREY KEYES
CEREDA JOHNSON
CHAD KIMBLE
CHRIS DUNKEL
CHRIS MONAHAN
CINDY NEVIN
DAN PICKETT
DANIELLE DAVIS
DAVID GALGANO
DEBRA SHOWALTER
DELORES RUTZ
DIANA KISER
DICK MASON
ELAINE WENGER
EMILY BARONE
FRED GLOVER
JACK ROSE
JAN FLORA
JAY YUTZY
JAYNE SCHLABACH
JIM LAVER
JIM SIPE , JR.
JOHN MAUZY
KEN HENSLEY
KIRK RYGOL
LAURA MEASELL
LINDA MARS
LINDSAY MONGER
LISA HENSLEY
LUKE SMITH
MARY MATTIAS MILLER TURNER CLYMER realtor®
realtor®
MIKE NESSELRODT
NADINE BARONE
NANCY NATHAN KEYSER-BRYANT BLACKWELL
PAUL WHATLEY
RONALD FLORES
RYAN ROBERTS
SCOTT ROGERS
SHELLEY DUFFUS
SHIRLEY FRENCH
STEPHEN OGLETREE
STEVE SPENCE
SUSAN PHELAN
SUZANNE BOTHAMLEY
SUZANNE TROW
president, crb, dsa
realtor®
realtor
®
realtor
®
realtor®, associate broker gri,crs
realtor
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®
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chief operating officer, mba
realtor®
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, j .d .
®
realtor ,abr,sfr,epro
realtor®, associate broker gri,crs
realtor
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®
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chief financial officer
realtor®
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®
realtor
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realtor®
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realtor ,abr,sres,gri
realtor
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office manager - harrisonburg office manager - woodstock
realtor®
realtor
®
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realtor , associate broker
realtor®,abr,sres,epro
realtor ,p.e. ®
SUSAN REPPERT realtor
®
realtor®
realtor
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realtor ,sfr,crs,gri,epro
realtor®, associate broker
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realtor , associate broker
assistant manager - harrisonburg
realtor®
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realtor ,sres,abr
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office administrator
realtor®
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realtor ,sres
realtor®,reo,sfr
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realtor ,green
THERESA LIND realtor
®
director of relocation
realtor®
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realtor , associate broker gri, abr, crs
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realtor , associate broker green
realtor®
®
realtor , associate broker
TINA REGAN ®
realtor ,gri
administrative assistant
realtor®
realtor
®
realtor®
®
realtor , associate broker green
administrative assistant
realtor®
realtor®
realtor®, associate broker
realtor®
YVONNE PIRKEY
realtor®, associate broker abr,crs,gri
VIEW ASSOCIATE PROFILES ONLINE @ FUNKHOUSERGROUP.COM/ASSOCIATES All associates are members of the National Association of REALTORS ® and abide by the REALTOR ® Code of Ethics.
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FUNKHOUSER REPORT
welcome T
wo Thousand Fifteen marked the 40th Anniversary of our company. Joe Funkhouser started his career with a vision of creating a full service real estate experience for clients throughout the Shenandoah Valley. During this time we have been part of the area’s growth and have experienced dramatic changes within the real estate industry.
KEMPER FUNKHOUSER chief operating officer realtor, mba
In 1975 there were two people in a small office on Court Square in Harrisonburg. Today, we have nearly 70 professionals with offices in Harrisonburg and Woodstock. Our associates provide clients with the best real estate experience through their expertise and use of the latest tools and technology. We hope you enjoy the Funkhouser Report to gain an insight to our real estate market and view some of the most Exceptional Properties available in the Shenandoah Valley.
contents 4
Celebrating 40 Years! An interview with Joe Funkhouser on founding his company and today’s real estate business.
6
Local Roots - National Perspective A brief history of Funkhouser Real Estate Group.
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By The Numbers A scan of the Shenandoah Valley Residential Real Estate Market.
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Preparing Your Home For Winter Seasoned professionals offer advice on how to prerpare your home for cold weather.
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Exceptional Properties A sampling of luxury properties in the Shenandoah Valley.
14 Inside The Life Of A REALTOR
®
A look at what it takes to start and maintain a successful real estate career.
16 News & Notes
Inside Funkhouser Real Estate Group: New Associates, New Babies, Weddings and In The Community.
16 Commercial Property Portfolio
Six properties prime for commercial and residential development.
FUNKHOUSER REAL ESTATE GROUP l www.FunkhouserGroup.com
HARRISONBURG OFFICE l 401 University Boulevard, Harrisonburg, VA 22801 l 540-434-2400 WOODSTOCK OFFICE l 1010 Ox Road, Woodstock, VA 22664 l 540-459-4002
FUNKHOUSER REPORT is created and published by Funkhouser Real Estate Group. For information on becoming an advertiser or being added to the mailing list, please e-mail your interest to Kemper@FunkhouserGroup.com or call 540-434-2400. © Copyright 2015. Funkhouser Real Estate Group. All rights reserved. This publication and its contents are protected under U.S. Copyright laws. Although care is taken to ensure the accuracy of the content, we cannot be responsible for errors, omissions, prior sales, changes to property status or withdrawls. Equal Housing Opporunity. This is not intended to solicit property currently listed.
FUNKHOUSER REAL ESTATE GROUP
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Celebrating 40 Years! A Real Estate Firm With A Strong Foundation
A Q&A with Joe Funkhouser, Founder of Funkhouser Real Estate Group
Why did you get into real estate? I always had a desire of being either a real estate broker or attorney. When I completed my service with the Military Intelligence and returned home, I decided real estate was the profession I wanted to pursue. Real estate always intrigued me because I was interested in investment property, and real estate is a business that assists people with one of the largest financial investments of their life. What was your vision for the company in 1975? To build a full service real estate company in the Shenandoah Valley that is known for its integrity, expertise and service.
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FUNKHOUSER REPORT
When was the most difficult time to be in real estate? Each downturn in the economy creates difficult real estate business conditions. The first major time was during the Savings & Loan crisis in the 1980’s when interest rates were approaching twenty percent. The second difficult time was during the most recent recession of the 2000’s. The market almost came to a halt as property values decreased and the lending environment was very tight. Many homeowners were underwater in their mortgages. It has taken many years to work out of this difficult period. How has the Shenandoah Valley changed the most in the past 40 years? The foundation of the local
economy has made major shifts. In 1975 our economy was primarily based on agriculture. Today we have a very diverse economy that is being driven by higher education, health care and technology. This new economy has opportunities for growth that have not been seen in this area. Our economy and quality of life in the valley continues to attract companies looking to expand. What is the most significant change in the real estate industry since you began? Technology has changed almost every aspect of our industry and will continue to do so. Our company has always stressed the importance of personal interaction with our
clients. We now have many more tools to accomplish this. Additionally, today’s real estate consumer is more informed because of their ability to access information. What advice do you have for someone looking to become a real estate agent today? They need to approach this as a longterm career and dedicate themselves to the profession. The challenges in the industry today and tomorrow will require real estate agents to be well rounded in their ability to consume information, communicate clearly and quickly adjust to the changing business environment. Consumer expectations will continue to increase and real estate agents must continuously strive to meet and exceed those. You recently made the decision to leave a national franchise and return to an independent brokerage. Yes, prior to the internet, real esatate franchises created an opportunity to reach a nationwide network of potential clients. Today’s consumer is able to find us from anywhere in the world. Additionally, franchises offered education and technology support. We have the internal resources to provide our associates with top-notch education and the ability to leverage the latest technology to the advantage of our clients. Ultimately, as an independent broker we are better able to tailor our services to the needs of the
local market. What advice do you have for buyers and sellers of real estate in today’s market? Consumers need to choose a real estate agent who is knowledgeable of the market and the type of service being offered. There are many more laws, regulations and marketing opportunities that continue to change at a pace faster than any other time in our business. Real estate agents must keep up with these changes to serve their clients. What is the biggest risk you took in business? There are two. The first was starting a business during a climate of intense competition. The second was making big steps to expand our size through the purchase of several real estate companies. The merging of company cultures can be risky. We have been fortunate to make these transitions successful. Looking back on your last 40 years in business, what one lesson do you think all entrepreneurs should know? Integrity is the key to a long and successful career. You cannot build a business with short-term thinking and a focus only on the deal that is in front of you. A prosperous business has a plan for the future and a focus on providing the best service possible to the client during every transaction.
Associate Perspectives “I chose to join the company after I researched the market and asked respected professionals in the area which firm they thought was doing the best Jim Sipe, Jr. and the answer was always Joined In 1989 Funkhouser. The firm remains special to me in that we embrace the attitude of professional service to the client.” “When I talk with potential clients I want them to know that in addition to all the technical services we offer, they will have an entire company of Suzanne Bothamley agents on whom they can Joined In 1995 rely. I joined the company when I knew Harrisonburg and Rockingham County were growing fast. I felt that Joe would be successful leading the company to take advantage of that growth. I wanted to be a part of it.” “I chose to join the company because it had a reputation of being honest and a leader in the real estate industry in Harrisonburg. There is a Bobbie Reeves camaraderie where you can Joined In 1986 bounce ideas and problems off of other agents and the management team to resolve questions or problems.”
John Mauzy
Joined In 1979
“Technology has changed the industry and our company. Joe said it best many years ago in that ‘we would constantly be learning from now on’. We are always on the cutting edge for real estate.”
FUNKHOUSER REAL ESTATE GROUP
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Dedicated
Community Local Roots to the
&Industry National Perspective A PROFILE OF 40 YEARS OF SERVICE
JOE FUNKHOUSER President, CRB, DSA
Currently Serves - Chairman of the Virginia Real Estate Board - Director of the National Association of REALTORS® - Virginia Association of REALTORS® Risk Management Committee - James Madison University Board of Visitors - Sentara RMH Board of Directors - Chairman of Rockingham Health Care Incorporated
Overlooking
Harrisonburg’s Court Square, Joe Funkhouser began his real estate business in a small office on the fourth floor of the Virginia National Bank building. He was 30 years old and shared an excitement for real estate with his business partner Bill Shomo. Funkhouser & Shomo, REALTORS® started as a small operation in 1975 during a very competitive market. Joe and Bill worked to attract new associates and were soon joined by Vic Smith, LeDhu Tynes and a few others.
Previously Served - Rector of James Madison University Board of Visitors - President of the Virginia Association of REALTORS® - Vice President of the National Association of REALTORS® - Chairman of the Harrisonburg Electric Commission Board of Directors - Virginia Governor’s Economic Development and Jobs Creation Commission - President of the JMU Duke Club - JMU College of Business Executive Advisory Board - Chairman of the local United Way Campaign - Recipient of the MS Society Silver Hope Award - Recipient of the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Chamber of Commerce Business Person of the Year - Recipient of the National Association of REALTORS® Distinguished Service Award
Brief Bio Joe grew up in the Sunset Heights neighborhood of Harrisonburg. He believed in hard work at an early age and began bagging groceries and picking up golf balls at a nearby driving range. He met his future wife, Sallie Ewing, at Harrisonburg High School. He was off to college at EMC and then served his country with the US Military Intelligence stationed in Germany. Upon Joe’s completion of service, he and Sallie moved back to Harrisonburg. In 1972 he began his real estate career with Lloyd H. Cash. In 1975 he earned his Brokers license and started Funkhouser & Shomo, REALTORS®. He has invested over 43 years in providing service to the real estate industry and the communities of the Shenandoah Valley and across Virginia.
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FUNKHOUSER REPORT
The 1980’s
As the company grew, so did the need for new office space. In 1985, Funkhouser & Shomo moved to East Market Street. This provided the space for 19 associates to further grow their business.
In 1986 Joe served as President of the Virginia Association of REALTORS® and began serving in roles with the National Association of REALTORS®. This allowed him to gain a regional and national perspective of the changes on the horizon for real estate brokerages.
He decided to move in a new direction in 1989 and started Funkhouser & Associates, REALTORS®.
The 1990’s Major changes were on the horizon in the 1990’s. The company joined the progressive national Prudential Real Estate franchise in 1992. In 1996 Joe purchased another firm to become the largest and most productive real estate brokerage in the Shenandoah Valley. This created the need to once again move office locations to an emerging area of Harrisonburg on University Boulevard. “The 1990’s was a defining decade for our company as we had the opportunity to welcome many new associates who continue to be top producers in our market today.” -Joe Funkhouser The 2000’s The course for the next generation started in the early 2000’s. There was a wave of new licensees embarking on a career in real estate. Many were recent graduates of James Madison University including Joe’s son and daughter, Kemper and Elizabeth. This family business joined the leading national real estate franchise Coldwell Banker in 2002 while at the same time purchasing Coldwell Banker Horsley & Constable. In 2008 it opened an office in Woodstock, led by many top-producing associates in that market, to serve the northern part of the Shenandoah Valley The 2010’s In 2010 the company welcomed Philip Constable and his associates from Century 21 to the family. In 2012 the company returned to its roots as an independent brokerage firm, Funkhouser Real Estate Group, focused on innovating real estate services throughout the Shenandoah Valley with nearly 70 real estate professionals.
BY THE NUMBERS A Scan of the Shenandoah Valley Residential Real Estate Market
A snapshot of 3rd Quarter market activity. All percentages compare Q3-2015 to Q3-2014.
$68,560,204
M A R KET VOLUME
+6%
year over year
-4.6%
even
ON 103 DAYS MARKET
year over year
LOSED 332 CTRANSACTIONS
-3.7%
MEDIAN SALES PRICE
year over year
$182,750
year over year
Harrisonburg - Rockingham
$10,204,097
M A R KET VOLUME
-24%
year over year
year over year
+2.3%
year over year
+11%
even
year over year
-5%
year over year year over year
year over year
ON 131 DAYS MARKET
$10.07 BILLION
MARKET VOL U M E
+9.5%
LOSED 61 CTRANSACTIONS
year over year
MEDIAN SALES PRICE
+3.4%
$149,000
+8.3%
Page County
LOSED 31,176 CTRANSACTIONS ON 68 DAYS MARKET
year over year
M A R KET VOLUME
MEDIAN SALES PRICE
-6.8%
$43,777,850
year over year
year over year
ON 116 DAYS MARKET
+23%
LOSED 227 CTRANSACTIONS
year over year
MEDIAN SALES PRICE
+10%
$167,900
+5.6%
Shenandoah County
$265,000
year over year
M A R KET VOLUME
Across Virginia
+11%
$88,491,806
-11%
+1%
ON 107 DAYS MARKET
year over year
437 TRANSACTIONS CLOSED
-13%
MEDIAN SALES PRICE
year over year
$179,400
year over year
Staunton - Waynesboro - Augusta
The information in this report is derived from the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Association of REALTORS速, Greater Augusta Association of REALTORS速, and Massanutten Association of REALTORS速 Multiple Listing Services. The statewide report on Virginia is courtesy of the Virginia Association of REALTORS速. All information is believed to be accurate but cannot be guaranteed.
FUNKHOUSER REAL ESTATE GROUP
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YOUR HOME
Preparing For Winter The weather in the Valley can be unpredictable. Some years we experience harsh winters and others are very mild. Regardless of what the Farmer’s Almanac says, it is always a good idea to prepare your home for whatever mother nature brings our way. Shirley French, Laura Measell and Ryan Roberts are seasoned associates with Funkhouser Real Estate Group and have provided tips to make sure your property weathers this winter in the Shenandoah Valley.
10 TIPS
FROM SEASONED PROFESSIONALS
1. Clean Gutters: Clean debris from gutters and be sure downspouts are connected properly directing water away from your foundation.
7. Stock Up: Be sure you have a good snow shovel that prevents back stress. Stock up on ice melt that does not damage concrete.
2. Disconnect Hoses: Disconnect hoses, drain and store properly. Winterize sprinkler systems.
8. Winterize Vacant Homes: If your property will be vacant for an extended period of time, call a plumber to winterize your home to prevent pipes breaking and the potential headache of flooding!
3. Insulate Pipes: Wrap water pipes in your basement or crawl space to limit the transfer of heat. 4. Stop Air Leaks: Check doors and windows for leaks. Caulk or install weather stripping where necessary.
9. Reverse Ceiling Fans: Your ceiling fans should have a switch that reverses the direction to clockwise pushing warm air down.
5. Service Heating System: Clean or replace the air filter in your furnace to improve efficiency. Consider having your HVAC system serviced by a professional.
10. Cut Tree Limbs: Be sure tree limbs are away from your house. Heavy snow may cause them to break and damage your property.
6. Close Your Flue: Keep your chimney flue closed when not using your fireplace. Consider having a chimney sweep inspect and/or clean your chimney. Contributing Associates
Shirley French Sales Associate
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Ryan Roberts Sales Associate & Property Manager
FUNKHOUSER REPORT
Laura Measell Sales Associate
EXCEPTIONAL
PROPERTIES
551 MYERS AVENUE A Private Escape In Downtown Harrisonburg Featuring 2.5 Acres
FUNKHOUSER FUNKHOUSER REAL REAL ESTATE ESTATE GROUP GROUP
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1213 INDIAN TRAIL ROAD l KEEZLETOWN 4 bedrooms :: 3 full baths :: 1 half bath :: 5,833 square feet :: $915,000
Eight private hilltop acres 1.5 miles east of Harrisonburg in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley. Magnificent mountain views overlooking the village of Keezletown. Attention to detail in this custom built home by Simensen Construction Company. Ideal gourmet kitchen featuring Viking and Subzero appliances. Special sunroom/office overlooks the heated swimming pool.
JOHN MAUZY
540-908-7123 John@FunkhouserGroup.com
1153 NELSON DRIVE l HARRISONBURG l 1153NelsonDr.com 5 bedrooms :: 4 full baths :: 4,691 square feet :: $564,000
Enjoy the convenience of city living in a quiet, country-like setting! Convenient to JMU, RMH, shopping & downtown, this spacious all brick exterior home features exceptional interior design & quality. All three living levels of this home have a lot of natural light. The large deck, patio and private yard with mature trees make it a great place for outdoor entertaining.
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FUNKHOUSER REPORT
SUZANNE BOTHAMLEY
540-578-0265 SuzanneBoth@FunkhouserGroup.com
551 MYERS AVENUE l HARRISONBURG l 551MyersAvenue.com 5 bedrooms :: 5 full baths :: 2 half baths :: 2.5 acres :: 6,311 square feet :: $1,325,000 Within the home the spaces are vast. The foyer is vaulted with an open stairway to the second floor and the basement. The family room is spacious with a gas fireplace and wet bar. The open columns to the kitchen stretch the views and the tasks of meal preparation can be easily shared in this gourmet space. Many entertainment options throughout the inside and outside of the property.
KEMPER FUNKHOUSER 540-421-3556 Kemper@FunkhouserGroup.com
2640 KARAWOOD LANE l HARRISONBURG l 2640KarawoodLane.com 5 bedrooms :: 5 full baths :: 1 half bath :: 5,153 square feet :: $799,900
“One of a Kind” property that is ideally located and private at the same time on 1.24 acres with beautiful landscaping and trees that give you a feeling of peace and serenity as you enter. Enjoy the open floor plan, formal living and dining rooms, a luxurious kitchen and 5 large bedroom suites. The master suite is an oasis on its own private wing and boasts expansive walk-in closets.
RYAN ROBERTS
540-908-8208 Ryan@FunkhouserGroup.com
FUNKHOUSER REAL ESTATE GROUP
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635 FREDERICK ROAD l HARRISONBURG l 635Frederick.com 5 bedrooms :: 4 full baths :: 2 half baths :: 5,824 square feet :: $899,900
An exceptional luxury home on the golf course in Crossroads Farm. From the picturesque panoramic views of Massanutten & the Blue Ridge to the walnut floors - exquisite detail is expressed throughout. High Quality Features Include: high ceilings, custom cabinetry from the kitchen to the closets, builtins throughout the home and crown molding in every room.
PETE LAVER
540-421-7447 Pete@FunkhouserGroup.com
585 CLAREMONT AVENUE l HARRISONBURG l 585Claremont.com 5 bedrooms :: 4 full baths :: 2 half baths :: 5,681 square feet :: $644,900
Come home to this spacious, master craftsman home on the golf course with outstanding attention to interior and exterior finish work. Enjoy breathtaking mountain views from the sunroom, deck, patio and private deck off the master bedroom. The kitchen has custom cherry cabinets, granite counters and stainless steel top of the line appliances.
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FUNKHOUSER REPORT
SUZANNE BOTHAMLEY
540-578-0265 SuzanneBoth@FunkhouserGroup.com
355 STEEPLECHASE DRIVE l HARRISONBURG l 335SteeplechaseDr.com 4 bedrooms :: 4 full baths :: 3,219 square feet :: $539,500
Amazing views abound in this gorgeous all brick home in private, desirable Bridlewood Estates. Immaculate inside & out, no detail overlooked! Home is over 3200 SF w/full unfinished walkout basement w/rough in for bath. Luxurious master suite w/his & her closets, hardwood floors & fabulous view!
LAURA MEASELL
540-246-2537 Laura@FunkhouserGroup.com
415 FREDERICK ROAD l HARRISONBURG l 415FrederickRoad.com 6 bedrooms :: 5 full baths :: 1 half bath :: 6,606 square feet :: $670,000
Absolutely gorgeous views overlooking Massanutten and the Blue Ridge. Open floor plan with vaulted ceilings, first floor master with tray ceiling opens onto deck, large master bath with ceramic tile, possible sitting room/extra closet area. Two additional bedrooms on main level, den with fireplace up, fourth bedroom and bath on second floor with separate play room area.
BOBBIE REEVES
540-421-5475 Breeves@FunkhouserGroup.com
FUNKHOUSER REAL ESTATE GROUP
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INSIDE THE LIFE OF A REALTOR® A Look At What It Takes To Start And Maintain A Successful Real Estate Career
The life of real estate agents has been glamorized on reality television shows like Million Dollar Listing and Property Brothers. Believe it or not, the real life of an agent is very different from what is portrayed on TV! As the economy improves, there are more individuals interested in joining the profession. With over one million REALTORS® nationwide, how does someone create a successful career in this profession? We take a brief look into the lives of a few associates with Funkhouser Real Estate Group.
Tina Regan 8 Years
Paul Whatley 2 Years
David Galgano 1 Year
Jayne Schlabach 27 Years
Why did you want to become a real estate agent? Scott: “I enjoy marketing, photography, working with people, solving problems, and running my own business. I saw real estate sales as a way to pursue my passions.” Paul: “I was searching for a career that offered growth potential, flexible hours, and opportunities to work with and assist people. In real estate I have found all three of these aspects and enjoy the interactions I have on a daily basis with members of the community and especially my clients.” Tina: “I have always had a love for real estate in personal investments and enjoy helping others meet their real estate needs.” What is your schedule during a typical day? Jayne: “I typically arrange my schedule to start around 9 or 9:30. I often work evenings and weekends because that’s when clients schedules permit them to meet. Often during the typical day I am doing paperwork for current transactions and/or doing activities to stimulate future business. There is no resting on your laurels. I am constantly doing something to create future business.” Scott: “I typically rise early and work from 3:00 AM – 6:30 AM preparing for the day, working on special projects, and following up on tasks from the prior day. I then work from 8:30 AM until 5:00 PM, and then am often done with work for the evening unless I have an evening appointment with a client.” 14
FUNKHOUSER REPORT
Luke Smith 2 Years
Anna Bergey 1 Year
Scott Rogers 13 Years
Emily Barone 1 Year
Anna: “I don’t have a ‘typical day’. My husband and I get our children off to school and talk through what we have going on in our businesses (my Real Estate and his Landscape) so that we can make an effort to cover the daily personal and business aspects of our life on any given day.” David: “A wonderful aspect of real estate is that no day is typical. Each day, I monitor the market, send and reply to emails, return calls and work through my to-do list. Some days I have many showings, client meetings or appointments, while others are more open to focus on building my business.” Emily: “A typical day starts out with me skimming my emails and responding to the urgent ones before my baby gets up! I typically have a few appointments each day, so I’ve prepped the night before. Once my appointments are finished I try to have some quality family time before putting the little one to bed. After bedtime, I get 2-3 hours to get all of my things done (write up offers, enter listings, prep for the next day, create marketing materials, etc.)! It can be crazy and hectic but so far I’m really enjoying it! What has been your most rewarding experience with a client? Jayne: “It’s always special when clients call to share news like engagements or expecting babies and tell me that they consider me part of their family because of the time we shared finding their home. I’ve been doing this long enough that I’m working with second and even third
generations in the same family. That sense of ‘family’ doesn’t happen in most other professions.” Anna: “My family and I were recently invited over to dinner at a client’s home that bought through me. It was really fun to have a tour of the house after they had moved in and gotten settled. They thanked me for all my help and I know these particular clients will remain our friends now. The sense of having helped each client has been very rewarding.” What advice do you have for someone looking to become a real estate agent? Luke: “Talk with top performers and new agents in your local market. If you’re doing it just for the money or because you want to “work from home” you should probably do something else. However, if you are willing to put in the time and effort it can be a very rewarding career.” Scott: “Spend time understanding what the business is really like and how you will potentially be spending your time. Make sure you have the financial ability to outlast what can often be a slow and gradual start to a successful career. Surround yourself with mentors, advisors and colleagues who will help you to grow your business.” Jayne: “To be successful you need to be willing to work for it. You can never stop learning and have to be willing to change with the times. This business requires networking and collaborating with other agents. And consistency. Deliberate behavior and a strong work ethic leads to success.”
Paul: “Have a plan for building your career and business. I would advise anyone interested in being a REALTOR® to build your business wisely not fast. Allow yourself the time to learn your market, learn from other agents, and develop the systems that will make you successful for the long run.” Tina: “A career in real estate can be very rewarding – what you put in is what you get out. “ Forbes magazine in 2013 ranked being a real estate agent as the happiest career. Why do you think your profession ranked so high? David: “Autonomy. Being a real estate professional is what you make it --so the autonomy of running your business is very important to your job satisfaction.” Luke: “Our job is difficult enough to be highly satisfying and rewarding, straightforward enough to know there is always a solution, and helping someone purchase or sell a home is generally a lot of fun.” Anna: “I think it could be attributed to the relationship part of the job. You are working with clients whom you are ultimately helping and that can be very rewarding.” Scott: “Though it can be stressful at times, it is a career where you are helping people achieve what are often big goals and dreams. It is also a very flexible career that can allow for a good balance between one’s personal and professional priorities.”
Why did you affiliate with Funkhouser Real Estate Group? Luke: “Two reasons: 1) I really respected the strong commitment to ethics and professionalism. 2) I was impressed with the young management team and the focus on technology and long-term growth.” Paul: “I affiliated with Funkhouser primarily because of the “team” environment. The easy access to experienced and knowledgeable managers and brokers was also an important quality.” Scott: “It’s all about the people. Funkhouser Real Estate Group was and is a company with strong leadership and the highest levels of professionalism and integrity.” David: “FREG offered to me a professional work place that gave me the support and pathway to success. It is filled with hard working staff who are always available to help me succeed.” Tina: “I chose to be a part of FREG based on their professionalism and integrity in our community. I also enjoy the team environment and assistance from our broker and management on a daily basis.” Jayne: “I came to the company after Joe purchased my former firm. I quickly grew to appreciate the professionalism and emphasis on education and staying ahead of the curve on this constantly changing profession. That translated to me being more successful than I had been previously. There are good people here who have become dear friends”
Interested In A Career In Real Estate?
We are happy to discuss with you how to become a successful real estate agent and make sure this is the right fit for you. Contact Pete Laver at 540-434-2400 or Pete@FunkhouserGroup.com. FUNKHOUSER REAL ESTATE GROUP
15
&NOTES
NEWS
HAPPENINGS INSIDE FUNKHOUSER REAL ESTATE GROUP
New Associates
In The Community
New Babies
Chad Kimble (Joined January 2015) Emily Barone (Joined February 2015) Kirk Rygol (Joined March 2015) Brad Cohen (Joined April 2015) Steve Spence (Joined July 2015)
Lisa Hensley: An active member of Advocates For Valley Animals – Lisa also helps transport dogs who are in high kill shelters to safe shelters or foster homes. Lisa and Ken even adopted their own dog recently, Morris Bruce Pete (aka Pete) Hensley.
Alexandra Ryan Funkhouser (03/16/15) Parents: Kemper & Ashleigh Funkhouser John Ellsworth “Worth” Monger (04/24/15) Parents: Lindsay & JM Monger Layla Carter Trow (09/30/15) Parents: Suzanne & Brian Trow Margaret “Maggie” Addison Kistler (10/16/15) Parents: Elizabeth & David Kistler
Pete Laver: Led the successful fundraising and installation of a new playground for the kids at Pleasant Valley Elementary School. Pete’s campaign was able to raise about $80,000 including monetary donations and donations of labor to install the playground.
Weddings Danielle Davis & Jared Arbagright
(10/17/2015) Location: On Sunny Slope Farm
PROPERTY PORTFOLIO
.83 Acre Professional Service Site WINE DRIVE, HARRISONBURG •Ideal location for a medical/professional office. •Corner lot on Port Republic Road and Wine Dr. •18,000 Average Daily Traffic Count $410,000 l RC-3 Zoning l .83 acres Mattias Clymer REALTOR®
(540) 246-9067 Mattias@FunkhouserGroup.com
Commercial Development Land EAST MARKET STREET, HARRISONBURG •Ideal Location For Retail / Office Center •Corner lot on East Market & Country Club Road •23,000 Average Daily Traffic Count $2,820,000 l 7.05 acres Joe Funkhouser 16
REALTOR®
(540) 434-2400 Joe@FunkhouserGroup.com
FUNKHOUSER REPORT
42 Acres Of Development Land APPLE VALLEY ROAD, HARRISONBURG •Potential Residential & Commercial Mixed Use •Easy Access to Southeast Connector Road •Great Site For Convenience & Views $6,720,000 l 3 Parcels l 42 acres Kemper Funkhouser REALTOR®
(540) 421-3556 Kemper@FunkhouserGroup.com
17.87 Acres At Massanutten Entrance RESORT DRIVE, MCGAHEYSVILLE •Potental Commercial Development •Restaurant, Retail, Hotel Site •Attract Visitors of Massanutten $2,200,000 l 17.87 acres Jack Rose REALTOR®
(540) 476-4626 Jack@FunkhouserGroup.com
11.43 Acres Adjacent To Sentara RMH 2607 MATTIE DRIVE, HARRISONBURG •Ideal Location For Residential or Office Space •Potential Access From Port Rd. & Boyers Rd. •High Traffic Count Along Port Road $950,000 l 11.43 acres Jack Rose
(540) 476-4626 Jack@FunkhouserGroup.com
REALTOR®
Residential Development MCGAHEYSVILLE ROAD, MCGAHEYSVILLE •Approved for 84 lots •County Water & Sewer •Walking and Riding Trails Call For Details Nathan Blackwell REALTOR®
(540) 908-1679 Nathan@FunkhouserGroup.com