Dallas Real Producers - March 2020

DALLAS

C O N N E C T I N G .

E L E VAT I N G .

I N S P I R I N G .

The Rhodes Group Strength in Numbers INSPIRATIONAL RISING STAR SHANNON STUPAY LEADERSHIP SPOTLIGHT KEITH CONLON PARTNER SPOTLIGHT RICH DETZ, BENCHMARK MORTGAGE

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DALLAS TOP 500 Agents Class of 2020!

MARCH 2020

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MEET THE

COMMUNITY Check Out Some Of Dallas’ Top 500 REALTORS®

Nominate a top REALTOR® you’d like to see featured by emailing Brett@DallasRP.com

4 • March 2020

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TAB LE OF

CONTENTS 14

Publisher’s Note

18

22

40

48

2020 KickOff Party Recap

32

Inspirational Rising Star Shannon Stupay

Cover Story The Rhodes Group

Leadership Spotlight Keith Conlon

Partner Spotlight Rich Betz

If you are interested in contributing or nominating REALTORS® for certain stories, please email us at Brett@DallasRP.com DISCLAIMER: Any articles included in this publication and/or opinions expressed therein do not necessarily reflect the views of N2 Publishing but remain solely those of the author(s). The paid advertisements contained within the Dallas Metro Real Producers magazine are not endorsed or recommended by N2 Publishing or the publisher. Therefore, neither N2 Publishing nor the publisher may be held liable or responsible for business practices of these companies.

KYLE KARKER

Managing Partner (214) 801-6555 kyle@americanrealpm.com

Darien Hall, Diamond D. Real Estate with EXP.

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6 • March 2020

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®

REALTORS ON

THE RISE SOME OF THE TOP UP AND COMING REAL ESTATE AGENTS IN DALLAS

NOMINATE A RISING STAR YOU’D LIKE TO SEE FEATURED BY EMAILING BRETT@DALLAS RP.COM. 8 • March 2020

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www.realproducersmag.com • 11

MEET THE

D A L L A S REAL PRODUCERS TEAM Brett Martinsen Founder, Publisher & Community Leader

Jin Kim

Photographer

12 • March 2020

Katherine Fondren

Brian Koehn

Dave Danielson

Kyle Martinsen

Bryan K. Reed

Geneva Eilertson

Executive Assistant & MVP

Assistant Editor

Chief Strategist

Graphic Designer

Writer

Marketing Assistant

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publisher’s note

ONLY Dallas Top 500 Agents

It’s 2020, and with that comes a new top 500 list. If you are receiving this magazine for the first time, congratulations on officially making the 2020 Dallas Real Producers top 500 squad! Also, a huge congrats to those of you who made the list AGAIN this year.

My name is Brett Martinsen, and I am the founder, publisher, and community leader for Dallas Real Producers — an exclusive community and magazine for Dallas’ top 500 agents.

Real Producers is a franchise nationwide, and we have over 100+ communities and magazines all over the country.

As one of the top 500 agents, you will be receiving our magazine every month for FREE, be invited to all of our exclusive parties and events for FREE, and also have the opportunity to be featured for FREE. In order to be featured, you have to be nominated and selected by your top agent peers. No one pays to be featured. They earn it!

14 • March 2020

To those of you with us on the journey again in 2020, congrats again! I am so excited to have you back! Thank you so much for all of your support over the last year. 2019 was an amazing year, and 2020 will be even better!

Cheers in advance to all of the amazing stories that will be shared in our monthly publication and all of the new connections that will be made at our events!

Welcome

DALLAS TOP 500 Agents Class of 2020

Brett Martinsen Founder, Publisher, and Community Leader Call/Text 214-717-8525 Brett@DallasRP.com

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YOUR DALLAS REAL PRODUCERS

LOGOS CONGRATS for being one of the Top 500 REALTORS® in Dallas!!

Because you made the Dallas Real Producers squad, you now have your own EXCLUSIVE TOP 500 logo to use in your marketing!

Email Brett@DallasRP.com for your logo.

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2020

Photos by URSPECIALS & Scott Peek Photography

KICK-OFF PARTY RECAP The 2020 kick-off party was so much fun and a huge success!

Thank you to everyone who attended. We filled the home with tons of big names, familiar faces, and had such a great time!

Special thanks to all of our sponsors as well. Because of them, this event was made possible!

See you at the next event in May! Brett Martinsen Founder, Publisher & Community Leader

18 • March 2020

www.realproducersmag.com • 19

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THE RHODES cover story

By Dave Danielson Photos by URSPECIALS

STRENGTH Leaders guide the way through new challenges, inspiring others to break new ground. But sometimes, that leader isn’t an individual, but rather a group of likeminded industry veterans. When that happens, the result is extraordinary.

That’s the story of Tom Rhodes and his pioneering real estate team, The Rhodes Group.

DAD HAD A GREAT WORK ETHIC AND SERVED HIS CLIENTS IN THE BEST WAY POSSIBLE. HE WAS A GREAT ROLE MODEL.

22 • March 2020

FAMILY TRADITION

You can’t write a story about The Rhodes Group without beginning with family. Tom Rhodes (father to group members, Dan, Burton, and Thomas) received his license in 1976 and launched into a remarkable real estate legacy that he passed on to his wife, kids, and their spouses.

“We definitely grew up in a real estate household,” Tom’s oldest son, Dan, remembers. “My siblings and I would help out by running contracts to his clients’ houses or answering the home, ‘work’ phone line with monetary incentives to take messages for Dad. Dad had a great work ethic and served his clients in the best way possible.

He was a great role model.”

Today, The Rhodes Group carries on Tom’s legacy, but it includes more than family.

Tom’s sons, Dan, Burton, and Thomas, now work as a team, providing deep market knowledge for their clients. Group members also include Dan’s wife, Julie, who earned her license last year and former client-turned-agent Neil Broussard. Agent Nina Sachse, like the Rhodes kids, grew up with a pioneering REALTOR®, too — her mother, Mary Ann Nell.

Licensed transaction coordinator Betsy Welp adds depth to the group with critical real estate skills.

MAKING THEIR WAY

For most members in the group, real estate didn’t seem like an obvious career choice.

GROUP

IN NUMBERS

www.realproducersmag.com • 23

Burton majored in business with a minor in computer science from the University of Texas at Austin. He was a consultant with Andersen Consulting in San Francisco before deciding to settle back in Dallas to start a family. It was then that he joined his dad in the real estate profession, becoming the third member of the Rhodes Group team after his mom got licensed to help Tom.

Tom Rhodes

Neil Broussard graduated from Texas A&M and started his career in sports marketing before a real estate transaction with Tom convinced him of the challenging, yet more rewarding opportunities in the real estate industry.

Dan earned his bachelor’s degree from Washington and Lee University and his master’s from the University of Texas at Austin. He then entered the workforce in 2000 as a consultant, focusing on strategic management and mergers and acquisitions. But demands of the job took too much time away from his growing family.

“I was traveling and had three kids at home,” says Dan. “I thought, let’s try real estate — so I got licensed and shadowed my dad.”

Following in his father’s footsteps, Thomas graduated from the Virginia Military Institute with a degree in economics and was actively involved in real estate on the commercial side before transitioning into residential at the same time as Dan. After graduating from Southern Methodist University with a degree in advertising, Nina Sachse worked in the retail and fashion industry before being called to real estate.

Dan, in particular, remembers his transition into the real estate business as being exciting, but also a bit frightening.”I started right before the housing market started to turn. I

24 • March 2020

Thomas Rhodes

Dan Rhodes

began to wonder why I got into a 100 percent commission-based field.”

Team members stayed the course with support from founder Tom. “I give kudos to my dad for his work mentoring and shepherding me when I started out,” Dan says. “He’s always looked after us. If we needed help on a deal, he would provide advice and we would share ideas. It’s important to have that kind of support.”

RHODES RULES AND RESULTS

Given their legacy and expertise, it’s no wonder the group claims an indelible mark on Dallas life and real estate. The group has recorded an astonishing 4,200+ transactions, $2.5+ billion in volume, and has averaged a transaction every two-and-a-half days for over a decade.

Burton Rhodes

The key to their success lay in the principles espoused by group founder Tom. Interact with the group, and you’ll hear about his lessons that apply to work, just as well as they do to life.

A couple of selections? Always tell the truth.

Do your homework. Do what you love. Just be nice. Know your neighbors. It’s no surprise that the group boasts a 92 percent referral rate.

“Building lifelong relationships is the key to our success, “ says Dan. “It’s what we love about doing this and why most of our business comes through referrals. We’re working with the grandkids of the people that our dad worked with!”

It’s easy to see why clients come back over and over. An intimate neighborhood knowledge down to each block, deep relationships within the real estate community, and a commitment to understanding and applying emerging tools and technology provide a unique edge to their home sellers and buyers. But none of that is as important as working with honesty, integrity and kindness.

www.realproducersmag.com • 25

Tom Rhodes

“It goes back to Dad and the way he did business,” says Dan. “A successful real estate transaction happens when both sides feel like they’ve won. We have to work hard for our clients in order to get them their objective, so you’ve got to play hard, but fair. We want to be remembered as a group who will go to bat for our clients and work harder than others, but also as someone with loyalty and honesty.”

That’s a formula that works no matter what happens to the market or to the industry itself, and they all learned it from a legend.

“Like I mention to newer agents, be sure to learn from those who come before you,” says Dan. That’s what the members of The Rhodes Group did. And today, they work together as a team — with the same values and vision to serve their many clients. That’s true strength in numbers.

WE WANT TO BE REMEMBERED AS A GROUP WHO WILL GO TO BAT FOR OUR CLIENTS AND WORK HARDER THAN OTHERS, BUT ALSO AS SOMEONE WITH LOYALTY AND HONESTY.

26 • March 2020

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JULIE JONES, VP Sales 214-843-7764 www.home-warranty.com Julie@home-warranty.com

www.realproducersmag.com • 27

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question of the month

What is Your Craziest Real Estate Story?

“I was informed that the lender could not perform a second lien loan the day before closing, so my buyers were forced into doing a short-term lease with Lincoln Properties. The listing agent said to call her lender, so we did. Later that day, the lender said she could get a deal done in 48 hours. My buyers were able to get out of their lease and move into their new home the next day, and they were one happy family :)” SCOTT JACKSON, COMPASS RE, LLC

“A sweet buyer takes possession of his new condo on the day of closing and begins the move with his two dogs and elderly father in tow. Between trips, the slightly misaligned seller, who has sneakily held onto one of the keys, goes back to his condo to relive old memories, locking buyer out, but with the buyers’ dogs now inside, held hostage to said misalignment! A frantic day ensued until we lured the seller out, and promptly changed the locks.”

MELISSA O’BRIEN, DAVE PERRY MILLER

“When I first got started in real estate, I dragged my husband to an open house in the Farmers Market District. We opened the front door, walked in, and found the owner sitting naked on the couch playing his guitar. Ends up the house wasn’t open... to the public. I think that was the last time my husband came with me to an open house!”

MELANIE TILL, MEYER GROUP

“I left my job as a former Dallas police officer and got into real estate so I wouldn’t get shot at anymore. On my first ever showing, we walked into the home and the dishes were still on the counter, which was odd. We made our way to the master bedroom, and as we walked in, the husband was reaching for his pistol in the nightstand. Everything turned out fine, and the buyers actually ended up buying the home. Crazy!”

CHRIS DORWARD, KELLER WILLIAMS ROCKWALL

“I had a guy ask me to show him 10 bedroom homes my first year in real estate. He was essentially asking to see the most expensive homes on the market. He couldn’t provide proof of funds, so my office manager’s friend did some recon on him. It turned out that he was just let out of prison for fraud and that the police had to start following him around to figure out what he was really trying to do. Some of the listing agents said he called them trying to get into those homes as well!”

RYAN STREIFF, DAVE PERRY MILLER

30 • March 2020

“In 2003, I listed one of the most expensive homes in the metroplex – a 45,000 sq ft mansion originally listed at $45M. I received a call from the producer of the John Walsh Show, “America’s Most Wanted.” They flew me to NYC to appear on the tv show to discuss the property!

The exposure didn’t sell the property but brought us all kinds of celebrity lookers and inquiries.

We eventually sold it at auction and then I listed it again and sold it to my own buyer, whom I had met about 12 years earlier and kept in touch until he was ready to buy it!”

JOAN ELEAZER, BRIGGS FREEMAN SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL

Over 4,500

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www.realproducersmag.com • 31

shannon inspirational rising star

By Dave Danielson Photos by URSPECIALS

STUPAY

AFFIRMATIVE ABUNDANCE The power of positivity can’t be overstated in any walk of life, including in the world of real estate.

Those who lead and achieve at a high level tend to share a mindset of unconditional giving.

One of those who share this undeniable spirit of affirmative abundance is Shannon Stupay, an Inspirational Rising Star with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices PenFed Realty Texas.

As Shannon says, “Whatever my clients need, they know that I genuinely care, I’ll put them first, and I’ll do whatever I can to help them achieve their goals. I come from a place of yes.”

DETAILED PLANS Shannon’s can-do spirit was honed from the very beginning. Originally from Orange County, California, Shannon had detailed plans for her future — literally.

32 • March 2020

“As I was growing up, I played a lot with Legos and used chalk to design roads and cities. I was just really fascinated by architecture,” she recalls, “and I would constantly go to Mom to talk with her about how I thought we should re-do our kitchen or other areas of the house.”

Shannon’s mother was a real estate investor.

Together, the two spent countless hours talking about the business and its possibilities growing up. In turn, Shannon directed her positive energy toward architecture.

“My family said, ‘Why not do civil engineering so you can branch out in many directions?’ So that led me to SMU and a degree in civil engineering,” Shannon remembers.

After college, Shannon started her career in engineering.

“We designed all of the automated warehouses and distribution centers for a wide range of big and small operations,” she says. “I loved it. It was fascinating.

I was much more of an introvert at that time. I was a sales engineer, but as part of what I did, I would also go out and pitch the ideas. In the process, I found out I really do like working with people and that I didn’t want to just stay behind a desk.”

I FOUND OUT I REALLY DO LIKE WORKING WITH PEOPLE AND THAT I DIDN’T WANT TO JUST STAY BEHIND A DESK.

www.realproducersmag.com • 33

SHANNON AND HER MOM

A NEW HOME FOR HER TALENTS In the spring of 2012, Shannon’s mother passed away after a 10-year battle with cancer. During this time, Shannon took stock of her life and her next steps.

“Mom was my best friend and the biggest influence on my life,” she says. “My husband, Geoff, and I got married in May 2013. During our honeymoon, we decided we were tired of working in the corporate world. We decided we were going to do something different, and I decided I wanted to continue my mom’s legacy in real estate. She owned a multi-family structure along with other investment properties. So I thought I would try it, too.”

Shannon and Geoff moved back to Dallas, and she dove into the process of earning her real estate license.

In 2013, she started her journey in the business and joined Ebby Halliday. It didn’t take long before she realized the results of

34 • March 2020

her hard work. In 2015, Shannon moved to Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices PenFed Realty Texas.

“During those early days, one of the things that really helped me was the training I received during a sixweek Brian Buffini Peak Producer class,” Shannon says. “He really puts a strong focus on loving your clients and developing referrals through your sphere along with using personal ways of expressing yourself, such as handwritten notes and phone calls.”

www.realproducersmag.com • 35

Shannon’s record of results began immediately.

And it continued to grow, reaching over $13.5 million in sales volume in 2017. This year, she continues to build on that record, expecting to do nearly 40 transactions.

“I really love helping people, and my favorite is first-time homebuyers. It’s so rewarding to help them through the process and see their excitement,” Shannon says with a smile. “I’m here to serve, and pull out the red carpet for them.”

BEGINNING WITH BALANCE As she helps her clients realize their dreams, the center of Shannon’s success is her family.

In her free time, Shannon cherishes time with Geoff and their 16-month-old son, Parker.

Shannon lives a very active life, enjoying anything outdoors, exercising, hiking, and spending time feeding the ducks with Parker at a local park. Shannon also has a musical side, as well, growing up playing the piano. Together, Shannon and her family also look forward to exploring new area restaurants.

As she considers her career so far, Shannon offers advice for those who are joining the industry each day.

“First, I would say it’s important to suit up and show up. You have to treat this business like a normal 8-to-5 job. It’s really important to go to the office and learn from other agents … and just to hear the dialogue, ask questions and shadow people by asking to go with them on their buyer and listing appointments,” she emphasizes. “You can learn so much from other agents and also from touring neighborhoods, and really getting to know about the inventory that’s available in various areas. And, of course, you have to know the ins and outs of contracts.”

Each day, Shannon dives into life and her work. At the same time, she works to maintain a vital sense of balance.

36 • March 2020

“I think it comes down to being your best self. I love what I do, but for me, it goes beyond my career. It involves all of life, including the spiritual, physical, emotional and financial,” she says. “I think if you’re low in one category, you’re not living your best life.”

When you get to know Shannon, it’s clear that the work she does each day is fueled by a sense of service – and relentless positivity. A spirit of sharing that creates results through affirmative abundance.

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38 • March 2020

DALLAS REAL PRODUCERS

FAQs

What is the primary purpose of Real Producers?

Our primary mission is to UNITE the REALTORS® in the local community by helping you connect with other top producing agents on a deeper level. We accomplish this through our monthly publication and our quarterly parties and events.

Who is the magazine distributed to?

ONLY the TOP 500 producing REALTORS® south of 635 will be receiving our monthly publication. The top 500 varies each year based on MLS production, so there are no guarantees you make the top 500 next year. Keep working hard!

Where do we get the top 500 from?

The TOP 500 comes directly from real MLS data.

The Dallas Real Producers community includes the top 500 REALTORS® south of 635 in Dallas county, along with Rockwall, Irving, Grand Prairie, Mesquite, Duncanville, Waxahachie, etc. *We also have a North DFW Real Producers community and magazine for the top 500 REALTORS®

NORTH of 635. You are welcome to come to their parties and events as well (as long as you promise to be fun).

How will you be receiving the magazine every month?

We will be shipping your copy of the magazine to your office with your name on the back, so keep your eyes open for it every month! We will send out a monthly email with the digital version of it as well. *If you would like it shipped to your house instead of the office, please email Brett@DallasRP.com with your home address.

Is there a cost to me, the REALTOR®?

No cost to you. Our entire platform is FREE for you! All of our costs are covered by our approved business partners. They have all been recommended by one of the top 500 REALTORS® in the community, so you should feel comfortable using them as well.

www.realproducersmag.com • 39

40 • March 2020

KEITH CONLON leadership spotlight

By Dave Danielson Photos by URSPECIALS

CONSISTENCY WINS

You can try hitting a home run every day. But those don’t come around every day. What’s more, they don’t need to. In baseball, like life, approaching what you do with consistency is what creates a win in the end.

Just ask Keith Conlon. It’s a lesson this exemplary Dallas REALTOR® and leader understands very well as president of Allie Beth Allman & Associates. This approach to life was one he learned growing up as a highperforming baseball centerfielder.

“I think there are a lot of parallels between the game of baseball and real estate. Both have ebbs and flows.

There are slumps in real estate, and slumps in baseball. It’s a great sport to grow up in because it’s a game of failures and it teaches you to have a consistent mental state,” Keith emphasizes. “You can make an out 7 out of 10 times and still be a great batter with a .300 average. It’s about not getting too down when things don’t go your way, or too high when you experience a little success.”

www.realproducersmag.com • 41

Inner Strength

As a boy growing up, Keith struggled with dyslexia. But he had his family’s support and an educational experience that has formed a strong foundation at the Shelton School — a place that works with children with learning disabilities. Keith takes pride in supporting his alma mater to this day and serves as a member of its Board of Directors.

As Keith says, “I attended the Shelton School. My experience there helped me to really believe in myself. I learn differently, and the Shelton School helped me understand that I could work hard and overcome obstacles in life.”

Keith had plenty of success throughout the years. After a celebrated career at Highland Park High School, Keith played for TCU. And when his college days were over, he was drafted in 2007 by the San Diego Padres. He spent two years playing in the club’s minor league system.

Lessons and Leadership

One of those Keith credits with his mindset for life is TCU Coach Jim Schlossnagle.

“I give all the credit in the world to Jim and my time at TCU to shape me on and off the field. He was 32 years old when he took over at TCU. I was part of his first recruiting class. Before he arrived, TCU had never made the College World Series. Now, TCU has been there six times, and it’s one of the best programs in the country.”

There were early-morning workouts, team meetings, classes, study halls, team meals, team practices and more.

42 • March 2020

“The work ethic they instilled in us as players there was very strong. Along the way, we were really getting amazing preparation for the real world,” Keith explains. “He was a life coach as well as a baseball coach.”

Keith’s dad was in the commercial real estate business, and he decided to get his license in 2008.

As Keith recalls, “I knew that it was going to take hard work to make it in real estate. But it was ingrained in me at a young age that if I enjoy what I do, I won’t mind putting in the work that it takes, and so I thought I had a real shot to make it in the business.”

Mastering a New Game

As he was Keith was drafted into the San Diego Padres. trying to break into a new game, Keith’s transition into the industry didn’t necessarily come at the best time.

“I kind of picked the worst time to get in, during the 2008 and 2009 recession. But I had some early success, with $3 million in volume during my first full year in 2009,” Keith remembers. “I thought if I can do this in 2009, it will only get better — and it did.”

By his third year, things were really starting to take off for Keith. The trend has continued. In fact, since 2013, he never sold less than $10 million.

Giving Back

Today, one of the most rewarding aspects of Keith’s career is the coaching and mentoring he gets a chance to share with the Allie Beth Allman & Associates team members located in three area offices.

“It’s the teaching aspect and helping agents and supporting them as they find solutions and get their deals done,” he says. “We have added a lot of great people. In the process of recently adding two new offices, it’s been very gratifying to see what we’re doing grow and expand in other markets. I really enjoy going to work every day.”

In his role, Keith enjoys seeing the business through the eyes of new agents as they get their first few sales and start their growth. One of his favorite aspects of his work is the opportunity to work with Allie Beth Allman.

“Allie Beth is a real estate icon.

Being able to work with her day-to-day and getting that mentorship with her and having a great relationship is very special to me. She is like family,” he points out. “I’m always learning and bouncing ideas off of her. She has been so successful because she is so good at the relationship side of the business. You have to be caring and put clients and agents first. If you do, everything else falls in place.”

Away from work, Keith looks forward to time spent with his wife, Megan, and their two daughters, including 3-year-old daughter Claire and their 1-yearold daughter, Katie.

During his free time, you can find Keith in a number of active pursuits, including playing a round of golf, spending time at Horseshoe Lake, or traveling. The Cayman Islands are a favorite destination for the Conlons.

www.realproducersmag.com • 43

As Keith considers his career and the things he loves the most about real estate, he’s reminded of the lessons he learned on the baseball diamond.

“You can’t beat yourself up too much when you aren’t hitting. And the opposite holds true, too. You can’t get too high – it’s reminding yourself to be even-keeled. I think it’s also important not to live in the past. We recorded over $2 billion last year.

But, when January came around, it was a new year and time to start over, and just keep doing what we’re doing. And, at the same time, looking for ways to improve.”

As Keith demonstrates, at the end of the day, consistency definitely wins.

44 • March 2020

www.realproducersmag.com • 45

SUCCESS THROUGH RELATIONSHIPS Rich Detz

Branch Manager | Loan Strategist | NMLS#275665

Direct: (972) 398-7657 | Cell: (214) 454-3777 rdetz@benchmark.us | www.richdetz.com 3333 Lee Parkway, Suite 639 Dallas, TX 75219

"What an important part of my real estate business Dale Thompson has proven to be! My clients continue to rave about his expertise, reliability and top quality work in their homes. He is now the first referral I give to my clients as they are getting their homes ready for market!"

- Lori Kircher REALTOR® | KircherHomes.com | D Best REALTOR® GRI, CRS, Accredited Luxury Home Specialist

46 • March 2020

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214-636-2457 ALBANY • ALBUQUERQUE • CHESAPEAKE • ATLANTA • AUSTIN • BALTIMORE • BOULDER CHARLOTTE • CHICAGO • CINCINNATI • CLEVELAND • COUR D’ ALENE • COLORADO SPRINGS COLUMBUS • DALLAS • DAVENPORT • DAYTONA BEACH • DENVER • FT. WAYNE • GRAND RAPIDS HOUSTON • INDIANAPOLIS • JACKSON • JACKSONVILLE • KANSAS CITY • LAS VEGAS • LINCOLN LITTLE ROCK • LUBBOCK • MILWAUKEE • MURRIETA • MONTERREY BAY • NASHVILLE • NEW ORLEANS NEWPORT BEACH • NORTH DALLAS • NOVA • OAKLAND COUNTY • OKLAHOMA CITY • OMAHA ORLANDO • PHILADELPHIA • PHOENIX • PITTSBURGH • PORTLAND • RALEIGH • SALEM • SAN DIEGO SEATTLE • SILICON VALLEY • SPOKANE • ST. LOUIS • TAMPA BAY • TEMECULA • TRI-CITIES • TRIAD TUCSON • TWIN CITIES • VIRGINIA BEACH • WASHINGTON D.C • WAYNE COUNTY • WEST VALLEY AMERICA'S BEST REAL ESTATE AGENTS WILMINGTON • YOUNGSTOWN • ALBANY • ALBUQUERQUE • CHESAPEAKE • ATLANTA • AUSTIN BALTIMORE • BOULDER • CHARLOTTE • CHICAGO • CINCINNATI • CLEVELAND • COUR D’ ALENE COLORADO SPRINGS • COLUMBUS • DALLAS • DAVENPORT • DAYTONA BEACH • DENVER • FT. WAYNE GRAND RAPIDS • HOUSTON • INDIANAPOLIS • JACKSONVILLE • KANSAS CITY • LAS VEGAS • LINCOLN LITTLE ROCK • LUBBOCK • MILWAUKEE • MURRIETA • MONTERREY BAY • NASHVILLE • NEW ORLEANS NEWPORT BEACH • NORTH DALLAS • NOVA • OAKLAND COUNTY • OKLAHOMA CITY • OMAHA ORLANDO • PHILADELPHIA • PHOENIX • PITTSBURGH • PORTLAND • RALEIGH • SALEM • SAN DIEGO SEATTLE • SILICON VALLEY • SPOKANE • ST. LOUIS • TAMPA BAY • TEMECULA • TRI-CITIES • TRIAD TUCSON • TWIN CITIES • VIRGINIA BEACH • WASHINGTON D.C • WAYNE COUNTY • WEST VALLEY OF THE NATIONAL REAL PRODUCERS MOVEMENT WILMINGTONBE • PART YOUNGSTOWNALBANY • ALBUQUERQUE • CHESAPEAKE • ATLANTA • AUSTIN BALTIMORE • BOULDER • CHARLOTTE • CHICAGO • CINCINNATI • CLEVELAND • COUR D’ ALENE FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM TODAY COLORADO SPRINGS • COLUMBUS • DALLAS • DAVENPORT • DAYTONA BEACH • DENVER • FT. WAYNE @realproducers GRAND RAPIDS • HOUSTON • INDIANAPOLIS • JACKSON • JACKSONVILLE • KANSAS CITY • LAS VEGAS

RECOGNIZED

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48 • March 2020

RICH DETZ OF

BENCHMARK MORTGAGE

BIG-PICTURE DREAMS AND RESULTS partner spotlight

When clients purchase a new home, it is often their single largest asset purchase and largest indebtedness they will take on in their lifetime. Rich Detz believes that indebtedness should be created with a strategy that is woven into their financial plan and managed professionally.

Rich Detz is Branch Manager and Mortgage Advisor with Benchmark Mortgage. He and his team take a comprehensive approach when advising their clients through the loan process.

“In today’s world, it all too common for people to call or fill out an online application, and someone quotes them rate and fees," explains Rich. "When borrowing hundreds of thousands of dollars, I believe it is simply wrong to merely put someone in a mortgage without first understanding the client's entire financial picture and the impact this new mortgage will have on their financial plan. This approach allows us to put together a loan strategy that will maximize their savings over the short and long-term while simultaneously helping them to achieve their goals."

www.realproducersmag.com • 49

FOCUSED ATTENTION

While Benchmark Mortgage offers the full range of products and services, Rich Detz and his team have a sharp focus: providing value for their agent referral partners!

“Communication is the key, not just with the client, but also weekly updates to our agent referral partners on both sides of the transaction," Rich says. "This is standard throughout the loan process. This provides the agents and their clients a stressfree transaction with a certainty of outcome.

All too often, with the big bank or online lenders, clients and agents alike are kept in the dark as to the progress of the transaction, providing more stress and uncertainty for all parties involved. We have all heard the horror stories about getting the call from XYZ Bank a couple of days before closing stating 'we can’t get the loan closed,' leaving the buyer and seller scrambling. Often, it was an issue that easily could have been addressed very early on in the process.”

50 • March 2020

COMING TOGETHER

Rich and his team see their job just beginning at the close of the transaction. As client lives change with new challenges and opportunities, we are there to help them navigate these changes and provide solutions.

“The annual mortgage review that we provide for our clients is invaluable," Rich continues. "It allows us to make sure their mortgage is structured properly to help them manage life’s changes and achieve their goals. Also, this allows us to reach out to our agent referral partners and let them know about our mutual client’s new real estate needs. A client’s family may outgrow their current home and need to find a larger one.

Other clients may be looking to downsize as they become empty nesters. These are opportunities that we inform our REALTOR® partners about. Last year, we were able to refer back numerous clients to our agent partners, helping them grow their business alongside ours."

In his free time, Rich cherishes time spent with his wife, Megan, and their two children, including their 4-yearold daughter, Margaret, and their 3-year-old son, Mason. Rich and Megan are longtime Dallas residents.

www.realproducersmag.com • 51

Benchmark Mortgage is very active in the veteran community, and we work very closely with those heroes to help them achieve homeownership. We consider it our honor and duty to be of service and give back to those who protect and serve our country and our communities.

“I love spending time with my family and there is nothing I cherish more!

Dallas has so much to offer young families like mine. We love taking the kids to the many local parks, spending a day at the zoo, visiting the Perot Museum, or just walking the neighborhood while kids ride their bikes and scooters.”

Rich and Megan also have a big place in their hearts for TCU, where they both attended college. In the fall, they can be found taking in a football game and cheering on their Frogs.

A STRONGER COMMUNITY

Rich and his team also feel a deep sense of duty in supporting the local community.

"We feel a lot of pride in being able to give back," he says. "Benchmark Mortgage is very active in the veteran community, and we work very closely with those heroes to help them 52 • March 2020

achieve homeownership. We consider it our honor and duty to be of service and give back to those who protect and serve our country and our communities. Every branch throughout Benchmark participates in our VA initiative called The Veteran’s Home Front. No more will the veteran be taken advantage of. We will always do right by the veteran and provide first-class service, ensuring our veterans receive the American Dream of homeownership they deserve.”

Every April for the past seven years, furthering Benchmark’s commitment to the veteran community, they hold a two-day charity event called Boot'n and Shoot'n where they have raised over $10,000,000! This money benefits the Brain Treatment Foundation and other veteran charities where veterans are awarded scholarships to receive state of the art treatment for PTSD or traumatic brain injury.

“We’re so proud to be able to have such a tangible effect on the veteran community!" remarks Rich. "It is truly humbling to see the impact and transformational change of those who have received these scholarships."

One of the bright spots for Rich is being involved with the Real Producers group.

“I was honored to be asked to join this group and have worked with many of its members on multiple transactions over my career. You can do nothing but grow professionally by being associated with this group of highly talented real estate professionals and partners who go out every day with the mission of helping families create wealth through real estate!

For more information about Benchmark Mortgage: Email: Rdetz@benchmark.us Website: www.RichDetz.com Phone: 214-454-3777

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G E O R G E BAS S S TAG E & D E S I G N

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We are located in the Dallas Design Center by appointment only. We work with 100 of the top producing luxury real estate agents in the Dallas/ Ft. Worth metroplex. We were established in 2006 and have serviced the real estate industry with excitement and a unique style of stage in new builds and established residences and have exceeding selling price and days on market with listings. We have had the privilege of being a part of $650 million in real estate sales for the industry professionals the past 15 years in Dallas and surrounding cities.

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I've Moved!

“For the past 14 years, I have been at Guardian Mortgage as a vice president of sales and branch manager at their Dallas, Texas, location.

I have recently transitioned to a Senior Loan Officer role with NEXA Mortgage, LLC. The flexibility I now have at NEXA Mortgage will enable me to continue doing what I love - helping families build wealth and memories with real estate.”

NMLS# 1660690

Brokers are Better.

Wade Betz, Sr. Loan Officer

NMLS# 280613 4514 Cole Avenue, Suite 600, Dallas, Texas 75205 TheBetzTeam@WinningWithWade.com WinningwithWade.com www.realproducersmag.com • 55