North Dallas Real Producers - December 2022

CRISSI CERVINE: DRIVEN BY THE DREAM ANTHONY GRAHAM: MODELS FOR SUCCESS

ASHLEY GENTRY: LEAVING A LEGACY

SCOTT WINN & DIGG FOUNDATION: DIGGING DEEP

North Dallas Real Producers

YOUR BADGES

CONGRATS

on being one of the TOP 500 PRODUCING real estate agents in North Dallas!

You now have your own badge to use however you’d like to show that you’ve made it a part of this exclusive community of the top 1-2% in real estate!

Missing your badge? Email jordan.espeseth@realproducersmag.com Using your badge? We’d love to see how! Show us how you are using your badge and you may just find a picture of what you shared in the magazine! Social media, email signatures, web, listings, marketing material... nothing’s off limits!

Our RP vetted businesses have been carefully selected to be a part of this community and have their own badge as well! They have been recommended by your peers in the top 500 and are some of Dallas’ most elite businesses. Look for this badge to know that you are working with one of the best recommended by the best!

PREFERRED PARTNERS

BANK

This section has been created to give you easier access when searching for a trusted real estate affiliate. Take a minute to familiarize yourself with the businesses sponsoring your mag azine. These local businesses are proud to partner with you and make this magazine possible. Please support these businesses and thank them for supporting the REALTOR® community!

COFFEE COMPANY

HOME FUTURES

INSURANCE AGENCY

Farmers Bank & Trust (469) 296-1257 MyFarmers.bank

Peoples Bank (806) 776-2034 PeoplesBankTexas.com

BLINDS & DRAPERIES

Best Shutters (214) 538-2400 bestshuttersdirect.com

BUILDER

Shaddock Homes (972) 526-7700 ShaddockHomes.com

Poo Brew Coffee (469) 430-3443 PooBrewCoffee.com

CREDIT REPAIR

MSI Credit Solutions (866) 217-9841 www.msicredit.com

EASY OWNER FINANCING

TL Global (281) 818-5471 easyrealtormoney.com

EDUCATION

SellWhenever Megan Snellgrove (914) 469-1841 SellWhenever.com

HOME INSPECTION

First Choice Home Inspection (325) 260-8311 www.firstchoice homesinspection.com

Inspect360 (817) 754-0360 inspect360.com

BUSINESS COACHING

Hero Nation Coaching (469) 500-3642 theheronation.com

CLIENT AND REFERRAL GIFTS

Gifts of Graze Eileen Torres (214) 814-1216 www.giftsofgraze.com

Indulgent Treats (469) 992-1911 GabbysIndulgent Treats.com

CLIENT ENGAGEMENT

LEADS by Mandi Jackson (801) 598-5767 LEADSbyMandi.com

CLOSING REPAIRS

Porch Repair Estimate (817) 754-0360 www.repairestimate.net

Champions School of Real Estate® Rita Santamaria (281) 893-4484 www.ChampionsSchool.com

FLOORING

The Design Group Flooring (682) 234-6930 tdgflooring.com

FOUNDATION REPAIR

DIGG Foundation Repair (214) 307-4060 diggfoundationrepair.com

Elite Foundation Repairs (214) 856-9634 EliteFoundationRepairs.com

FOUNDATION, CONCRETE & DRAINAGE SERVICES

FCS Foundation and Concrete Services (877) 554-8284 FoundationAndConcrete.com

HEALTH

Restore Hyperwellness & Cryotherapy (817) 912-1550 Restore.com

Semper Fi Home Inspections, Inc. (682) 351-2267 SemperFiHome Inspections.com

HOME RENOVATION

Curbio (810) 300-9432 Curbio.com

HOME REPAIR & RENOVATIONS

Punchlist USA, Inc. (214) 432-1544 PunchlistUSA.com

HOME WARRANTY

Fidelity National Home Warranty Mike Csanad (469) 590-5733 www.homewarranty.com

Super Home, Inc. Sallie Griffith (628) 888-3759 HelloSuper.com

Tarrant Home Warranty (817) 554-2106 tarranthws.com

Paine Insurance Group (972) 387-9217 paineinsurancegroup.com

JUNK REMOVAL

Junkluggers of Collin County Mark Schneider (469) 344-6659 junkluggersof collincounty.com

LANDSCAPING

A Superior Lawn LLC (214) 302-7783 www.asuperiorlawn.com

MORTGAGE LENDING

First Rate Financial (214) 872-4442 iamfirstrate.com Homeowners Financial Group (619) 378-3795 MichaelChiodo.com

Movement Mortgage (469) 202-4195 LoanOfficerMark.com

The Mortgage Nerd (972) 447-6373 TheMortgageNerd.com

The Tuttle Group Cross Country Mortgage (469) 319-0660 thetuttlegroup.com

Willow Bend Mortgage Drew Brenner (214) 282-6387 www.drewbrenner mortgage.com

Willow Bend Mortgage

Dan Carson (214) 396-2400 www.applywithcarson.com

MOVING SERVICES

All My Sons Moving & Storage (561) 578-3800 allmysons.com

Black Tie Moving

North Dallas JC Caldwell (615) 900-2641

Finesse Movers (469) 657-5975 finessemovers.com

Stonebriar Moving Services (469) 734-9000 stonebriarmoving.com

PHOTOGRAPHY

Ilona Jade Photography (253) 632-5155 ilonajade.com

Scott Peek Photography (469) 587-2300 ScottPeekPhotography.com

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

American Real PM (469) 620-0114 americanrealpm.com

Real Property Management Focus (469) 820-0088 realpmfocus.com

REMODELER

Renovation Sells (214) 888-4376 RenovationSells.com/ North-Dallas

ROOFING

Results Roofing (214) 301-5533 results-roofing.com

Tarrant Roofing (972) 470-9999 TarrantRoofing.com

Texas Direct Roofing Nathan Lemons (972) 951-3748 nathan@txdroofing.com

Town & Country Roofing (972) 377-8188 townandcountry roofingdfw.com

ROOFING & ROOF WARRANTY

Total Roof Protection (817) 210-6338 totalroofprotection.com

ROOFING / STORM

RESTORATION

100% Construction (469) 999-6091 100percent constructiontx.com

Swordsmen Roofing and Construction LLC (972) 979-6197 swordsmenroofing.com

SHORT TERM RENTAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

iTrip Vacations North Dallas (972) 649-0454 northdallas.itrip.co/

SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGEMENT

WAY Social Jessica Nelson (919) 645-8960

SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING/ MANAGEMENT

Content Compounding (405) 888-9119 contentcompounding.io

STAGE & DESIGN

Southlake Stage Coach (781) 223-5949 SouthlakeStageCoach.com

TITLE COMPANY

Alamo Title CompanySouthlake (817) 896-8686 AlamoDFW.com

Boston National Title of Texas (704) 989-7267 bnttexas.com

Chicago Title DFW (972) 931-1522 chicagotitledfw.com

Fair Texas Title (602) 421-6417 fairtexastitle.com

Lawyers Title (469) 247-8281 dfw.ltic.com

Republic Title

Ken Callahan (214) 793-5979 RepublicTitle.com

Texas Excel Title LLC (817) 980-1018 TexasExcelTitle.com

VIDEOGRAPHER

Flux Media Productions (469) 955-5833 fluxmediaproductions.com

WINDOWS

Town & Country Roofing (972) 377-8188 townandcountryroofingdfw.com

WINDOWS & SIDING

Tarrant Windows & Siding (972) 685-3113 TarrantWindows.com

www.southlakestagecoach.com

NORTH DALLAS MEET THE

Zach Cohen Writer

Landon Robinson Director of Client Relations

Scott Peek

Photographer

Ilona Gorokhovskiy Photographer

Missy Kremer Editor

Katherine Fondren Content Coordinator

Executive Director

Jordan Espeseth Owner/Publisher

Kareen Delos Reyes Administrative Assistant

Jessica Nelson Social Media Director

Bill Brock

Photographer

publisher’s note

How did the ESPE Awards Go?

Print media takes a long time, so as I write this month’s publisher’s note, it is Nov. 8 … nine days before the ESPE Awards Gala. As you are reading this, it is likely mid-December — a whole month since the event took place. How did it go? I am dying to know.

Before I wrote this, I pulled up my December 2021 pub lisher’s note to read what I had written last year about this same time. It was eight days out from the ESPEs, and I talked about how I was letting my mind get the best of me leading up to the event. All sorts of questions and doubts were starting to rise in relation to the event. It was the first time I had thrown an event of that size and caliber. But I reeled myself back and leaned in on my faith, and trusted that the event was going to be a massive success. And guess what? IT WAS!

I am glad I decided to read last year’s publisher’s note because, like last year, I have moments where my mind starts to go down the same old rabbit hole of doubt. Some of the doubts are similar, but most of them are new, with the predominant one being: “Last year was such a great success. ... What if this year isn’t as good?” What if people leave saying, “It was OK … but nothing like last year’s event?”

Isn’t success a funny thing? You think when you “make it” that you will be all good, but then these doubts and insecurities about maintaining the success, and the standard, start to seep in and overwhelm you. No matter where we are at in life, our minds and flesh find a way to pull us into fear. That is where having continual remind ers of our past successes and a strong faith become so very important. Namely, the latter.

Many of you know that I have been open about my faith and how Jesus has been working wonders in my life, especially this past year and a half. I have come to realize that all the great things that have happened in my life are because of Him, and I proudly give God all the glory. With Him on my team, I know that He will have his hand on this event, and it will be an incredible evening of deep connection and cele bration. This I know for certain. We will find out soon!

peace in my heart,

Jordan Espeseth

jordan.espeseth@n2co.com

With

Jordan on stage at the 2021 ESPE Awards

REALTOR® on the rise

DRIVEN BY THE DREAM

When you see a leader, you can tell. It comes through in the way they work with a sense of purpose, relentless energy, and thoughtful care for those around them.

That describes Crissi Cervine very well.

Written by: Dave Danielson

Photos by: Scott Peek, Scott Peek Photography LLC

Team members Ivette Balser, Rachel Ford, Crissi Cervine and Patti Jo Hollon

Making Good Things Happen

As a REALTOR® and team leader with Runway Realty Group pow ered by Colleen Frost Realtors, Crissi makes things happen for oth ers … because she is driven by helping them achieve their dreams.

“I love being a part of people’s journeys. Each one is different. Some people have gone through a hardship, while others may be celebrat ing a key milestone,” she says.

“It means a lot to me to see the smile on their face and the trust they have in me in the process. I always feel that because I give so much help to my clients. My ‘why’ is their appreciation of my work. I’m not a trans actional agent. I really enjoy getting to know people on a personal level.”

Making an Impact

Crissi earned her real estate license in January 2018, starting in April that year. Prior to that, she made a difference in another indus try … as a veterinary technician for an ophthalmology firm, working with animals’ eyes.

“That position really prepped me for real estate. I was kind of shy,” Crissi says. “That job put me more in the public eye, dealing with people at different points with their animals. I was passionate about that. Over time, I felt I was good at helping people, but I felt like there was something else.”

Crissi’s father had been in commercial real estate for over 40 years.

“I grew up around real estate. My passion transformed to real estate in time … helping people with one of the biggest investments of their lives. I felt something greater brewing inside,” Crissi says.

“My dad was always asking me about real estate. Even with the veterinary medicine, I was on call 24/7 for ocular emergen cies. With real estate, if you are really passionate about it, it’s the same way. You want to be there for your people. I enjoy being available.”

Creating a Successful Path

As Crissi got her start in real estate, she faced the same type of transition and learning curve as most new agents. But she kept moving forward toward her goals.

“I didn’t have a large network behind me. But, I joined the Chamber of Commerce and went to networking events. I just put my nose to the grind stone,” Crissi points out.

“I quit veterinary medicine and went into real estate full time. There was no backup plan. I did everything I could, and luckily everything fell in place. Everything has been on a referral basis. People gave me an opportu nity, and it all worked out.”

Rewarding Results Day-by-day, Crissi has built a remarkable success story — doubling her results each year. In fact, in 2021, she recorded $18 million in sales volume.

Crissi is also rewarded by an active life. Away from work, she has a passion for anything to do with the water, including boating, knee boarding, and spending time on the beach. Another huge pas sion for her is scuba diving.

As she says, “I find peace and serenity around any body of water.”

In addition, Crissi is also enjoying her new house and acreage that

she bought last year. In the pro cess, she says she has learned to have a love for gardening.

All-Around Drive to Achieve

With a blend of passion for what she does, a fun-filled nature and a tireless dedi cation to her clients’ needs, Crissi carries on a powerful drive to achieve … one that she says came from her father.

“My drive comes from him because he came from noth ing. It means so much to have a foundation given to me by all of his work … knowing what he went through to get there,” she emphasizes.

“I don’t want to let him down or myself down. Plus, God is huge in my life. My relation ship with Him is very much part of my drive and keeps me going. Dad instilled that in me at a young age … with a spirit of never giving up.”

Gratitude

Crissi is quick to share her gratitude for those around her.

“I thank my lucky stars for getting into this business and meeting some wonderful professional women. Their integrity and teamwork are so import ant over time to helping me,” she points out. “They are always available to my clients even after the typical hours. They include Patti Jo Hollon and Ivette Balser with AnnieMac Home Mortgage, and Rachel Ford, who is an escrow offi cer with Chicago Title Rockwall.”

Crissi’s all-in passion for what she does comes through in brilliant fashion.

“I remember when I first interviewed with Colleen, and she asked me how much time I had to devote to real estate,” Crissi remembers. “My answer was my motto … whatever it takes to give my clients and the people around me the best experience I can.”

That’s what it looks like when you are driven to make dreams come true.

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2022

Magazine Release Party

event recap

Starting in 2021, Real Producers started doing mini-magazine release parties! In attendance for these events, we will have those real estate agents and businesses that were featured in that issue, along with a few nonfeatured advertising partners.

Last month’s party, like all of our parties, was an absolute blast! At this event, we showcased the September 2022 and October 2022 issues. These events are such a fun way to debut the magazine and connect with a smaller group of incredible people.

Congratulations again to Terri and Ronald McCoy, Tanya McQueen and Korey Benton, Mary Denton, Tammy Flynn, Boston National Title of Texas, All My Sons Moving, Matt and Renee Beaver, Jared Tye, Heather and Drew Shubzda, Mandi Simpson, Roofing Reformation, and The Mortgage Nerd.

Big thanks to Skyhouse Frisco Station for allowing us to use their beautiful Sky Lounge on the 25th floor!

Our team feels very grateful to have had the chance to share your stories and celebrate with you. We look forward to continuing these smaller celebrations in the months and years ahead!

Photos by: Scott Peek Photography, LLC

“I

not be where I am today without the coaching of Hero Nation.”

-Jordan Espeseth

agent feature

Written by: Zach Cohen

Photos by: Scott Peek,

Scott Peek Photography LLC

MODELS FOR SUCCESS

After suffering a back and neck injury playing collegiate rugby at Texas A&M, Anthony Graham became inspired to pursue a career as a chiropractor.

“I went to chiro four to five days per week for six months, and that was the only thing that really helped me make it through. So, I decided I wanted to be a chiropractor,” he recalls.

After leaving Texas A&M, Anthony prepared to enter chiropractic school, but there was one main holdup: He couldn’t afford it.

“I was accepted at Parker University in Dallas, but I didn’t have any money and didn’t qualify for any good loans,” Anthony reflects.

To fund his future schooling, Anthony turned toward real estate. He planned to sell a few houses, save some money, and head off to chiropractic school.

Finding

His

Calling Soon after Anthony got his license, the market collapsed.

“People were leaving the industry in droves, and here I am, fresh and baby-faced at 23, thinking I was going to conquer the world in real estate,” Anthony laughs.

Despite his lack of experience, Anthony fell in love with the work. It took him six months to close his first deal, but business eventually picked up. He closed $7 million in his second full year in the industry, a significant number amid the recession.

“I fell in love with the day-to-day, the challenge. Back then, everything was walking a tightrope. Everything was uncertain, weird and crazy, but I benefited because I didn’t know how good it used to be or could be. I just worked and figured it out,” Anthony explains.

In 2009, Anthony had a realization: He no longer had the passion for pursuing a career as a chiropractor. He was entirely devoted to real estate.

“It was a lightbulb moment: You like this. You are good at this. You wake up in the morning excited to get to the office. So why change that?”

Models of Success

Anthony has now been in real estate for over 15 years. He’s had the chance to work for two brokerages under several different models, which has helped him discover the best fit. He started on a large team and later started two different teams of his own.

The first was a three-agent partnership, and the latter was a small team led by Anthony. Neither model seemed to find its stride.

“On that first team, we really ran our own businesses. It didn’t work out that well. It felt like three individuals that put their names together,” Anthony reflects. “The second one I ran for a little over five years, and I got to a point where I realized that wasn’t necessarily what I wanted to do anymore. I was spending more time and stress on my team mem bers’ problems than I was making money off the business model. ... It was taxing on my time and overall happiness.”

In 2018, Anthony dissolved the team and transitioned to an individual agent model. In response, his business took off.

“It’s been leaps and bounds. When I ceased operation with the team, I assumed most of the production. I got my price point up considerably. The money followed that. I’ve been wildly more successful while keeping my transaction count more manageable.”

Anthony’s results have been impressive; in 2021, he closed 22 transactions for $14.5 million.

Rediscovering Passion

Anthony’s return to an individual agent model has helped him with balance. He has more time for his hobbies and pas sion projects than ever before.

“My happiness returned,” he smiles.

Anthony was born and raised in Iowa. His grandfather, an avid outdoorsman and conservationist, imparted his love

for the outdoors to Anthony. When he’s not working, Anthony can be found hunting, fishing, and spending time at his small ranch in east Texas. He’s recently taken up competitive clay shooting and travels the country for competitions.

Anthony also has a love for travel; he and his wife, Rachel, travel together at every chance they get. Rachel works in the real estate business, and the couple is already planning for early retirement. Anthony’s ultimate goal is to captain a yacht in the Caribbean.

“Our goals and dreams are not to be handcuffed to having to work. We’d like to retire early. I don’t think either of us plans to stop work ing, but maybe slow down a little bit,” Anthony explains. “That’s what we are focused on now — making the right moves, so here in 15 to 20 years, we both feel comfortable not to have to work so hard. The ulti mate goal and dream is to be a boat captain, to buy a large yacht in the Caribbean and charter it so it pays for itself for two or three months and then live on it for the other nine. That’s the dream.”

I fell in love with the dayto-day, the challenge. Back then, everything was walking a tightrope.

ABOUT THIS MAGAZINE FAQ

Real Producers magazine started in Indianapolis in 2015 and is now in over 100 markets across the nation and con tinues to spread rapidly. Real Producers first launched in DFW in August 2018 with North DFW Real Producers (now called “North Dallas”). In May 2019, Dallas Real Producers launched, and then Tarrant Real Producers in March of 2021.

In 2022, Tarrant Real Producers split into two publications, North Fort Worth and Fort Worth Real Producers Fort Worth Real Producers launched in August 2022!

Q: WHO RECEIVES REAL PRODUCERS MAGAZINE?

A: The top 500 real estate agents in each of the four markets in DFW based on their MLS production for the previous year. Refer to the map in this publication for the exact territories. If your broker address is within that given territory and you are in the top 500, you will receive that publication for the year. There are approximately 60,000 licensed real estate agents in DFW. The list will reset at the end of every year and continue to update annually.

Q: WHAT IS THE GOAL OF THIS MAGAZINE?

A: We believe that we are better together. When we surround ourselves with other successful, like-minded people, we grow to new heights. Real Producers is a platform that brings together the most elite individuals in DFW real estate.

We take the top 500 real estate agents and RP-vetted busi nesses in every market, and we build an exclusive community around that group. We share their stories, successes, market trends, upcoming events — really, anything that will connect, inform and inspire, we put in our monthly publication.

Q: DOES REAL PRODUCERS HAVE EVENTS?

A: Yes! Each community will have two main events a year, and then we do a combined event at the end of the year, which is an awards gala called The ESPE’s. For these events, we invite the Top 500 real estate agents and our RP Vetted Businesses. Top 500 agents are allowed to invite members on their team as well. These events are an incredible oppor tunity to connect with the best of the best in DFW Real

Estate. It is amazing to see the power in the connections made at these events. Be on the lookout for your exclusive invites!

Q: WHAT IS THE PROCESS FOR BEING FEATURED IN THIS MAGAZINE?

A:It’s really simple. You have to be on the top 500 list, and we take nominations seriously. You can nominate other real estate agents, businesses, brokers, owners or even yourself! Office leaders can also nominate real estate agents. We will consider anyone brought to our attention who is in the top 500 because we don’t know everyone’s story, so we need your help to learn about them. We cannot guarantee a feature, but we encourage you to meet with one of our team members, support Real Producers and attend our private events to increase your chances.

You can email your nominations to jordan.espeseth@realproducersmag.com.

Q: WHAT DOES IT COST A REAL ESTATE AGENT/TEAM TO BE FEATURED?

A: Zero, zilch, zippo, nada, nil. It costs nothing, my friends, so nominate away! We are not a pay-to-play model. We share real stories of real producers.

Q: WHO IS THE RP VETTED BUSINESSES?

A: They are one of the best businesses in DFW in their category and you can find them listed in our index! We don’t just find these businesses off the street, nor do we work with all businesses that approach us. One of many of the top real estate agents has recommended every single business you see in this publication. We won’t even meet with a business that has not been vetted by one of you and “stamped for approval,” in a sense. Our team will further vet every business to make sure they are a good fit and bring value to our community. Our goal is to create a powerhouse network, not only for the best real estate agents in the area but the best businesses, as well, so we can grow stronger together.

Q: HOW CAN I RECOMMEND A BUSINESS?

A: If you know and want to recommend a business that works with top real estate agents, please email us to let us know at jordan.espeseth@realproducersmag.com.

SCOTT WINN & DIGG Foundation

DIGGing Deep

Scott Winn’s first taste of the housing indus try was through his 30-year partnership with Habitat for Humanity. He initially got involved with the homebuild ing nonprofit when he helped construct a devel opment of 135 houses in Immokalee, FL. Over the next three decades, he continued to spend his weekends building homes for those that were less fortunate.

“I would find a Habitat project, work for a few hours, and go home feel ing good. That was my charity for a long time,” Scott reflects.

Scott’s primary goal with Habitat for Humanity was to give back to his community. His second ary goal was to learn homebuilding skills. On every job, he’d find a skilled tradesperson — an electrician, a plumber, a roofer, or a framer — and learn as much as he could. He gained many skills, but he never envi sioned that one day, he’d turn his charity work into a career.

The Road to Foundation Repair Professionally, Scott built a successful career as an executive director in the newspaper business. He worked his way up from database market ing analyst through management to running major newspaper divisions in Miami, Tampa, Philadelphia, and Chicago. Eventually, he landed in Dallas with The Dallas Morning News.

By that time, Scott had been working in news paper media for many years, and he saw the writing on the wall — the newspaper business was in sharp decline.

“It just crashed,” he reflects. “We lost half our revenue when the internet strengthened in the early 2000s and the other half during the 2008 to 2009 crash. As we sold all our assets, I knew I would have to switch careers completely.”

Scott ultimately determined he’d like to get into the home improve ment business, and as he assessed his options, one rose to the surface: foundation repair.

In 2013 and 2014, Scott worked for three different foundation repair com panies. He realized that not only was foundation repair a viable business

model, but he loved the work. In 2014, he founded DIGG Foundation Repair.

Leading with Education Scott isn’t a salesman; he’s an educator. He’s built a reputation for educating consumers and REALTORS® about how to properly care

for their homes to prevent the need for foundation repair altogether.

“I go out of my way to try to prevent foundation repair through educa tion,” Scott says. “Sixty percent of the time or more, the homes have strong soil support and no foun dation work is required on these houses. I spend a lot of time showing

IT STARTS BY SHOWING UP WITH HONESTY, INTEGRITY, AND EDUCATING PEOPLE.

people there may be movement causing cracks, what’s causing it, and how to solve the issues with out foundation repair.”

Since most foundation issues are the result of soil movement and erosion, Scott shows his clients how to avoid the soil-related issues that eventu ally cause foundation problems. He educates them on how to properly tend their landscaping and maintain a stable foundation. DIGG offers ancillary services like drainage systems, root barriers, gutter installation, and under-slab sewage line replace ment. Scott also provides educational courses to local real estate brokers.

“It’s a fun process to educate people, to help them care for their landscaping properly. Taking complex info and simplifying it in a way people understand is a skill I was able to transfer from my previous career to the foundation industry.”

DIGG (Does it Glorify God?)

The name DIGG Foundation Repair is a nod to an acronym Scott has used since the ‘90s: Does it glo rify God? In all aspects of his life, Scott seeks to act in ways that honor God.

“I always ask myself, ‘What am I doing? Why am I doing it? Can I stand before God and say that it glorifies Him?’” Scott explains. “I want to glorify God with my work. That’s my main goal in all I do, from family to work life.”

The concept of DIGG extends to every corner of Scott’s life. It showed up when he raised his sis ter’s three children and continues to serve him as he raises his children, Olivia (20) and Gilbert (11). His devotion to God continues to show up daily in his foundation repair work.

“More than anything, I want people to see me as someone who cares about helping others,” Scott says. “It starts by showing up with honesty, integrity, and educating people. In the end, if that leads to me getting work in foundation repair, that’s great. Maybe it leads to another referral or relationship, or maybe I just made someone’s day easier, and that’s great, too.”

DIGG Foundation Repair is one of Dallas/Fort Worth’s leading foundation repair companies. For more information, visit https://diggfoundationrepair.com.

WHICH REAL

PRODUCERS

TERRITORY ARE YOU A PART OF?

REAL PRODUCERS IN THE DFW METROPLEX

WHICH REAL PRODUCERS TERRITORY ARE YOU A PART OF?

A Quick Look at the Different DFW Real Producers Markets

Real Producers in the DFW Metroplex

Real Producers has 100+ franchises nationwide and there are four in DFW alone. In each of these markets, we pull the top 500 agents based off annual residential MLS sales volume. Where your broker address is located will determine which publication is for you. This map shows the territories for each of the four DFW franchises. If you are a top-500 agent in any of these markets, you will be receiving a publication every month and have the possibility of being featured at no cost to you!

A Quick Look at the Different DFW Real Producers Markets

Real Producers has 100+ franchises nationwide and there are four in DFW alone. In each of these markets, we pull the top 500 agents based off annual residential MLS sales volume. Where your broker address is located will determine which publication is for you. This map shows the territories for each of the four DFW franchises. If you are a top-500 agent in any of these markets, you will be receiving a publication every month and have the possibility of being featured at no cost to you!

North Dallas Real Producers

North Fort Worth Real Producers

Fort Worth Real Producers Dallas Real Producers

ccar: in the know

Written by: Bri Westbury, Collin County Association of REALTORS® Communications Director

PIDS, PUDS & MUDS:

WHAT REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS NEED TO KNOW

Dr. Blake Bennett, associate professor and extension econo mist at Texas A&M, tackled utility districts and how they affect a residential transaction on a recent episode of Welcome to the Top. Here is what you need to know.

What are PIDs, PUDs and MUDs?

MUDs

Bennett: “A municipal utility district (MUD) is a water district. It’s a gov ernment entity, similar to what we see with a county or school district. It is created, it is part of the state government. It is regulated by Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. For anything having to do with water, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (or TCEQ, as we call it), they’re in charge. … [When] a new area devel oper comes in and put in the roads, water, sewer and drainage … they want to get repaid.

“There are two ways to [repay the developer]. You can either pay it all upfront whenever you buy the prop erty, or you can finance it out over

time through a MUD. The MUD allows property buyers to finance infrastructure over time, and they use taxes as well as user fees … to repay that developer.”

PIDs

Bennett: “PIDS are public improve ment districts. PIDS are run by the cities themselves. And the way that we normally saw PIDs work in the past … is [within] a defined area, the owners of property would want something extra out of the city. Such as, we want trash picked up two days a week, not just one, or we want additional security, addi tional police patrols, or maybe we want some beautification from the city. The city would say, ‘OK, defined geograph ical area, you can have that, but how are you going to pay for it?’ Well, we’re going to establish a public improvement district, or a PID. And we’re going to charge ourselves in an assessment that tacks on our property. And we’re going to use that assessment to pay for those extras that we’re asking you for.

“We’re also seeing in the northern part of DFW PIDs used in a little bit of a different way. A developer comes in and submits a petition to the city and says, ‘I want to put

in water, sewer, drainage and roads similar to a MUD. But I want to use a PID to do it.’ And so, they are petition ing and using those PID funds to put in that infrastructure and, then again, getting paid back over time.”

PUD Bennett: “A planned unit develop ment (PUD) works with the zoning laws. … We see retail and commer cial as well as maybe apartments or even neighborhoods that are all part of a PUD. The area petitions the city to create this PUD. It’s a way to get around those zoning laws to have mixed use altogether. Now, if you’re in an HOA, you’re in a PUD. You sign a PUD rider whenever you close on a house that’s in an HOA. So absolutely, an HOA is in a PUD, but a PUD does not have to have an HOA.”

SUD Bennett: “A SUD is a special utility district [and is used] out into the country where the cities may not supply water and sewer service, particularly water services. And so, [property owners] may have to get together … and create a water supply

corporation. … It’s not a government entity. It’s just a group of [property owners] that say, ‘We’d really like to have water at our house,’ and so they get together and pool money so that they can create the infrastructure. It’s very expensive. But again, it’s a corporation. And as that area grows, then they can apply to become a SUD, which is a political subdivision of the state.”

How do utility districts affect residential transactions?

Bennett: “You have to provide notice if you’re selling a property within one of these districts, and it doesn’t matter if it’s a MUD or any type of water district. … If you’re the listing agent, then that notice has to be pro vided prior to executing the contract. The buyer has to sign that ‘Yes, I realized that I am buying property within one of these special districts.’”

“If notice has not been provided to the buyer, at any point in time up to closing, they can pull out of the transaction and get every bit of their money back. If the first time they hear about is at the closing table, they can get out.

“Texas Commission on Environmental Quality has a map view where you can type in an address and you can click on … any of the water districts and get the district information. It provides a phone number to a law firm that manages that water district, you call that law firm and say, ‘Hey, I need notice. I’m about to sell a property in your district,’ and they’ll email it to you.”

To hear a step-by-step explanation of how to use the TCEQ’s map viewer, listen to Season 3, Episode 17 of Welcome to the Top, the podcast that provides you with what you need to succeed in the real estate world. Mike Csanad

D O N A & T E R R Y

TIMM

cover story

TWO’S COMPANY

As her three children were approaching first grade, Dona Timm began considering her next move. She had been a stay-at-home mom for several years, like many of her friends.

Written by: Zach Cohen

Photos by: Ilona Jade Photography

“I remember I went to lunch with a group of girls, and we all made decisions about what we wanted to do when our kids were in school,” Dona reflects.

One of Dona’s friends headed off to become a psychotherapist, another began her interior design career, and another announced her plans to become a renowned chef. Dona had consid ered her options, and her choice was clear.

“I said, ‘I’m going to become a REALTOR®,’ and that’s how it all began,” she reflects.

Over the ensuing years, Dona built a successful real estate business. She spent eight years in commercial real estate before returning to residential real estate, where she became a sales manager. By the late ‘90s, Terry joined his wife, Dona, in busi ness after a long career in politics and banking.

“Before coming back to Texas, Terry was a rising star in Illinois,” Dona boasts. “He put himself through school and was deputy treasurer of the fourth largest county in Illinois. They asked him to become a cabinet mem ber for the Illinois governor, and he had a family circumstance that brought him back to Texas.”

In Texas, Terry got involved in banking before joining Dona in real estate. Their partnership in real estate began at another transitional time of life.

“After our kids were out of the house, we looked at each other,” Dona says. “We were so happy. We decided to work together as a husband and wife partnership, and it’s been perfect since. We never get sick of each other. We have different points of view, and our cli ents appreciate that.”

Partnering for Success

Dona and Terry have now been business part ners for over 20 years. They have built their business by treating every single client as a luxury buyer. They understand the power and value of homeownership and are willing to do whatever it takes to serve their clients.

“We don’t just sell houses. We do it all for our clients,” Dona says.

For Dona and Terry, statistics aren’t the pri mary measure of success, although 2021 was a banner year for them.

“I believe success is something you look backward at. We’re traveling so fast and working so hard that I don’t monitor that often. We’re focused on what’s in front of us.”

Timm Properties is filled out by Dona and Terry’s daugh ter, Marni, who joined the team as a licensed assistant in 2021 after a 20-year career in film, and Dona and Terry’s dear friend, licensed assistant Dwayne Clark.

One Eye on the Future

As 2022 comes to a close, Dona and Terry are navigating shifting real estate market conditions. They’ve seen the market change before, and they are tak ing an optimistic outlook on the months ahead.

“The present today is totally different from the present three months ago,” Dona says, “and I think we need to fast forward to see how interest rates, elections, and the environ ment worldwide are affecting real estate as we know it today. Today is a different day.”

Dona believes that Dallas will bear the market changes well, but there will still be consequences. Yet, as in any market, she also sees opportunity.

Fun Fact: Dona and Terry enjoy traveling and have been on over 40 cruises together.

Terry adds. “Real estate is getting a little sluggish, but we’ve been there before, weathered the storm, and we’ll be here again. I’m going to keep going because I enjoy it so much, and Dona is the same way. We have fun every day, and why not have fun if you can have fun? Real estate keeps us young. We’re always learning. We’re going to do this until we drop dead, I think [laughs].”

I BELIEVE SUCCESS IS SOMETHING YOU LOOK BACKWARD AT. WE’RE TRAVELING SO FAST AND WORKING SO HARD THAT I DON’T

Ashley Polito Vice President | Digital Marketing

Cory Turner Vice President | Director of Sales

Kim Fuller Escrow Officer

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WHY DO I NEED THOSE?

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celebrating leaders

Written by: Zach Cohen Photos by: Ilona Jade Photography

Gentry

Gentry Ashley

LEAVING A LEGACY

As a teenager, Ashley Gentry watched her mother, Cheri, transition from a stay-athome mom to a top real estate agent. Ashley remembers being inspired by her mom’s hus tle and efforts to build a thriving business.

“I watched one of my greatest heroes work so hard and create a completely different life by helping people. It was always about serving. By being a servant, she found suc cess,” Ashley reflects.

Ashley has always been an entrepreneur and a leader at heart. She graduated high school two years early and set off to forge her own professional path.

“Being at a 9-to-5 was never going to let me live up to my potential,” Ashley continues. “I knew God made me different, destined to do great things for my family and those around me. I didn’t know what that looked like, but I had a fire in the belly.”

Ashley was licensed in real estate in 2005. She sold part time for five years before fully devoting herself to the craft in 2010.

“It was a perfect alignment,” she smiles.

Redbranch Realty Cheri eventually stepped back from production, accepting a role manag ing a larger global real estate fran chise. Ashley worked for a boutique brokerage. By 2013, however, the mother-daughter duo began to con sider teaming up again.

“I was married, and we were ready to start a family. I remember pray ing in my bathroom one morning … praying, ‘God, if you want me to start a family and shape and change lives through real estate, you’re going to have to send me a partner.’ This business can be so isolating.”

The next day, Ashley received a call from her mom. Cheri felt it was time for her to get back into sales, and she wanted to work with Ashley. Six weeks later, Ashley found out she was pregnant. Before she even gave birth, Ashley and Cheri co-founded Redbranch Realty.

“We decided we wanted to build a legacy together.”

Overcoming Trauma

In Redbranch Realty’s early days, everything seemed to be looking up. But then, tragedy struck within Ashley’s family. It was a long road to recovery, but Ashley’s family made it through. In tragedy’s wake, a new purpose arose. Ashley promised that if God healed her family, she would do everything in her power to glorify Him.

“I remember this beautiful January day six years ago, we finally closed that chapter. We drove home to see Alex frolic in the snow and realized this was a rebirth, a new beginning for us all,” Ashley reflects. “That was six years ago now. We were in a ditch, but we banded together. Our only source of income became the real estate business. There was no way to get out except to build something amazing through real estate again. I made that promise and haven’t stopped since.”

Leaving a Legacy

Over the last six years, Ashley has committed herself to running a real estate business rooted in serving God and her clients. That’s allowed her to steadily grow her business, year after year, culminating with her best year to date in 2021, when she closed $14 million. In 2022, she’s tracking to exceed that number (projecting to close around $20 million). She has also been named the 2023 MetroTex Association of REALTORS®’ incoming president, as well as a member of the board of directors for both the state and national associations.

Ashley champions for individual property owners’ rights through many avenues, and one of the most notable is her livestream show, Real Talk. Ashley won the Texas REALTOR® Strike Force Award for her grassroots political and legislative influence, and Real Talk was recognized as Innovative Program of the Year by Texas REALTORS®.

FAMILY SPOTLIGHT ASHLEY AND REECE’S DAUGHTER, ALEX, IS NOW 9. THEY ALSO ENJOY RESCUING DOGS AND HAVE THREE AT HOME. REECE RECENTLY JOINED ASHLEY IN THE REAL ESTATE BUSINESS.

Ashley has achieved great success but isn’t resting on her laurels. She remains devoted to the path of giving.

“All of the success is phe nomenal, but it’s all about impacting the lives of oth ers,” she says. “It’s important that with what God gives us, we need to do more with it.”

When Ashley co-founded Redbranch Realty, her pri mary goal was to serve the community through home ownership. That remains true, but now there is an added element of purpose. She hopes to one day open a facility that provides respite and therapy for abused chil dren and animals.

“As a family, we pray for financial windfall every day, not because we want to be rich but because we want to change lives,” Ashley says. “We want to remove the stigma and provide resources that are warm and welcoming, one person at a time. We want to provide a sanctuary for children and adults that have suf fered sexual abuse and homeless and

abused dogs. We want to teach them that they are worthy of unconditional love and can begin to trust again. And in the end, the most beautiful thing we can share is the amazing gift of redemption through God’s grace.”

“So, the legacy is both — to build an amazing real estate brokerage that touches so many different people and creates a legacy that lives on beyond that — helping a disenfranchised population that gets forgotten. The sky’s the limit. I’m excited to think bigger and do more.”