NORTH DFW
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 .
RISING STAR: MARY REEVES
KURT & DARLA
POWER COUPLE: BRAD & KELLI RITZ
E X- S P O U S E S S E L L I N G H O U S E S
PARTNER SPOTLIGHTS: FIREHOUSE MOVERS FIRST RATE FINANCIAL
BUEHLER Photo by: Ilona Jade Photography
AUGUST 2021
STRONG HISTORY, BOLD FUTURE.
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North DFW Real Producers • 3
Current Real Producer Shows on #TheDifference REAL Producers Live w/ Jordan Espeseth (Publisher of North DFW RP)
THURSDAYS @ 11AM
Real Talk w/ Brian Poduska (Real Property Management Focus)
THURSDAYS @ 1PM
#THEDIFFERENCE is an internet media company that is focused on bringing attention to & spotlighting small business owners, entrepreneurs & Real Estate industry professionals.
We spotlight how they make #TheDifference in their communities, local industries and the lives of others! Lendon Wilson • 972-866-4596 info@hashtag-thedifference.com www.hashtag-thedifference.com SCAN ME
4 • August 2021
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North DFW Real Producers • 5
TA BLE OF
CONTENTS 08
14
Index of Trusted Partners
Publisher’s Meet The Team Note
Publisher’s Note: Keep Your Eye on the Ball!
24 18
24
33
Event FAQ About Recap This Magazine
Rising FAQ About Star: Mary This Magazine Reeves
Your North DFW Real Producers Badges
36
44 16
48
Partner Spotlight: First Rate Financial
CCAR: Sponsor In Spotlight The KnowPhotography By Spross
Partner Spotlight: Firehouse Movers
24 56
64
24 72
Power FAQ Couple: About Brad This& Magazine Kelli Ritz
6 • August 2021
09 11
Celebrating Life: Charles Brazil
Cover FAQ About Story: Kurt This& Magazine Darla Buehler
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North DFW Real Producers • 7
PREFERRED PARTNERS
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 magazine. 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! BUSINESS COACHING Hero Nation Coaching Wayne Salmans (469) 500-3642 theheronation.com
FOUNDATION REPAIR DIGG Foundation Repair Scott Winn (214) 307-4060 diggfoundationrepair.com
CLIENT AND REFERRAL GIFTS Indulgent Treats (469) 992-1911 GabbysIndulgentTreats.com
HANDYMAN & PAINTING Handy Hogan (469) 307-4690
CLIENT ENGAGEMENT LEADS by Mandi Jackson (801) 598-5767 LEADSbyMandi.com CREDIT REPAIR Lenders Choice Credit Solutions (214) 307-4946 lendersccs.com DESIGN & STAGING Southlake Stage Coach (781) 223-5949 SouthlakeStageCoach.com DEVELOPER Huffines Communities (972) 860-3133 huffinescommunities.com EDUCATION Champions School of Real Estate® Rita Santamaria (281) 893-4484 www.ChampionsSchool.com FLOORING The Design Quad (214) 647-1779 thedesignquad.com
8 • August 2021
HOME INSPECTION Elite Inspection Group (469) 512-3626 eigdallas.com First Choice Home Inspection Jenny Henderson (325) 260-8311 www.firstchoicehome sinspection.com Inspect360 (817) 754-0360 inspect360.com HOME RENOVATION Curbio (810) 300-9432 Curbio.com HOME WARRANTY Achosa Home Warranty (817) 933-8707 www.achosahw.com Home Warranty of America hwahomewarranty.com HomeServe Home Warranty (972) 965-1885 home-warranty.com Super Julie Altemus (214) 210-1106 HelloSuper.com
INSURANCE Brandon Cooley Insurance Agency (940) 365-6174 agents.farmers.com/ tx/aubrey/brandon-cooley Paine Insurance Group (972) 387-9217 paineinsurancegroup.com MEDIA PRODUCTIONS #TheDifference Radio,Livestream and Podcast (214) 883-1294 www.hashtagthedifference.com MORTGAGE LENDING Farmers Bank & Trust (903) 255-1813 MyFarmersBank.com First Rate Financial (214) 872-4442 iamfirstrate.com Movement Mortgage Mark Karetskiy (469) 202-4195 LoanOfficerMark.com PBJ Mortgage, LLC (469) 766-4811 pbjteam.com Stearns Home Loans (619) 378-3795 MichaelChiodo.com
The Tuttle Group Mid America Mortgage (469) 319-0660 thetuttlegroup.com Willow Bend Mortgage (214) 449-2334 wbm.com MOVING COMPANY Black Tie Moving Dustin Black (615) 900-2641 MOVING SERVICES All My Sons Moving & Storage (561) 578-3800 allmysons.com Element Moving and Storage (972) 805-0988 elementmoving.com Firehouse Movers Inc (972) 412-6033 firehousemovers.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
The Mortgage Nerd Denise Donoghue (972) 447-6373 TheMortgageNerd.com
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PROPERTY PHOTOGRAPHY & VIDEOGRAPHY TruPlace Colleen Smith (301) 972-3201 x824 TruPlace.com PROPERTY MANAGEMENT American Real PM (469) 620-0114 americanrealpm.com Real Property Management Focus (469) 820-0088 realpmfocus.com ROOFING 100% Construction (469) 999-6091 100percentconstructiontx.com High Performance Restoration Texas (214) 396-7772 hprtexas.com
New View Roofing (469) 232-7220 newviewroofing.com Red Dirt Roofing & Construction (817) 454-0608 reddirtroofing.net Results Roofing (214) 301-5533 results-roofing.com Roofing Reformation (469) 321-5201 roofingreformation.com Tarrant Roofing (817) 987-1210 TarrantRoofing.com Total Roof Protection (817) 210-6338 totalroofprotection.com
Texas Excel Title LLC (817) 980-1018 TexasExcelTitle.com
TECHNOLOGY Clear-Inspect (817) 360-7255 Clear-Inspect.com TITLE Boston National Title of Texas (704) 989-7267 bostonnationaltitle.com Fair Texas Title (602) 421-6417 fairtexastitle.com First Source Title, LLC (469) 669-2140 FirstSourceTitle.com Lawyers Title (469) 247-8281 dfw.ltic.com
Texas Title (972) 733-3800 TexasTitle.com UTILITY CONCIERGE Utility Concierge (800) 587-3160 utilityconcierge.com VIDEO PRODUCTION/ MARKETING & PHOTOGRAPHY Flux Media Productions (469) 955-5833 fluxmediaproductions.com WINDOWS & SIDING Tarrant Windows & Siding (817) 987-1210 TarrantWindows.com
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WE THINK SO. A thorough inspection can have a great impact on any deal, affecting the sale price, the closing date and even the reputation of the realtor. But at Inspect360, we go above and beyond a great inspection. We provide Realtors® with thorough report information, exceptional communication, important industry insights, valuable resources and, through our affiliate company, convenient CE classes. Learn more about us at Inspect360.com or book an inspection at 817-754-0360 and see for yourself. Check out the Real Producers calendar for upcoming TREC approved, Inspect360 hosted, CE classes. 10 • August 2021
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MEET THE
NORTH DFW REAL PRODUCERS TEAM
Jordan Espeseth Owner/Publisher
Rachelle Marie Assistant Publisher
Jenica Hein Administrative Assistant
Mandi Jackson Event Assistant
Katherine Fondren Content Coordinator
Missy Kremer Editor
Amanda Thornburg Ad Strategist
Dave Danielson Writer
Rick Davis Videographer
Jason Van Sickel Photographer/Videographer
Scott Peek Photographer
Ilona Gorokhovskiy Photographer
If you are interested in contributing or nominating realtors for certain stories, please email us at northdfw@realproducersmag.com DISCLAIMER: Any articles included in this publication and/or opinions expressed therein do not necessarily reflect the views of The N2 Company d/b/a Real Producers but remain solely those of the author(s). The publication contains paid advertisements by local companies. These companies are not endorsed or specifically recommended by The N2 Company or the publisher. Therefore, neither The N2 Company nor the publisher may be held liable or responsible for business practices of these companies. NOTE: When community events take place, photographers may be present to take photos for that event and they may be used in this publication.
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North DFW Real Producers • 11
12 • August 2021
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North DFW Real Producers • 13
KEEP YOUR
publisher’s note
EYE ON THE BALL!
back to that slobbery, squeaky ball. It’s the first thing he thinks of when he wakes up, and it’s right next to him when he goes to sleep. It’s a rare thing for Rocky to let it out of his sight. In fact, as I write this publisher’s note, he lays right next to me with … you guessed it … said ball. His love for his ball usually brings me a chuckle, but as I sat down to write this note to you all, it brought me inspiration. My dad used to say to me growing up, “Keep your eye on the ball.” I can’t help but think how Rocky is a fabulous, literal picture of this. The phrase originates from baseball and means to, as Merriam Webster puts it, “continue thinking about or giving attention to something important: to stay focused.”
I have owned several dogs growing up, but none like Rocky. He is my 6-year-old Blue Merle Australian Shepherd, with one eye blue and the other brown. If you follow me on social media, I’m sure you’ve seen some pictures by now. His great loves in life are me, his ball, and peanut butter. Perhaps his ball should be listed first, but I’d like to think that I am! Any dog moms or dads out there? When that bright orange and blue ball comes out, Rocky can think of nothing else. He goes tunnel vision and carries it around with him everywhere. You could say he eats, sleeps, and breathes that rubber ball. I’ve tried to hide it. He finds it. I’ve tried other toys, but to no avail, he keeps going 14 • August 2021
As we are eight months into the year and in the midst of summer, it can be easy to let your guard down, lose sight of your goals … drop the ball. All in the name of vacation, the “summer slowdown,” and feeling already perhaps like the year is gone. If you are struggling with all the “fun in the sun” to stay motivated, take heart, you aren’t the only one. While it’s certainly necessary to take breaks, enjoy time off with family and friends, I want to encourage you to “Keep your eye on the ball.”
What is that important goal that you set out to achieve this year? What hangs on your vision board? What did you say aloud again and again to yourself and to those around you? There is still four months left of the year, and I don’t think a better time to say to you what my dad used to say to me. The RP Team and I get a lucky front-row seat “in the stands” to cheer those of you on in the Top 500! So please hear us saying, you got this! Stay focused! KEEP YOUR EYE ON THE BALL! What would you say to encourage your fellow peers in the RP Community? Is there an inspirational quote, song, or personal story you can share? Please share it in our Closed Facebook Group, DFW Elite 1500 Real Estate Agents. Rooting for you, Rachelle Marie Assistant Publisher @realproducers
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North DFW Real Producers • 15
16 • August 2021
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event recap
June & July
MAGAZINE
RELEASE PARTY Starting in 2021, Real Producers is now 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 non-featured advertising partners. This was our fourth-ever Magazine Celebration Party, and like the first three, it was an absolute blast! At this event, we showcased the June and July 2021 issues. These events are such a fun way to debut the magazine and connect with a smaller group of incredible people. The 25th-floor Skylounge at the Skyhouse in Frisco is a beautiful venue that makes these events even more special.
18 • August 2021
Congratulations again to Chad Schulin, Callee Watson, Cassie Samons, Tarrant Roofing, Brandon Cooley Insurance Group, Amy Downs, Andrea Childress, Courtney Benson, Nikki Watson of The Design Quad, and Scott Winn with DIGG Foundation. 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!
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North DFW Real Producers • 19
20 • August 2021
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North DFW Real Producers • 21
It never gets
easier, you just get
better. - THE HERO NATION
“I would not be where I am today without the coaching of Hero Nation.” -Jordan Espeseth
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FOR EVERY AD SALE WE MAKE, N2 DONATES ENOUGH MONEY TO FREE 2 SLAVES FROM CAPTIVITY. The average Fortune 500 company donates about 1% of their profits to charity. The N2 Company donates 2.6% of their gross revenue.
Thanks to the businesses within these pages, our Area Directors, and readers like you, we’re able to break the chains of this horrible reality.
22 • August 2021
Visit n2gives.com to learn more about our fight.
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Mike Kemper
Garrett Hand North DFW Real Producers • 23
rising star Written by: Dave Danielson Photos by: Madi May, 7 Seconds Media
24 • August 2021
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Mary
Reeves WRITING A BRIGHT NEW CHAPTER
As a REALTOR® with Ebby Halliday, Mary is writing a bright new chapter.
“When my last son left for college, I was ready to do something different,” Mary remembers. “Real estate was such an awesome next step for me. I love the energy that I get from other REALTORS® in the business and the honor of working with clients. Every day is different. It makes me feel good for my boys to be seeing me doing this.” The Story Unfolds
The ideas Mary had about real estate had long been played through her mind at times. But there were other experiences and paths to take first. Mary grew up in Louisiana and Colorado. Her mom was a successful REALTOR®, and she always had real estate in the back of her mind. After high school, she made the move to Texas where she attended TCU to pursue a degree in Education and Journalism. Mary worked at the Fort Worth Star Telegram right after graduation and went on to obtain a master’s in journalism from the University of North Texas. As it so happens in life though, she proceeded in her vocation as a reporter, then as a classroom teacher, and finally as an incredibly involved stay-at-home mom. All of these ventures were so rewarding in their own right. Having experienced each of these roles has laid a great foundation.
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A Rewarding Twist
In December of 2017, the time was right, and she has never looked back. She earned her real estate license and started her new direction. The change felt good. “It was awesome. I sent out letters to everyone I knew who I had worked with on PTA committees and booster clubs. That’s where I got my first client. Both of our boys played basketball, and that’s how I had met this person,” she remembers. Mary won a Lifetime Member award from Plano lSD, so you can imagine how connected and dedicated she is to everything she does. As she says, “It was just putting the word out there that I was in real estate. I try to come at every deal with knowledge, energy, and lots of patience. People knew me and that I would work hard for them.” A Journey of the Heart
The results have been remarkable in a very short time. During her first year, 2018, she earned company-wide Rookie of the Year honors at Ebby Halliday. This was a tremendous feat and one that she feels completely blessed to have achieved, especially with the high degree of reputation and level of success that her company has, as well as the amazing agents she works with. Mary kept going full-speed ahead, and in 2020, she recorded an impressive total of $18+ million in sales volume.
North DFW Real Producers • 25
Mary and her husband, Robby, with their sons, Austin and Michael
Outside of real estate, Mary has a full and active life making sure to balance work and home life. She is married to Robby, who works as a Partner with Ernst & Young for 30 years now. Together they have two grown sons who are excelling in their chosen paths, as well. Austin, who is 25, graduated from the University of Texas and works as a civil engineer in Dallas. Their youngest son, Michael, now 22, has also graduated from the University of Texas and is headed SMU to pursue a law degree. Through time, Mary has definitely had a full life. While running was a big part of her life, competing in three marathons, today, while she still has a passion for exercise and staying fit, she also enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading great books, and some rest and relaxation with the family cat. Appreciating Her Gifts
In just a short time, Mary has made a remarkable start in real estate. This success is not taken for 26 • August 2021
“
I REMEMBER MY MOM SAYING THAT A HOME CHANGES EVERYTHING. IT DOES NOT MATTER WHO YOU ARE. EVERYONE DESERVES TO BE TREATED WELL, AND EVERYONE HAS THE SAME DREAM IN MIND.”
granted and just as she has learned from others, she hopes that she can inspire people to push themselves, too. “As I talk with others who have told me they’re interested in getting into this business, I let them know that they should do it. And, if they do, they need to work, work, work every single day. I also think one of the most important things a new person in this field can do is to tell people that you are a REALTOR®. They won’t know if you don’t tell them, and you have to put it out there!” Mary advises. @realproducers
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North DFW Real Producers • 27
Mary and the members of her team: Chad Calhoun, handyman; Nancy Broudy, assistant; Katie Kuhne, stager; and Jay Calhoun, handyman. Mary has known all of them for over 20 years, and together they help their clients get their homes ready to sell. Photo by: Rick Davis, FLUX Media Productions
She also has a deep sense of appreciation for her environment at Ebby Halliday. From the beginning, Mary has felt great support from those that she works with. “I love my co-workers. They are so supportive,” she says. She understands the meaning when someone says it takes a village and credits the support of those around her. “I had a great mentor in Miley Curgus who was, and still is, amazing. We all have a lot of camaraderie, and everyone here is super helpful, no matter what it is. I have always loved Ebby. My manager, Curt Kasten, has been very instrumental in my success. Bill Tucker hired me, and I appreciate that he took a chance on me.” A Timeless Tale
While the outward success looks appealing to many, it is not without challenges. Through everything, however, she always stays rooted in the wisdom provided by her mother. “I remember my mom saying that a home changes everything. It does not matter who you are. Everyone deserves to be treated well, and everyone has the same dream in mind,” Mary emphasizes.
28 • August 2021
Overall, she continues to thrive on working closely with individuals and families to understand their goals, engage the core services in her office, and provide the ultimate real estate dream come true. Mary feels that it is extremely rewarding to share this with her family. While her sons see her success and enjoy watching her work, it is her husband that helps motivate her. As she says, “My husband is proud of me; he is my biggest cheerleader!” Truly, Mary Reeves is writing her own story both in life and in business. This is one agent that we will all benefit from watching and learning from!
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30 • August 2021
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Bringing Your Vision To Life & Making Your Occasions Special
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32 • August 2021
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YOUR
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BADGES CONGRATS on being one of the TOP 500 PRODUCING real estate agents in North DFW! 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!
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34 • August 2021
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partner spotlight Written by: Dave Danielson Photos by: Brandi Lane
FIRST RATE FINANCIAL AND CHAD LEMONS Getting to the Closing Table on Time … and Enjoying the Journey If real estate was purely about the numbers, calculations, and timeframes, good old-fashioned service wouldn’t mean a thing. Of course, that’s not the case. While all the mechanics of a successful real estate deal definitely matter, so do all of the elements that make the journey one a client would like to take again sometime — and with the same people — you. That’s why it means so much to have a partner on your side that gets that … one like First Rate Financial. Chad Lemons is President of First Rate Financial. He and his team make getting to the closing table on time possible — and enjoyable! Making Things Easier
As he says, the love he has for his work is twofold. “First, on the origination side of things, we understand that home buying is stressful. We love taking the stress out of the mortgage side of that process,” he emphasizes. “We don’t want it to be stressful. We want it to be enjoyable. We like to joke around with clients and take that edge off. Clients read our level of stress. We’re relaxed and having fun. In turn, they know they can relax … they get that we know what we’re doing.” The other passion Chad has for the business is about his team and his role in fostering a brighter future with them. “A huge working goal is to put processes in place to make us more efficient so we can enjoy financial success while also maintaining balance,” Chad points out. “So we can enjoy life along the way.”
36 • August 2021
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North DFW Real Producers • 37
Dynamic Team
The First Rate Financial team has a cohesive group of 17 professionals that form a team dynamic Chad describes as, “very relaxed, fun, and like a family.” Chad got his start in the industry in 2003 as a corporate lender. When the economic crash of 2008 happened, Chad made a shift. “At the time, I left my corporate lending world and worked for a mortgage broker. At the time, I didn’t know if I wanted to get my insurance license, be an appraiser, or get into real estate,” he recalls. “I decided to get my real estate license. I held my license for a couple years. During the week I was a mortgage guy, and on the weekends I was a real estate guy.”
38 • August 2021
While there were aspects of both sides of the business that Chad enjoyed, he had a memorable conversation with his real estate coach. “After a couple years, my coach said, ‘You’re good at lending. Have you thought about starting your own brokerage?’ It got my wheels turning. I thought I would start a mortgage company … but with a difference … I would do it from the perspective of a real estate agent,” Chad says. “I thought if a REALTOR® was to start a mortgage company, what would be the foundational pieces?” The Fundamentals of Success
Soon, the strategy was done. The plan was in place. Chad landed on four foundational pieces that would become First Rate Financial.
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“Those pieces would be on-time closings, interest rates that rank at the 95th percentile, guaranteed closings for pre-approved clients, and we always make sure that we’re available for people,” he says. “Those are the things that are vital to our clients, and our REALTOR® partners appreciate that.” Getting there and making those fundamentals take shape on a daily basis comes down to teamwork. “That’s what we have here. Our team is strong from top to bottom, with eleven Loan Originators and six members of our support staff. You are as strong as your weakest link, so it is very important all of our team members are solid at what they do,” Chad emphasizes.
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WHILE SOME MAY THINK COLLABORATION STARTS WHEN THE OFFER IS ACCEPTED, WE THINK IT STARTS WELL BEFORE THAT.
North DFW Real Producers • 39
First Rate Financial was also ahead of the curve when it comes to work environment. “When we started in 2011, our model was having a home office for everyone … working from home all the time,” Chad remembers. “Less overhead equals a better deal for our clients. We started with the home office model. Obviously, now other companies are pivoting toward that. We’ve been doing it for the past ten years.”
the numbers. At the same time, our structure itself is important. We’re not a company. We’re a family,” he smiles. “If anybody spends longer than ten minutes with us, they will know immediately what I’m talking about.” Away from work, Chad enjoys spending time with his wife, son, and Jack Russell Terrier. You are also likely to find Chad enjoying a round of golf or watching sports of some kind, including the Dallas Mavericks.
Chad points to service as the bottom line in his business.
One of his true passions is his profession — and the team he gets to do it with.
“We educate our clients. We call and walk them through the process and
First Rate Financial dives in with helpful measures all the way around.
What Matters Most
40 • August 2021
“We believe that it’s not just the job of the REALTOR® to get clients an accepted offer. We do things to set ourselves, and our partners, apart,” Chad says. “We offer seller guarantees. For example, we guarantee a seller $1,000 if we can’t close a loan on time. So, we’re in this together. It’s very important to help the client get the offer accepted (especially in this market). It’s a collaboration. While some may think collaboration starts when the offer is accepted, we think it starts well before that.” For more information, contact First Rate Financial today! Phone: 214-872-4442 Website: www.IAmFirstRate.com
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42 • August 2021
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KYLE KARKER
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WWW.RESULTSROOFING.COM North DFW Real Producers • 43
SHOULD YOUR CLIENT WAIVE THE INSPECTION? CCAR: In the Know Written by: Bri Westbury, Content Specialist at the Collin County Association of REALTORS® (CCAR)
Buyers spend a limited amount of time in a home before writing an offer to make the largest purchase of their lives. Traditionally, a 10-day option period allows buyers time for a home inspection to ensure the home is worthy of their investment. However, as buyers compete for limited homes, they are often reducing their option period or, at times, waiving it all together.
1701 LEGACY DRIVE SUITE 135 FRISCO, TX 75034
44 • August 2021
It is important that buyers understand the risk they are inheriting when skipping or limiting the option period and inspection. “Texas has some of the strictest regulations of any state in the entire country for licensed home inspectors. There are still many states that do not license inspectors at all,” said Lee Warren of Prospect Inspectors and Chair of TREC’s Inspector Committee. “The list of items to be inspected is governed by a set of Standards of Practice that all licensed inspectors must follow. Inspectors are also required to carry liability insurance, so that all parties involved can feel more comfortable with the process, as this is likely the largest purchase that many will make in their lives. The inspection provides the opportunity for the buyer to be made aware of all non-latent defects in a property prior to signing on the dotted line.”
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CCAR President Ron Leach reminds buyer’s agents, “If your client is think-
ing about waiving the inspection, the seller’s disclosure suddenly becomes a very important document. Make sure you’re reviewing the seller’s disclosure together and any other documents pertaining to the home such as foundation work, roof replacement, plumbing leaks, termites, etc.” As the North Texas market remains highly competitive, many buyers find new home builds to be an attractive alternative. Yet new does not mean without flaws. Warren explains: “Many people are under the impression that a new home is in perfect shape. When considering that the builder typically has their own inspector, they hire a third-party inspector, and the city inspects it as well, it’s easy to assume that the house will have no issues. However, those three inspections combined typically do not amount to the amount of time that a licensed home inspector will
spend in the home. Licensed home inspectors will usually spend two to four hours, possibly more, depending on the size of the house to really go through the set of Standards of Practice on every home inspection.” Warren encourages agents to help buyers research builders and read contracts carefully to ensure they allow for an outside inspection by a third-party licensed inspector. Shannon Vizcarra of AmeriSpect Inspection Services DFW also suggests that buyers “have a warranty
inspection after 10 to 11 months of being in your new home, as the subsequent report will address any issues for the new homeowner to work with their builder to resolve prior to the first-year warranty expiring.” All told, it is imperative that clients competing for homes are fully informed of the value that a home inspection provides and the risks that may await them if they choose to go without one.
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46 • August 2021
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North DFW Real Producers • 47
partner spotlight Written by: Dave Danielson Photos by: Scott Peek Photography
FIREHOUSE MOVERS ACT I O N WI T H PURPOS E
Movement without direction is fruitless. But when the right group of people come together and consistently do the right things for others, it’s truly meaningful — and success follows. That’s the truth at work with the team at Firehouse Movers, headed by Nikki and Brian Purcell. The company came into existence in 1998 — the direct result of a perfect storm — where need and opportunity met. 48 • August 2021
At the time, Brian was a full-time firefighter (thus the Firehouse Movers name today). “We were also doing handyman work at the time and were getting calls from customers asking if we could move some items for them,” Brian remembers. “Our customers would call me, ask me about moving or hauling certain things, I would give them a quote, and they jumped on it right away. At that time we were using a flatbed trailer to complete the job.”
Meeting the Need
Brian enjoyed the handyman business, but the projects were longer, the raw materials were more expensive, and the payment horizon was longer. With moving, the projects were shorter and the returns more immediate which fit in very well with the fire station schedule. “It didn’t take long before we started booking up very quickly,” Brian smiles. “From there, we got our first fully enclosed moving trailer and kept moving forward.” @realproducers
Brian and Nikki Purcell with Kyle James
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Extreme Team
Moving is definitely a team sport. And it’s clear to see that Nikki and Brian take extreme pride in the group they have. As Nikki says, “We have nearly 40 amazing employees right now. That includes our Moving Concierges, Movers, Warehouse Support, and Managers.” The spirit of camaraderie is alive and well here. Firehouse Movers is now a franchise and able to offer unlimited growth opportunities for their employees, and other like-minded individuals that want to own their own business, but not be in business alone.
“Our customers aren’t just another number. People are moving because of deaths, divorces, or marriages, or are buying their first home. We truly care about the service we provide.” “We take pride in being a part of, and seeing, individuals work hard to provide for their families. Some have taken the opportunities to advance and grow within the company, and now to be able to offer franchises to them is truly an indescribable feeling of joy. As a business that is providing a service to the customer, we take it very seriously and require that all employees display and model our core values of pride, honor, integrity, and excellence. We love seeing the personal growth in all employees from maturing in age and wisdom, getting married, and starting to have families of their own. We have truly built a model company to give every 50 • August 2021
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employee the possibilities and opportunities to write their own future or destiny! It is our honor to see when the employees get the credit they deserve for their hard work and dedication.” Individual Care
A VIP customized experience for each customer lies at the forefront of their business. “We want to make this easy. We have a form on our website people can submit, then we follow up with them. In the process, we cater to each customer’s needs, wants, or desires including moving, packing, storage, packing supplies, unpacking,” Nikki says. “We talk with them to get information to see what their current needs are. We know that every move is different for every customer. Once we gather the information, then we work up an estimate. We talk and ask several questions with them during that process. We also have software that actually has AI technology that we can send to the customer through text or email where they can walk around their home and take videos and pictures and upload them for estimate purposes. We try to cater to each customer’s needs to help get them moved as efficiently as we can.” “We provide a true concierge moving service,” Brian says. “Whatever that customer needs, wants, and desires is what we want to deliver on. If we don’t have it, we still do what we can to either get it or get the customer connected to the right place or individual.” realproducersmag.com
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Church is a big part of life for the Purcells, as well. They also support WAY-FM, and enjoy doing what they can to give back to military veterans, active-duty service members, and first responders, including firefighters and police officers. In fact, if they suffer a career-ending injury or a death in the line of duty, Firehouse Movers offers 100-percent service (packing, moving, and unpacking) free of charge. That’s the spirit that is a way of life when it comes to how Firehouse Movers help others move forward in life. “We truly care for our customers, and we instill that in all our employees,” Nikki says. “Our customers aren’t just another number. People are moving because of deaths, divorces, or marriages, or are buying their first home. We truly care about the service we provide.” As Brian says with a smile, “We look for the right people, at the right time, so the right things happen.” For more information, contact Firehouse Movers today! Website: www.FirehouseMovers.com Office Phone: 972-412-6033
Shared Journey
One of the rewards of business is the fact that Brian and Nikki share the same path in life, too. Together, they’ve presided over a lot of growth and change. “Brian started the company. He moved every day on his days off from being a firefighter,” Nikki says. “Eventually, he was forced to be off for about two weeks, and that was the first time his truck had operated without him there. The crews did an amazing job, and this started the process of Brian turning from a mover to a position to help grow and promote the company. I’m on the office side of things. Today, we have five support staff plus managers who work in the office. We actually ran this out of our house up until three years ago. We now have a corporate office with a large warehouse to offer storage.” Faith and family are at the center of life for Brian and Nikki. They have two sons — Colton, who is a firefighter and paramedic, and Garrett, who just graduated and is pursuing a professional soccer career in Spain, with plans of returning one day to work as a firefighter and paramedic, as well. In their free time, they enjoy traveling. Nikki has a love for shopping, and Brian still has a passion for fighting fires. 52 • August 2021
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54 • August 2021
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56 • August 2021
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power couple
Brad&Kelli Written by: Dave Danielson Photos by: Ilona Jade Photography
UNCOVERING ANSWERS The journey from contract to close, and beyond, is about creating solutions that work for each client. As REALTORS® with Compass, Brad and Kelli help sellers and buyers each and every day by being hands-on, staying ahead of the market, and their clients’ needs, to create winning results by working together. “We strive to ensure that the experience of listing for sale or searching for the perfect new home will be as seamless and stress-free as possible. We understand the value of time for our clients. The ability to consistently anticipate their needs is central to our ethos. For us, it is about service at the highest level, integrity, and accountability through the entire process.” That’s the goal Brad and Kelli Ritz put to work. “Our passion is to create an experience and level of service for our clients that is unmatched,” Kelli emphasizes. “We are honored to be able to help families and individuals. Our business is based heavily on referrals, and for that, we are extremely grateful.”
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Moving Forward Together
Brad and Kelli have shared the same path in life since 1983 when they met as neighbors. Kelli is a native Texan, while Brad grew up just outside Boston. Brad worked in the fashion industry when the company he worked for relocated him and Kelli to Dallas. “Kelli had worked for a brokerage company as an HR Specialist. She continued her career path in HR with a major firm when we moved here,” Brad recalls. “In 1988, Kelli and I formed Ritz Group, Inc. specializing in marketing, sales, and branding of women’s contemporary and luxury fashion brands. We serviced retailers and major department stores and had over 25 designers that we were under contract with. As glamourous as fashion sounds, we led extremely hectic travel schedules with lots of moving parts nationally and globally, with hundreds of retailers and brands under our umbrella.”
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Brad and Kelli started their family along the way. After their son was born, Kelli joined Brad and their team on a full-time basis. “She had always been involved with the financial back-end of our organization. She is very detail-oriented,” Brad says. “We had 12 salaried employees with full benefits including retirement packages and over 40 loyal contract team members who focused on all of our market needs.”
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The ebb and flow of life continued for Brad and Kelli. In 2015, as they continued their path through life together, they reached a pinnacle when their leases were up for renewal in both Dallas and Los Angeles. As Brad says, “At the time, we were running major overheads, and the margins in the business had changed. We had an opportunity to take a step back to re-evaluate, and we decided to take a new direction. After agreeing to unwind our company, we took a little time off and chose to take this real estate journey together.”
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”
WE ARE HONORED TO BE ABLE TO HELP FAMILIES AND INDIVIDUALS. OUR BUSINESS IS BASED HEAVILY ON REFERRALS, AND FOR THAT, WE ARE EXTREMELY GRATEFUL.
Going to Market
It was four years ago when their real estate business began. Their past experience in branding and marketing has been the perfect training ground for their current success. “We have a tremendous love and passion for achieving great things for others. I look at each project for our clients as a startup business centered on obtaining their goals. A house is a product when it goes to market. As much as there is an emotional side, it is a business. Understanding how to market and make a product look its best in relation to its peers is what we accomplish,” Brad points out. “It’s a puzzle. How do you make a property shine and market it in sync with your clients’ needs to bring it the highest and best offers?”
”
Like two interlocking pieces that form a whole, Brad and Kelli have skillsets that work well with each other. “Kelli is amazing at locating properties for our clients, communicating at a high level, and flawless in attention to detail. We set high expectations for ourselves. In fashion, branding, marketing, and wholesale, we held ourselves to a higher standard,” Brad says. “The same is true in real estate.” “Kelli and I are on a journey that is about working with people hands-on. It’s just the two of us. The buck stops with us from day one through closing.” Fulfilling Life
Away from work, family is at the heart of life. Brad and Kelli look forward to time spent with their son, Daniel, who lives in New York City with his girlfriend, Jenna, and dog, Emmie.
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In their free time, Brad loves to golf as much as he can and they enjoy family ski trips in Colorado. They also share of love of international travel, interior design, and spending time with their dogs, Murphy and Cooper. As Brad and Kelli consider their real estate career that continues to grow, they feel very grateful. “By comparison, real estate hasn’t been as complicated as the fashion world was for us. Not that it is easy, but real estate has been a great choice for us.” As new relationships are built with their clients, Brad and Kelli are there each step of the way.
60 • August 2021
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celebrating life Written by: Dave Danielson Photos submitted by: Brandi Dosser, VP Director of Operations, Lawyers’ Title
Remembering
CHARLES
BRAZIL Legacy of Leadership One life becomes so much more than the short time we are given here. The real impact is the positive influence others feel from our time with them. By any measure, Charles Brazil lived a remarkable life, measured by the countless people he served professionally — and in many other informal and formal capacities throughout the region. Care and Contribution
While Charles passed away on May 27 this year, we are honored to celebrate his life and contributions. Charllie was born on November 5, 1965. As he came of age, he attended Dallas Independent School District and graduated from David W. Carter High School. After high school, he went on to earn his Bachelor of Arts and Science in Business Administration from North Texas State University in 1989. While Charles was in college, he developed a passion for community service, pledging to the Wisconsin Sleepers, along with The Chi Phi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, and also became a member of the Masons.
64 • August 2021
Engaged Involvement
Charles’ deep commitment to building a stronger community was an ongoing part of his life. He was an active part of several organizations, including the Frisco Police Department Advisory Board, Leadership Frisco, as well as serving as Father’s Auxiliary Chair of Jack and Jill of America. In addition, Charles was a member of the Citizens Police Academy, One Voice, and an Ambassador of the Frisco Inclusion Committee. He worked directly with area youth, as well. In fact, he coached the Lady Lions basketball team and also was an iconic presence at Camp Gladiator. He was a central leader at church, as well, having been ordained as an Elder for Life Changing Faith Christian Fellowship Church. He had also served as Deacon, Men’s Ministry Leader, and member of the Leadership Training Institute and the Ignite Youth Ministry. Warm Memories
Here are just a few of the warm thoughts shared by those who knew and appreciated Charles: @realproducers
“To have experienced Charles Brazil as a friend and associate was a joy and a privilege. His leadership could be measured in so many ways. Charles led his life with faith and family. He exhibited kindness, humility, gratitude and a sincere servant heart. In a world where you can be anything, be a Charles Brazil.” – Mike Brodie Owner, Keller Williams (Plano Office)
“Charles Brazil is a great example of how to live your life. He demonstrated an abundance of love for his faith, his wife, and his kids. Each conversation with Charles was extremely powerful. You will truly be missed. In a world where you can be anything, be a Charles Brazil!” – Ray Meeks REALTOR®, Keller Williams (Plano Office)
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“My brother and I were very close, we loved each other, supported each other, we counseled each other, we prayed for each other. We had each other’s back in business and outside of business. And we participated in Mega Camps, Family Reunions and Red Days together. People knew that if Charles was around, his brother would be close by, and vice versa. He motivated me to work on my faith and be a better version of myself every day.” – Joe Flores REALTOR®, Keller Williams (Plano Office)
“Charles was a colleague, leader and, most of all, my dear friend. We had many conversations about business, leadership, family and life. I’ll miss him and his bow ties.” – Denton Aguam CEO and founder of the DARE Network with Keller Williams (Plano office)
“Charles was a leader by every definition of the word. He set an impeccable example of how to be an agent, husband, father, friend, colleague and servant of God. Charles excelled at all of his roles and always did it with a smile on his face! He will be deeply missed by those who knew and loved him. His impact on this earth will far outlive his time here.” – Brandi Dosser Director of Operations/ Attorney, Lawyers Title DFW
Truly, those who met Charles Brazil remember him. His was a life of purpose and impact … leaving a true legacy of leadership.
66 • August 2021
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BUEHLER 72 • August 2021
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cover story Written by: Dave Danielson Photos by: Ilona Jade Photography
E X- S P O U S E S
SELLING HOUSES Being in real estate for 35 years, with sales of over 7,400 homes, can be exhausting, and, of course, has its positives and negatives.
As Keller Williams says, “A career worth having. A business worth owning and life worth living.” That in a nutshell describes what Kurt and Darla have worked for. Of course, the best-laid plans seem to always have a bump in the road. That bump for the Buehler Group came in 2017 as Kurt and Darla began the divorce process. Being Top Producers in the Flower Mound area for decades, they worked together to mitigate the effect on the business but shedding light on the divorce and coming up with a new tagline: “Ex-Spouses Selling Houses.” The Buehler Group is a generational business where Kurt and Darla are great leaders in the business, and their children will continue the business for the next 35 years.” When they divorced and decided to continue their leading real estate team work together, Kurt and Darla Buehler knew what people would say. They didn’t just tolerate it. They embraced it. And today, they continue to promote it with their tagline, “Ex-Spouses Selling Houses.” Moving Forward
For years, Kurt and Darla had built a vast, growing success story together as part of the Keller Williams Dallas Metro North brokerage. In 2017, the two started their divorce process. While a divorce can be difficult, even under the best of circumstances, they took a step back for a moment, then regrouped to keep moving forward together in business. As Darla says, “We had a great marriage, and we have two wonderful kids. It was sad that the marriage part ended, and yet I wouldn’t do anything differently. And today, our children are part of our organization and are taking the reins of the business themselves.”
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“Our children, Nash and Shelby, are really taking ownership of the business,” Kurt smiles. “We had gone from a team of 24 to a team of six. But now this is the Phoenix of our business … the rebirth of us and our team. We’re rebuilding as a team.” “It’s so much fun. We’re having a great time building and seeing things really come back,” Darla says. Winning Teamwork
Kurt and Darla had originally met when they both worked together at the same bar. In time, Kurt got his real estate license, with Darla following a year later. “Darla has always done a great job of running the back end of the business,” Kurt emphasizes. Like all great teams in business, Kurt and Darla have skill sets that work together. “We complement each other so well. Kurt is great at getting out and working with clients to get listings,” Darla says. “So from early on, he would get out and get as many appointments as possible and then let me take it over on the back end. We were one of the early teams.” After about their third year in the business, they became perennial Top Producers, working as a two-person team for 15 years before bringing on their first Buyer’s Agent, then hiring a runner. “By 2000, it was so busy. We wanted to have dinner together and go to the kids’ events together, but it was getting to be so crazy,” Darla remembers. “There were three of us, and we did over 175 transactions a year. We needed help. That’s when we went to Keller Williams and talked with Holly Perry. We came up with a plan to have more of a life.” As they remember, it had been a time of burning the candle at both ends. They went to a Mastermind session with Gary Keller, and the light bulbs went on. “At that point, we really focused on learning how to be businesspeople. I took every possible class I could that year in Austin,” Darla says.
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Enjoying the Experience
Through the ups and downs and the ebbs and flows, when you talk with Kurt and Darla, it’s easy to see the passion they have for what they are doing. “When you run a big team, you’re not in touch with the public as much. I missed that,” Kurt explains. “When the team got small, that was the great part of it … being able to go out on appointments again. It’s fun to see the difference you can make … that the consumer sees the benefits you bring to them. Our team is terrific. Without Michael and Taylor, nothing would work in our team.” “It’s really about connecting with people and making them happy and building a business based on truly loving what we do,” Darla points out. “That’s the passion that has come back to us. This is also a great opportunity for our adult children. We want to see this be a generational business.” The pride Kurt and Darla feel for Nash and Shelby is strong. Nash is a Buyer’s Agent on the team, and Shelby is Kurt and Darla’s EA and handles all lead distribution and follow-up. Those who know Kurt and Darla appreciate their genuine, fun-loving personalities that are directed outward to make life better for those around them. “One of my absolute favorite things is I love making people laugh,” Kurt emphasizes. “I can be a bit of a jokester.”
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Kurt and Darla with their children, Shelby and Nash
“IT’S GREAT TO SEE WHAT WE’RE BUILDING AND HAVING THE CHANCE TO WORK WITH OUR KIDS,” KURT SAYS WITH A SMILE. “I’M SO THANKFUL.”
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“I like doing whatever I can to make someone’s day a little better by giving them a smile or seeing them laugh,” Darla says.
“It’s great to see what we’re building and having the chance to work with our kids,” Kurt says with a smile. “I’m so thankful.”
“IT’S REALLY ABOUT CONNECTING WITH PEOPLE AND MAKING THEM HAPPY AND BUILDING A BUSINESS BASED ON TRULY LOVING WHAT WE DO,” DARLA POINTS OUT.
As they consider the business they continue to build with their team, Kurt and Darla do so with a deep sense of gratitude.
“I’ve had a wonderful life. I feel so fortunate. We all have the opportunity to make that lemonade out of lemons, and we’re doing a good job of doing that,” Darla says. “I’m very grateful to have Kurt in my life. He is still one of my closest friends. It’s a blessing.”
76 • August 2021
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78 • August 2021
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