NORTH FORT WORTH
C O N N E C T I N G .
E L E VAT I N G .
Sandy Cotton Straight from the Heart
I N S P I R I N G .
CHAD CARLSON: HUMANS OVER HOUSES KELLIE KELLNER: STRENGTH IN NUMBERS SABRINA FERNANDO: ADDING TO THEIR JOY EVERGREEN STAGING & DESIGN: HELPING EACH PROPERTY TELL ITS BEST STORY
Photo by: Samantha Farris
APRIL 2022
2 • April 2022
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North Fort Worth Real Producers • 3
TAB LE OF
CONTENTS 05
06 Index of Trusted Partners
Publisher’s Note: Adversity
12
Chad Carlson: Humans Over Houses
20
RP Vetted Business Spotlight: Evergreen Staging & Design
24
34
38
46
Meet The North Ft Worth RP Team
Kellie Kellner: Strength in Numbers
4 • April 2022
Sabrina Fernando: Adding to Their Joy
10
Event Recap: 2022 Kick-Off Event
Sandy Cotton: Straight From the Heart
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MEET THE
N O R T H F T. W O R T H REAL PRODUCERS TEAM
Jordan Espeseth Co-Owner
Katherine Fondren Content Coordinator
Desiree Roberts Photographer
Rachelle Marie
Co-Owner
Crystal Barley
Assistant Publisher
Dave Danielson
Content Specialist
Lanie Schaber Ad Strategist
Lance Dunahoe
Writer
Missy Kremer Editor
Samantha Farris Photographer
Rick Davis
Videographer
Jason Van Sickel
Photographer/Videographer
If you are interested in contributing or nominating REALTORS® for certain stories, please email us at lance.dunahoe@realproducersmag.com.
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North Fort Worth Real Producers • 5
PREFERRED PARTNERS
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MEDIA PRODUCTIONS #TheDifference Radio, Livestream and Podcast (214) 883-1294 www.hashtag-the difference.com
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PHOTOGRAPHY Desiree Roberts Photography (972) 998-3133 DesireeRoberts.com
PROCO Roofing and Construction (817) 975-5948 procoroof.com
PROPERTY MANAGEMENT American Real PM (469) 620-0114 americanrealpm.com
Tarrant Roofing (817) 571-7809 TarrantRoofing.com
ROOFING K&M Services, Roofing & Construction (817) 918-3940 kmservicepro.com Mighty Dog Roofing (817) 666-3057 www.MightyDogRoofing.com
STAGE & DESIGN Evergreen Staging & Design Sherwood Wilson (817) 513-3141 x1 evergreenstaging.com
ROOFING & CONSTRUCTION Red Dirt Roofing & Construction (817) 454-0608 SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING/ MANAGEMENT Content Compounding (405) 888-9119 contentcompounding.io
TITLE COMPANY Alamo Title Company Southlake (817) 896-8686 AlamoDFW.com Boston National Title of Texas (972) 584-9660 bnttexas.com Juniper Title, Inc. Julia Mitchell (817) 358-9500 junipertitle.com
Texas Excel Title LLC (817) 980-1018 TexasExcelTitle.com Texas Premier Title (817) 577-5111 www.TXPrem.com VIDEOGRAPHER Flux Media Productions (469) 955-5833 fluxmediaproductions.com WINDOWS & SIDING Tarrant Windows & Siding (817) 987-1210 TarrantWindows.com
If you are interested in contributing or nominating REALTORS® for certain stories, please email us at lance.dunahoe@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 paid advertisements contained within the North Fort Worth Real Producers magazine are not endorsed or 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.
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8 • April 2022
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North Fort Worth Real Producers • 9
publisher’s note
ADVERSITY Jordan competing in snowcross racing at 16 and 17 years old
Adversity: a state or instance of serious or continued difficulty or misfortune.
I
the face of those challenges and find a way to make it happen. If not, maybe you should get off the track.”
Naturally, my dad bred his three boys to be snowmobile racers as well. I started around age four and retired at age seventeen. I was a semi-pro on the National Snocross Circuit my last year of racing. Snocross is essentially Motocross on snowmobiles. Yes, growing up, I spent most of my time jumping 450-lb. snowmobiles 20 ft. high and 100 ft. in distance. Standard stuff. By the way, it should be illegal for a 120 lb., 14-year-old kid to be racing a 180-horsepower snowmobile.
Real Estate is changing rapidly. The things that worked five years ago don’t work as well now, and what we do now won’t work as well in the next few years. It is going to be challenging. It always will be. But just remember the wise words of my father: “Everyone is dealing with the same stuff you are.”
am not going to lie: for most of my life, I HATED this word. Just ask my dad. I grew up in Thief River Falls, MN — home of Arctic Cat. My dad was very influential in getting Arctic Cat back on its feet when they went bankrupt in 1981. Arctic Cat was an integral part of his life. In fact, my dad grew up racing snowmobiles on ice oval tracks — like Nascar for snowmobiles! He was pretty dang good, too.
My dad was my mechanic, boss, and coach. His favorite thing to say to me was: “Jordy...adversity.” After many of my races that didn’t go as planned, I would come back to our race trailer in a notso-great mood, telling my dad a whole list of excuses as to what went wrong. “I got roosted, and I couldn’t see! My goggles were fogging up! It’s too freaking cold! Make my sled faster!” And every time, my dad would sit down next to me and say, “Jordy...adversity. Everyone is dealing with the same stuff you are. It is up to you to adapt in
10 • April 2022
I always had the same response: “Whatever, Dad. You don’t even know what it was like out there.” I used to be a little sassy. But, in hindsight, he was right. Yes, Dad. I am admitting that you were right! I know he has a smirk on his face as he reads this.
So, I ask you—how well do you deal with adversity, and are you willing to adapt to the changes that are coming? I hope so. If not, maybe it’s time to get off the track. See you in the next issue, y’all! JORDAN ESPESETH Publisher of North DFW Real Producers jordan.espeseth@realproducersmag.com
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North Fort Worth Real Producers • 11
CHAD CARLSON rising star
Written by: Dave Danielson Photos by: Samantha Farris
Humans Over Houses With so many details, deadlines, and moving parts around properties, it’s easy to maintain a strong focus on all of those tangible elements of the transaction.
First Steps in Life and Business
With that in mind, Chad Carlson keeps his attention on those he serves.
“I was working in a clinic as a physical therapy assistant, and my future wife, Adina, came in as a patient. She was recovering from knee surgery. On her last visit to the clinic, I asked her out, and the rest is history,” he smiles.
As a Professional Real Estate Consultant with the Carlson Luxury Group and Compass, Chad elevates humans over houses in the course of what he does. “For me, the most important thing in what I do day-to-day is about the human connection,” Chad emphasizes. People want to know that you care about them and that you will help them because it’s the right thing to do,” Chad says. “God has gifted me the ability to connect with people and to read people and their true feelings and nature. I can sense when there’s something deeper to a story. Ever since I can remember, people tend to unload burdens on me, and I’ve gravitated toward a service industry or an industry where I can be around people.”
12 • April 2022
Initially, Chad thought he wanted to be a physical therapist. That’s how he opened a truly rewarding chapter in his life.
“From there, she transferred back to school. I followed her to Florida. I got into pharmaceutical sales and loved it. I got to connect with people and physicians and learn about their ailments and alternative ways to help them … asking questions about the root of the patient’s issues and building a custom plan to treat the patient. Being behind the scenes and seeing how treating people for their true ailments and needs is something I’ve carried over into real estate. It’s important to look deeper than what we see on the surface.” A New Home for His Talents
In 2011, Chad visited Frisco. It caught his eye in many ways.
“I thought this was a cool place to consider raising a family. We almost moved to Texas, but I got an opportunity to open a new market in Phoenix,” Chad recalls. “We moved there and opened a marketing company where I had about 30 inside sales agents.” In 2014, Chad earned his license as a side job. It quickly turned into much more. In fact, he enjoyed it so much that he shut down his marketing business.
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North Fort Worth Real Producers • 13
Chad with his wife, Adina, and their children: 10-year-old Zoey, 7-year-old Cora, and 4-year-old Jovi.
Chad works with deep gratitude for the four other agents who work with him each day. “One of the unique things about us is that, out of the four people on our team, I recruited zero of them. I met them where they’re at in life, and I want to help them grow,” he says. “In the process, I’m happy to share my playbook.” A Wonderful Life
Family is at the heart of life for Chad. He and Adina have been married for 12 years, and they treasure time with their children — 10-year-old Zoey, 7-year-old Cora, and 4-year-old Jovi. Recently Chad and his family moved to Bartonville, where they started a small farm they call The Hoof & Waffle, where they raise Scottish Highland cattle, donkeys, Himalayan yaks, and chickens. “We are intentional about spending quality time together. We work with animals and raise them,” Chad points out. “We also like to travel, and we squeeze in some staycations, as well. We want to make sure that we have some intentional time with our families.”
“About the same time, the guy who I had been working with had gotten into real estate, and he asked me to come help him grow in Texas. So we made the trip to Texas in March 2017. I went into real estate full-time at that point and have been doing it ever since.” A Fulfilling Calling
Chad’s approach is very people-focused. With real estate, he has found a calling that is also fulfilling.
14 • April 2022
“When I found real estate, what I loved about it was the fact that no two families or homes are ever the same,” Chad explains. “Things are always changing and evolving. I get to serve families to help them achieve their goals. “We don’t call clients ‘clients.’ We call them ‘families.’ They are living, breathing human beings. We don’t say properties. We say ‘homes.’ We really try to be intentional about that vocabulary.”
Giving back is also central to work and life for Chad. With each closing, Chad and his team contribute to their client’s charity of choice or House for a Home — an organization that builds homes in Africa for families who need help. Chad also supports groups such as the Lymphoma and Leukemia Society and St. Jude Children’s Hospital. Congratulations to Chad Carlson for putting his best to work for those he serves. Each step along the way, he elevates humans over houses in helping to make their dreams come true.
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16 • April 2022
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CONGRATS on making it into the REAL PRODUCERS COMMUNITY FOR 2022! THIS IS HOW SOME OF YOU SHARED THE EXCITING NEWS...
Missing your badge? Email jordan.espeseth@realproducersmag.com
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North Fort Worth Real Producers • 17
Amy Mayes VP, Branch Manager
Jessica Bays Escrow Officer
Dana Milyo Sales Executive
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North Fort Worth Real Producers • 19
Evergreen S T A G I N G
&
D E S I G N
rp vetted business spotlight Written by: Dave Danielson Photos by: Samantha Farris
20 • April 2022
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Helping Each Property Tell Its Own Story
No two properties are the same. Each house has become a home to sometimes multiple generations of families who at various times in its history have made it their own. As families transition into new phases of life, an old house for one family now becomes a “dream house” for another.
“They are all uniquely talented and gifted. Everyone has their unique gifts,” he says.
As those properties are readied to market, it’s great to know you have a premier partner to bring out its very best. That’s what Evergreen Staging & Design does every day – helping each property tell its best story.
“When we’re contacted, we do a complimentary ‘preview’ (walkthrough) to determine what the needs are, and then we come up with a staging or styling plan. Then we assign it to one of our team members who will begin the ‘pulling and tagging’ phase of the job. This is where the fun begins!”
Sherwood Wilson, the Owner of Evergreen, likes to refer to himself as the Lead Coach of Team Evergreen, who loves to inspire his team to properly celebrate each home and maximize its potential. When you talk with him, you can see the reverence he and his team have for what they do. “We believe that every house has potential and a story to be told. Whether there are some challenges to overcome in the way the house was designed, or if there isn’t a budget for premium staging, we love going into a house and figuring out how to make staging work and available and then interpreting that home’s story,” Sherwood emphasizes. “You design to live, but you stage to sell! Therefore, it becomes imperative that we tell the right story so a potential buyer who walks in can envision themselves living there. Staging is about helping people that come into the space make an emotional connection with that home.”
T H E IR PR O C E SS
The process of working with Evergreen Staging & Design is straightforward and effective.
“We have two large warehouses and multiple storage facilities. It was important to me to set up our warehouses to make it feel like a fun shopping experience as the stagers and designers are making their selections. I want them to feel like they’re on an excursion at a local HomeGoods, as they are choosing from all types of furniture, art, or accessories,” Sherwood says. T H E IR SE RVIC E S
Evergreen Staging & Design offers four primary services: vacant staging, occupied (XTRA™) staging, spruce-ups, and consultations (pre-listing and design). VACAN T STAGIN G
The main service that Sherwood and his team offer is Vacant Staging – Staging and styling homes that will be vacant as they prepare to go on the market. O C C U PIE D XT R A™ STAGING
TEAM PRI D E
When you talk with Sherwood, it’s easy to see the pride he has in his team, including eight team members who each bring a set of diverse talents.
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“This service involves repositioning and repurposing some of the homeowner’s furniture, art, and accessories – and then supplementing it with ‘Xtra’ furniture
North Fort Worth Real Producers • 21
WO NDERF U L LIF E
Away from work, Sherwood calls his family his greatest achievement in life.
SPR UCE -UP S
sell. We are a REALTOR®’s friend. We take that load off our REALTOR® partners because telling a homeowner what to do in their own home can become a very sensitive issue,” Sherwood explains.
“Our Spruce-Up service involves one or two stagers going into the home and getting it ‘photo-ready’ just before it’s listed,” he says. “We help de-personalize and de-clutter the space to make sure we’re properly highlighting the unique aspects of the home.”
“We gently and thoroughly walk them through the process of getting ready to list. This is a walk-n-talk service; however, we can also provide a written report to help them prioritize and keep track of what needs to be done.”
from our inventory if we think that there’s something in the property that doesn’t quite work to represent the house properly,” Sherwood says.
CO N S U LTAT ION S (P R E - L I ST I N G AN D D E S IG N )
“With the Pre-listing Consult, we walk through the house room-byroom and suggest what the homeowner should do to get it ready to
I believe that everyone has a calling or assignment in life. Mine is to impact the quality and direction of the lives of people I encounter.
With the Design Consult service, a styling specialist will give them interior design styling and planning recommendations that fit their budget.
“I was a dad early on in life and did a fairly terrible job at it, being a soonto-be high school graduate. Later, by the grace of God and life lessons gained from a myriad of mistakes, I learned how to do it right,” Sherwood says. “I have ten kids, many of whom are adopted, and I enjoy being a dad. My family is extremely diverse. We cover a wide spectrum of the race/ color rainbow. I love them all dearly and enjoy the roles of both dad and trusted friend. Those are the things that are the most important to me.” As Sherwood reflects on the business he and his team have built, he has a clear passion for serving his clients and team members alike. “The ladies who are with me right now started with me from day one. When I couldn’t pay them from the business, I paid them out of my pocket. They’ve often worked around the clock to get the job done because they understand my passion and philosophy – when it has to be done, then ‘NO’ is not an option,” he says. “I believe that everyone has a calling or assignment in life. Mine is to impact the quality and direction of the lives of people I encounter. I used to do that while working in ministry. At that time, it was about building churches and teams. Now it’s about building people, Godly influence, and a positive impact.” He has done exactly that. When you need a partner to help you tell your next property’s story, look to Evergreen Staging & Design to help you and your clients get to the closing table. C O NTAC T EV ERGREEN STAGING & DES IGN TO DAY! C ELL: 81 7 - 51 3- 31 41
22 • April 2022
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North Fort Worth Real Producers • 23
event recap Photos by Scott Peek Photography LLC
North Fort Worth Real Producers
2022 Kick-Off Event The Third Rail at Hotel Vin in Grapevine Our North Fort Worth Real Producers’ first event of 2022 (actually, our first event ever for this exclusive community) was incredible! When are these events not, though? This event was held at The Third Rail Inside the Hotel Vin in Grapevine. The day was absolutely beautiful, and we had 200 of the best real estate agents and most highly recommended businesses in attendance! It has been said that, “Who you spend time with is who you become.” Well, I feel really good about who we were spending time with on that Thursday evening!
24 • April 2022
Thank you to all of our RP vetted businesses and a special shout out to our evening’s event sponsors: Tarrant Roofing, Alamo Title of Southlake, Red Dirt Roofing, Cardinal Financial, JunkLuggers, Shaddock Homes, and Semper-Fi! We cannot wait to celebrate with you all again in the fall! Oh, and in November for the Second Annual ESPE Awards Gala! See you then! Jordan Espeseth and Lance Dunahoe Co-Owners
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26 • April 2022
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28 • April 2022
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Current Real Producer Shows on #TheDifference REAL Producers Live w/ Jordan Espeseth (Publisher of North DFW RP)
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WHICH REAL PRODUCERS WHICH REAL PRODUCERS TERRITORY ARE YOU A PART OF? REAL PRODUCERS IN THE METROPLEX TERRITORY ARE YOUDFW 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. A Quick Look at the Different DFW Real Producers Markets Where your broker address is located will determine which publication is for you. This map Real Producers has 100+ franchises nationwide there DFW alone. In eachIfof these we pull the top 500 shows the territories forand each of are thefour fourinDFW franchises. you aremarkets, a top-500 agent in any agents based off annual residential MLS sales volume. Where your broker address is located will determine which publication is of these markets, you will be receiving a publication every month and have the possibility 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, of beingafeatured atevery no cost to you! you will be receiving publication month and have the possibility of being featured at no cost to you!
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North Fort Worth Real Producers • 31
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North Fort Worth Real Producers • 33
Strength in Numbers inspirational agent Written by: Dave Danielson Photos by: Samantha Farris
If one person is committed to doing something positive in the world, then two or more people who share the same vision can extend the benefits of that effort on a grander scale. Someone who exemplifies that spirit is Kellie Kellner. As a REALTOR® with JPAR, Kellie demonstrates that there is strength in numbers when it comes to helping others. “I tend to be the group starter. One that I kicked off was the Northeast Homes Tour Group. It’s a group for REALTORS®, and we meet once a week at a local café,” she says. “We talk about listings and buyers’ needs and changes in the market. It’s for all brokerages.” Coming Together
The group of 30 REALTORS® does various things together each week, including touring a house together during most meetings. But that’s just the start of their efforts together. “Within that group, we have hosted blood drives, taken monetary collections to donate to a variety of causes such as Mid-Cities Care Corp, and families that have lost their home due to fire or are in a financial need for medical reasons. We also get together just for fun and encouragement: chili cook-off, crawfish boil, vision boards, and such,” Kellie says. “I’m very proud that we have grown the way we have and the involvement we have with our phenomenal members. We come together and help each other in making a positive difference.” 34 • April 2022
Carrying the Spirit Through
The same passion that Kellie has for making a difference in her community naturally extends to her day-to-day work with her clients. When you talk with her, it’s easy to see that she has a true passion for her profession. “I love that initial meeting and going through the process and educating new buyers, as well as others who haven’t been through the process in ten years. That’s my favorite thing … going through the process with them.” @realproducers
I love that initial meeting and going through the process and educating new buyers, as well as others who haven’t been through the process in ten years.
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North Fort Worth Real Producers • 35
Part of the Success Story
Kellie grew up in the area and has enjoyed seeing the area develop through time. “As new subdivisions were being built, I spent some of my free time looking at houses. I thought it was fun and a good pastime. I’ve always enjoyed that part of real estate,” Kellie says. “I was married and had two small kids at home and looking for something to do that was flexible to do with small children.”
imagined,” Kellie says. “I’ve also been working on getting my broker’s license, and he has encouraged me to do that.”
really encouraging to see REALTORS® come together and help each other and not feel a sense of competition.”
Kellie and Mike have five grown children — Morgan Elledge, Jessica Woolverton, Katie Clarkson, Michael Kellner II, and Matthew Kellner … along with six grandchildren and another one on the way.
Those who get to know and work with Kellie appreciate her knowledgeable and helpful nature … and the way she works to make the process as easy as possible.
In her free time, Kellie enjoys getting the entire family together. She and Mike also like to travel.
Signs of Success
The Drive to Make a Difference
There have been plenty of tangible signs of Kellie’s success. In fact, in 2021, she recorded $8.2 million in sales volume.
Kellie reflects on her drive for organizing gatherings that positively impact the local industry and community.
Rewarding Life
Away from work, Kellie treasures time spent with her family, including her husband, Mike. “He has been very supportive and has encouraged me more than I could have 36 • April 2022
“I like getting like-minded people together and getting someone else to bounce ideas off. There were other masterminds, but they tended to be within the brokerage,” Kellie says. “I wanted to build a community-wide group. We have accomplished that dynamic and helped each other out. It’s
“I am transparent. I want people to know what they’re getting into,” she says. “I want to put my clients’ needs first. I hope they find my services to be helpful long-term.” At the end of the day, good things happen directly from people coming together and taking positive action. And one of the essential catalysts for that in the local community is Kellie Kellner. “I try to bring people together. I’m a bit of a connector with the tour group and a couple of other smaller groups that I’ve started,” she says with a smile. “That’s part of my purpose in this business … to bring people together.” @realproducers
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North Fort Worth Real Producers • 37
Sabrina
Fernando
featured agent Written by: Dave Danielson Photos by: Samantha Farris
38 • April 2022
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Adding to Their Joy With each situation we face, we have a choice to add something positive or take something away. Undoubtedly, your clients appreciate the way you add to their experience of getting to the closing table through your knowledge and hard work. That’s what Sabrina Fernando does for those she serves. As a REALTOR® with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices PenFed Realty Texas, Sabrina is dedicated to helping her clients achieve their real estate goals — in the process, adding to their joy.
Growing Up. Moving Forward.
Sabrina earned her real estate license in 1989. But her story really began as a little girl coming to the country and growing up on the west coast. “After moving to the United States with my family from Sri Lanka when I was ten years old, I grew up in Oregon and then moved to Michigan,” she remembers. “At the time, I had an accounting degree and had started down that path. I wasn’t sure I wanted to stay in that, though.”
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North Fort Worth Real Producers • 39
I really enjoy what I do every day. That’s the fuel. years ago. I spend each day building my business. I spend every day making new connections and who you know and talk to,” Sabrina says. “I really enjoy what I do every day. That’s the fuel. And I have a son in law school. That’s part of what drives me … to make sure he can get out of law school with no debt. The first office I worked with was owned by Joe and Shirley Hoffmann. The leadership and training that Joe and Shirley provided is a big part of my success.” Rewarding Life
Away from work, Sabrina’s world revolves around her family, including her husband, Anicetus, and their 25-year-old son, Jeremy.
Crucial Conversation
It wasn’t long after Sabrina moved to Michigan when she had a pivotal conversation with a REALTOR® who suggested that Sabrina consider a career in real estate. “She had said that the best way to invest was to get a license. So, I earned my license and joined her office,” she remembers. In 1998, a new opportunity arose when Sabrina moved to Texas, where she continued her work in real estate. Clear Passion for Her Work
The passion Sabrina exudes for her work is easy to see. “I really enjoy working with first-time homebuyers. I love their excitement and their anticipation as part of the process,” she says. “I have done a lot with first-time homebuyers. I am extremely patient, and that’s what it takes to walk them through the process.”
In her free time, Sabrina has a passion for reading, playing golf, and volunteering. She also donates $500 for each closing to Union Gospel Mission, the Tarrant Area Food Bank, or the client’s favorite charity. Looking to the Future
As Sabrina plans for continued success and growth in the future, she offers helpful advice for others making their own positive steps in real estate. “I recommend that agents use every class they can possibly take and align with a brokerage to help them get better and succeed,” she says. “And it wouldn’t hurt for them to have a mentor who can help them without there necessarily being money involved.” Day-by-day, Sabrina helps those around her with her insight, empathy, experience, and expertise.
Sabrina feels a deep sense of gratitude for those who have supported her growth through time.
“I grew up in Oregon, and as an adult, I have lived in Michigan and Texas, so I have a great familiarity with what people encounter when they are moving or relocating,” she says. “In the process, I want to make a positive impact for them.”
“I was very fortunate to have an awesome Broker who taught me how to do this job. I still do the things he taught me over 30
Truly, it’s clear that Sabrina does just that … adding to the joy of those around her in the process.
Positive Gratitude
40 • April 2022
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North Fort Worth Real Producers • 41
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FAQ ABOUT THIS MAGAZINE
Real Producers magazine started in Indianapolis in 2015 and is now in over 100 markets across the nation and continues 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 will go to print later this year. 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 businesses 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 ESPES. 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 opportunity to connect with the best of the best in DFW real estate. It is amazing to see the power realproducersmag.com
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 to increase your chances, we encourage you to meet with one of our team members, support Real Producers, and attend our private events. 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 ensure 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. North Fort Worth Real Producers • 43
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46 • April 2022
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Sandy Cotton cover story
Written by: Dave Danielson Photos by: Samantha Farris
Straight from the Heart
In all of the twists and turns of a real estate transaction, the last thing anyone needs is indirect communication. Those who work with Sandy Cotton rely on the fact that she is completely transparent. As a REALTOR® with Ebby Halliday in Southlake, Sandy serves others straight from her heart. “One thing that gives me satisfaction is the process of working with clients who say, ‘I want to see a house.’ I study it online, and I point out the flaws,” Sandy explains. “I feel good that I’m able to spot things that a lot of people may not see. I’m truthful, and I tell it like it is. At the same time, I’m not afraid to say I don’t know an answer, and then I go and find the answer.” Enjoying Her Journey
Sandy earned her real estate license in 2011. Prior to that, she had been a stay-at-home mom for ten years. In time, she became a personal trainer, a role she carried out for seven years. “That got me out socializing. And yet it was something I could do part-time and still be a mom,” she says. “Plus, I love interior design and have a passion
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for decorating. I wondered about either going into real estate or interior design. I have a business degree from the University of Texas. In the end, I chose real estate, and I’m so glad I did.” Full Speed Ahead
During her first year, Sandy faced some hurdles. But she moved forward undaunted. “It’s not for the faint of heart or the easily discouraged. It’s hard to cold call if you go that route,” Sandy points out. “You can meet people at an open house and think they’re going to work with you and then not return your calls. It takes a lot of follow-up and motivation and energy.” Step-by-step, Sandy found her footing. “It took me a year and a half before I felt really confident,” Sandy remembers. “During that time, I took a lot of classes. That’s a big part of growing. I feel you can always get something out of every class.” Signs of Success
In the past 12 years, Sandy’s career has blossomed and has kept reaching skyward. In fact, in 2021, she recorded over $20 million in sales volume.
North Fort Worth Real Producers • 47
Rewarding Life
Sandy’s world is made richer by family. She looks forward to time spent with her husband of 30 years, Ralph, and their son, Nick, and stepson, Ryan. In her free time, Sandy starts each day with an invigorating workout. “That keeps my energy high, and it keeps me healthy,” she says. “I also continue to have a passion for interior design, decorating, and redecorating. I see lots of great trends. Plus, I like gardening and spending time with my dog … and spending time with family and friends.” When it comes to giving back, Sandy gets involved in several ways. In 2020, she was the sponsor for the Christmas Card Project conducted by the American Cancer Society. She has also been the Cheer Sponsor for Grapevine High School and a sponsor of the Carroll Education Foundation.
Sandy with her husband, Ralph, son, Nick, and stepson, Ryan
comes across,” Sandy says. “I think knowing that I’m good at something is why I’m so driven.”
Exceeding the Need
One of the elements that fuels her drive is the desire to build and maintain strong relationships.
“I scour through photos to be sure homes might be right for my clients. And I do the same when we are viewing homes. I will go in with buyers and point out all of the negatives I see in homes,” Sandy points out.
Boundless Energy
When you talk with Sandy, it’s easy to see the boundless energy she pours into everything she does. “I am very driven and results-oriented. People say they love my energy. I always hope my enthusiasm 48 • April 2022
“Over the last ten years, we have made so many great friends with many of my clients that we frequently get together for dinner or charity events with them. We have met some wonderful people from my business,” Sandy says.
Each day, Sandy dives into her clients’ needs.
“My reason for doing that is to protect them and also to be sure they don’t just buy any house but buy a great house that will be easy for resale when it comes time to do that.” @realproducers
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50 • April 2022
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