Sometimes, real estate companies are seen as sharks; they are aggressive toward other agents and ready to pounce on the next buyer to make a sale. When April Nealey, who has years of experience in the retail real estate market and owned a property management company, learned about HomeVestors® of America, Inc., she changed course and set out on a new journey. By Heidi Lubrani
Sometimes, real estate companies are seen as sharks; they are aggressive toward other agents and ready to pounce on the next buyer to make a sale. When April Nealey, who has years of experience in the retail real estate market and owned a property management company, learned about HomeVestors® of America, Inc., she changed course and set out on a new journey. Nealey was pleased that the renowned real estate investing brand shares many of her core values, and, as a development agent, she has been able to act on them.
Nealey’s new path ushered in changes that she appreciates. Previously self-reliant, she now works on a team and helps build others along the way. As a development agent, she works closely with franchisees, acting as a mentor and showing them how they can have an impact on others.
“I’ve often said, we aren’t in the house-buying business. We are here to help other people. The by-product is we buy houses, and we make money. I tell almost every franchisee I come in contact with that this is not a run-of-the-mill real estate investment business; you have to look at this business with your heart. You have to say, if this were my sister or someone close to me, what would I want them to do?” Nealey explained.
Nealey recalled a specific time when the bottom line wasn’t the motivating factor. “I remember a client who was a single mom, and she needed to leave the house that she was in. However, there was zero chance that she was going to be able to prepare the house and put it on the market. It was just too overwhelming. What she needed was a friend to come in and say, ‘I see what you’re dealing with, and here are your options. Let’s see which one is best,’” said Nealey, who offered the client much-needed advice and support.
Kevin Culkin, fellow development agent at HomeVestors, can vouch that the brand’s commitment to building personal connections sets them apart from the rest. “People that call us, call for personal reasons: death, divorce, inheritance, downsizing – something has happened in their life. They either want or need to sell their house quickly ‘as is.’ Typically, the house needs work, but not always, so when we meet with them, it’s not always about the house; it’s about what’s going on in their lives,” said Culkin.
When homeowners contact HomeVestors for help, they know they’re working with reliable professionals, and the relationships that are built are real.
“Once you build a relationship with someone, they remember you, and you remember them. A former client needed a character reference for a court situation, and because I really did have a relationship with them, I was able to help. At the end of the day, we are here to make a difference,” shared Nealey.
While Nealey is proud of her achievements with HomeVestors, her investment in the brand lies much deeper. “What a legacy that you can leave behind, to be a part of the story of people you may never see again,” she said.
Heidi Lubrani