Today we’d like to introduce you to Holly Gerchen.
Hi Holly, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My career started in 1990, in the State of Hawaii when I was 25. The Gulf War had erupted and the Japanese stock market had crashed, causing the real estate market to plummet, as well. But, my love for houses propelled me into the week long, local real estate class in Kona. I spent 7 years selling real estate on the Big Island of Hawaii. Within 2 years, I was amongst the top 14 Agents on all the Islands. When I moved to St Louis, I spent 5 years renovating houses and then got my license again in 2012 and my Broker’s license in 2014.
Selling Real Estate has been such a fulfilling career. Helping people find their “Home” is an honor. And I love it. There are many ups and downs in the process of selling and buying, but my goal, every time is to make it as stress free as possible for my client.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Nothing worthwhile is free of struggles and my journey has been no exception. Building a business that is 100% commission and requires you to find your audience is not easy and the average Agent doesn’t make a living at it. Like anything, the 80/20 rule applies. 20% of the Agents do 80% of the business. I am grateful everyday to be a part of that 20%.
In the beginning, which was in Hawaii, I networked and joined quite a few groups. Unbeknownst to me, this put me in the midst of women, who ran the human resource departments at the local telescopes, located on Mauna Kea. I was fortunate to become their exclusive Agent. Every month there would be new engineers moving into town, which would become my clients. Looking back, I took this for granted, an expectation of success, in the midst of an economic downturn. This attitude attracted more business and built my career during the toughest market I’ve experienced in my 35 years of selling real estate. Attitude is what makes struggles bigger or allows you to use these moments as a launching pad to all your desires!
When I moved to Missouri, I decided to rehab homes and did not get my license right away. I was successfully renovating when the market crashed in 2008. This was a difficult time for all industries, but real estate was directly hit. When I returned to my base of representing Buyers and Sellers, I started completely over. I called everyone I knew, letting them know that I was here to represent them in buying or selling. I also asked if they knew anybody, who might need my services. I remember my CPA giving me the names and numbers of 2 people, who became regular clients for me. I was also newly divorced and discovered that MATCH (for dating) was an amazing pool of buyers and sellers, as well. LOL. My business slowly grew into full time income and today, most of my business is previous clients or referrals.
It hasn’t always been easy, but each day I work to uncover new clients, new properties for my clients and a continued attitude of gratitude and success. My expectations become goals, written down for me to see on a daily basis and thus clients and income created!
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a Realtor with my Broker’s license going into my 36th year of selling real estate. With my many years in the business, I have worked. with all kinds of Buyers, Sellers and Investors. One of the most obvious ways I stand out in comparison to your average Realtor, is my years of renovating homes. When I walk into a house, my eye sees everything…. everything good and everything that may need work or even the deal killers. Deal Killers may be horizontal cracking in the foundation, bulging foundation walls, heavy smoke odor (almost impossible to get out – show this house only to smokers ;-)), windows that won’t open and close (foundation issues again) and so much more. Hiring a Realtor who has the background I have doesn’t mean you won’t want to do inspections, but it may save you time and money if your Agent can see the larger defects upfront,
When I work with Sellers, I am the best at getting their homes ready. How we live in a home is not how we will necessarily sell it. Pack it up People!!! The goal is that the Buyer can’t tell you live there!! Sounds like a lot, but truly, you’re moving Mr & Mrs Seller. Let’s box up the miscellaneous!!
I LOVE helping my clients. Whether I’m matchmaking the home to the Buyer or I’m dressing up the Seller’s Home, looking for it’s new family, everyday is different and every client is important!! Grateful for what I do and who I get to serve!
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
I Love the podcast, Diary of a CEO. Please watch! Topics are diverse and so interesting!! It’s important to always be learning!
My 2 Adults kids are my reason for everything. So proud of the compassionate, driven humans they are.
Taking care of my health, through weight lifting, walking, great sleep and meditation is how I keep my energy and attitude in check.
Everyday, even after 35 years there is brand new info in the real estate world. Staying on top of all the changes is part of the job. I love it!!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://HollyGerchenGroup.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/HollyGerchenGroup
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HollyGerchenGroup/
- LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/hollygerchengroup
