Vitals: Coldwell Banker D’Ann Harper, REALTORS®
Years in Business: 32
Size: 9 offices, 425 agents
Regions Served: San Antonio, Boerne, Bandera, Fredericksburg, Kerrville, New Braunfels, San Marcos and Universal City, Texas
2017 Sales Volume: $1 billion+
2017 Transactions: 4,000+
No. 267 in sales volume in RISMedia’s 2018 Power Broker Report
www.cbharper.com
A 2018 winner of the San Antonio Business Journal’s Women’s Leadership Award, Leesa Harper Rispoli, president and broker/owner of Coldwell Banker D’Ann Harper, REALTORS®, has been a force in San Antonio, Texas, real estate for years. A former teacher and education administrator, Rispoli followed her mother into real estate, carrying on the family legacy.
How is your market faring in 2018?
Leesa Harper Rispoli: We’re enjoying a very successful real estate market, marked by unprecedented growth. In the last three years, we’ve generated over $1 billion in transactions, and we estimate 2018 to see an increase of more than 27 percent.
What are the major factors contributing to this growth?
LHR: There are a number of contributing factors, the most notable being the cost of living compared to other cities in our state and throughout the United States. Moreover, the steady local economy has bolstered buyer confidence, attracting new Texans from other areas of the country.
How has the firm grown recently, and what can we expect in the year ahead?
LHR: We’re in the process of opening our Coldwell Banker Global Luxury office (at press time), the ninth location for our company. This is the flagship office for the Coldwell Banker local luxury brand located in the affluent Dominion neighborhood. In May 2017, we expanded Coldwell Banker D’Ann Harper, REALTORS® to San Marcos. This modern, art-deco office layout serves the growing population between San Antonio and Austin. As far as any future growth, that’s always on the table, but for now, we’re focusing on some very exciting initiatives in 2019.
What are the biggest challenges you’re currently facing?
LHR: Our biggest challenge is the local home inventory. Houses are selling so fast that buyers often face tough competition or even a lack of choices in the area they desire.
What sets your firm apart in the marketplace?
LHR: We’re one-of-a-kind when it comes to serving our clients and supporting our agents. No other brokerage in our market offers the type of services we do. We provide everything an agent needs to be successful and, thereby, fulfill the needs of their clients.
How are you attracting new agents to your firm and retaining top producers?
LHR: CBHarper has a proprietary Coldwell Banker platform, ZAP, so our intranet will now update information such as open houses across the network. Additionally, CBHarper has begun to reimagine their family of websites. Among the other agent value items on the docket for the coming year are things like a branded “swag” store, custom-designed story pieces, online review solutions, personalized in-house social media training and a cultural diversity celebration. Our agents represent over 17 countries and speak over 20 different languages.
How are you updating your technology and training to provide the resources agents need to succeed?
LHR: We’re home to an unequaled team of technology professionals for the local market. Over the years, the team has implemented numerous advancements in sales agent and employee workflow, including the construction of innovative CRM tools, custom web portals, public websites and advanced networking that connects all the offices across San Antonio and surrounding areas. Leveraging this unparalleled staff, all CBHarper sales agents have access to 24/7 technical support and the tools needed to carry them ahead of others in the marketplace.
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