RISMEDIA, July 21, 2009-Staying focused is just one way that Ty Dodge, President & CEO of RealtySouth in Birmingham, Alabama ensures that his company remains at the leading edge of an uncertain market. Here, read how Dodge and his agents keep their focus as well as stay prepared for what is yet to come.
Ty Dodge
President & CEO
RealtySouth
Birmingham, Alabama
Region served: Alabama, as well as Florida, Mississippi, Tennessee and Georgia
Years in real estate: 31
Number of offices: 21
Number of agents: 1,120
Average sales price: $201,000
Best tip for running a productive meeting: Be prepared, be focused, engage those who are in attendance and make it worth their while.
What strategies are most effective for you in terms of recruiting?
Real estate is a relationship business that requires personal contact to achieve success. We can’t rely on marketing to get the job done so we have to prospect for agents just like our agents prospect for buyers and sellers.
What is the biggest challenge your company is facing in today’s market?
The greatest challenge of this market is staying focused and staying positive-and helping our agents do the same. We do this by maintaining personal relationships within the company, spreading the word about all the good things that are happening and providing our associates with a lot of basic skills training and motivational opportunities.
What makes your company unique in today’s market?
RealtySouth is one of the only full-service companies in our market. When buyers go out into the marketplace, they’re not looking for a house, a loan, a title policy, homeowners insurance and a home warranty-they just want to buy a home. RealtySouth simplifies the process and, in doing so for our buyers, we serve our sellers, too.
What are the advantages of being able to offer your clients a home warranty through American Home Shield?
Each week, our managers stand at the front of their sales meetings and deliver the good news about claims paid out to our clients who have reaped the benefits of having an AHS® Home Warranty in place. AHS warranties can benefit not only our buyers, but our sellers, as well.