For an industry that relies on in-person contact, the real estate business has had to adapt to isolation orders (and fast). For the 87 agents and staff members at Colorado Group Realty, the transition has been smoother than expected for one reason; their business culture.
CGR centers itself on the concept of community from their workforce and clients, to the residents of Routt County. “Our outlook is beyond our brokers; it’s about what we can do to help our community stay together,” said Michelle Parilla, Broker Associate. This month the CGR Charitable Foundation is auctioning a recently retired gondola from the Steamboat Ski Area in order to raise funds for four local non-profit organizations.
“When we acquired the gondola through our donation to Rocky Mountain Youth Corps., we thought it would be fun to have a piece of Steamboat history at our downtown office for the community to enjoy,” said Steve Goldman, CEO of CGR. “But the pull to help those in need during this time is so strong, that it was an easy decision to use the gondola to raise funds to go directly to those most impacted by this pandemic.”
Goldman has found himself modifying more than the group’s financial decisions. He communicates frequent motivational multiple pep talks from his home and shares virtual interviews with experienced brokers and community leaders. “I feel more connected now than ever,” Parilla said.
Virtual home tours, Zoom calls, webinars and online seminars have become the norm during the current COVID-19 orders. Shelley Stanford, CGR’s Managing Broker, imparts news on the ever-changing industry rules and regulations she gets from the Attorney General or Governor. Her and Goldman are in constant contact with the Board of Realtors and make sure CGR agents are aware of any grants and loans that are available. “We want our agents to thrive through this,” said Stanford. “We’ve had the same core of owners since 2002 and we are not a closed door office; there is always someone to help out.” The company has also taken advantage of a closed office by making some office improvements and expansion.
Communication is key. Agents are using this time to build their relationships with clients and other brokers. “I think a lot of people are just waiting, watching and asking questions right now,” said Kelly Becker, Broker/Owner at CGR. Agents have seen some closings this month and interest in property due to necessity or the low mortgage rates. “There has never been a better time to buy a place in the mountains,” Becker said.
It is a sentiment felt by many. “I think we will start seeing more people buying a retreat in fear of this happening again,” Stanford said. Low inventory and lack of access to a property is a hindrance. Through the end April when the stay at home order is lifted, agents cannot enter a home for marketing purposes, which rules out obtaining new photography and videography.
For the first time, sellers are doing live tours for potential buyers with both agents present online. Several agents are writing sight unseen contracts with a caveat in place to cancel after a walk-through inspection. At no time has the level of trust between an agent and a client been more critical.
Realtors are checking in on clients and colleagues to offer support and be a positive force. In a time of uncertainty, Colorado Group Realty is relying on the one thing they do best: taking care of the community and it’s people.