This week’s Q&A is a conversation with Dave Hawkins, Chief Operations Officer & Managing Broker, Alexandria Office, of McEnearney Associates Realtors®, the leading real estate firm in Alexandria. To learn more about this article and relevant market news, contact Dave at 703-403-5799 or email [email protected]. You may also submit your questions to McEnearney Associates via email for response in future columns.
1. What in the real estate market do you think has changed the most over forty years?
I would have to say technology has driven the greatest change. Look at the way we conduct our business today. Property information is available to everyone, agents and customers alike, at our fingertips. The internet, phone apps and QR codes give instant access in real time. Purchasers view photos and videos of homes for sale from their home or car. Contract offers are written, signed and presented to sellers electronically. The access to information makes everyone better informed. The systems and programs advanced through new technologies impact every aspect of the buying and selling process for real estate agents and their clients.
2. Why is it important as a business to be involved in the community?
Our communities support our business. It seems only right that we should give back to those who make our success possible. Because we are so connected our agents naturally become involved in the many organizations, charities, business and programs that make our communities strong. We sit on boards. We contribute dollars to sponsor events. We advertise programs and fundraising efforts. Our clients do the same and make us aware of ways that we can help. We recently championed an effort to improve a park in D.C. in an underserved neighborhood. We painted structures, built new ones, cleaned up trash and had a great time doing it. That day about 60 of our agents wore their blue jeans and t-shirts and felt like we had made a difference. Why get involved? It feels really good when we do.
3. How has the pandemic changed the way your agents conduct business?
Although real estate agents have been capable of working remotely for years, the pandemic forced us to fine tune our systems and skill sets. Instead of standard open houses we created virtual opens. Instead of on-site meetings we gathered on Zoom calls. We worked harder to communicate frequently with our fellow agents and our customers and clients. And we developed a greater appreciation for one another and longed to be together again.
4. What does your leadership role provide for clients?
At McEnearney Associates we have always believed that the benefit to our clients is delivered by our agents. The best agents in the business deserve the best support that a company can provide, so that they can in turn deliver exceptional service. Our managing brokers provide guidance, education, tools of the trade, and an environment where agents thrive and excel. That commitment empowers our agents to deliver on the promise of superior service and value to our clients.
5. McEnearney Associates has hit a new milestone in all of Alexandria, what do you think are the things that contributed to your firm’s success?
First and foremost, our agents. Without a doubt, they are the most well intentioned, skillful and determined group of real estate pros that I have ever known. They care about their clients and strive to succeed for them. They have the knowhow and tools required to tackle any situation. And they don’t give up when faced with a challenge. In addition, due to the excellence of our agents, we have a very loyal following in the communities we serve. Our reputation is nothing more than the sum of the reputations of our agents. And that is a tidy sum. A reputation well-earned and respected. Ours is a people business. We are fortunate to have very talented people.
We look forward to answering your real estate questions in 2022. Our best wishes for a Happy New Year!
If you would like a question answered in our weekly column or to set up an appointment with one of our Associates, please email: [email protected] or call 703-549-9292.
McEnearney Associates Realtors®, 109 S. Pitt Street, Alexandria, VA 22314. www.McEnearney.com Equal Housing Opportunity. #WeAreAlexandria
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