Would you like to see the future of real estate? Actually, it starts with a look back.
NORTHERN COLORADO – Let’s travel in our magic DeLorean back forty years, to when one dozen forward-thinking professionals got together in northern Colorado to found a new real estate brokerage. In a change from the traditional brokerage model, each member in this group was to be an actual co-owner of the business. It’s a concept embraced today in many industries, but back then, it was ground breaking. Beyond ownership, each of these agents was also sharing a commitment to the founding values of inclusion, abundance, mastery and collaboration.
This group became The Group, Inc. in 1976, and they’ve been setting new standards in real estate excellence ever since. From the original dozen, the company now has over 200 agents who work from six offices in Northern Colorado. In celebration of their 40th anniversary, The Group is marking the milestone with a little nostalgia and a whole lot of looking ahead.
From the original dozen, the company now has over 200 agents who work from six offices in Northern Colorado. (Photo courtesy of The Group Real Estate).
Broker Associate Christine Cavalier joined The Group several years ago after relocating from Reno, Nevada. “I was looking for a successful company that was in alignment with my personal philosophy and mission,” she says. “From the first time I spoke with (now president) Susie Ewing, I felt at home with the culture, the commitment… the whole philosophy. I felt a connection and I knew I would be contributing not only to my clients, but also to my community.”
As a Certified Negotiation Expert, Cavalier says she likes to use her negotiation skills to create a win-win outcome for all the parties. “It’s important at The Group that all parties feel good about the transaction when we get to the closing table,” she notes. “There is a mindset of abundance at work here, rather than scarcity. We think the pie can be as big as you want, versus the idea that if you take a piece of pie, there’s less for me.”
To ensure that every transaction is exceptional, The Group works with clients so that they are well educated on all the complexities of a completed sale. This process helps to eliminate unpleasant surprises that could mean a lost opportunity in such a fast-paced market. So, when a buyer needs to make a decision quickly, they have the peace of mind of being prepared. It’s the difference between deciding in haste, and deciding in time.
Buyers are not the only ones who need to be prepared properly ahead of time in this market. Cavalier meets with many sellers who are under the false impression that everything is selling quickly and at a premium without any effort. Current statistics show listings that are not prepped properly for showings and inspections may become stagnant on the market and may not sell. Thus, The Group continues to emphasize to sellers the importance of properly preparing their homes for sale in order to maximize their net proceeds.
There is a spirit of active volunteerism at The Group, and the partners have been generous community supporters since the company was founded.
A commitment to community
There is a spirit of active volunteerism at The Group, and the partners have been generous community supporters since the company was founded. The Group has even taken it a step farther by creating GroupGives, a fund managed by the Community Foundation of Northern Colorado.
GroupGives supports organizations that help to promote safe housing and a place to call home for everyone. A contribution from the partners from each closing helps to fund these programs and allows families and clients to join in support, as well.
The common goal is to assure that Northern Colorado continues to be an amazing place to live for everyone.
GroupGives has donated over $208,000 to worthy programs since 2013 with plans in place to continue this support for perpetuity.
Get to know The Group, Inc.
Whether you are a buyer or a seller, working with The Group is a perfect first step to a great real estate transaction.
Agents are committed to continuing education and mastery of the real estate profession. Today, partners from The Group make up 21 of Real Trends’ top 100 Realtors in Colorado. They have one of the highest closing-on-time rates in the industry. With their vast knowledge and experience along the Front Range from Denver and Boulder Counties up to Larimer and Weld Counties, you will find an agent partner who will put your real estate needs first and foremost.
The brokerage is powered by the latest technologies to enhance every communication and transaction. In recognition that real estate is now a 24/7, nationwide business, The Group has appointed a chief technology officer to bring these technologies to the “digital closing table.”
The Group’s web site is also an excellent resource for information on preparing your home for show and pricing your home right from Day One. Research shows that when a house is overpriced when it is first listed, subsequent price reductions can cause a sale to take up to three times longer to complete. The Group’s agents can help you price your home for your area, and even your neighborhood.
For more information on The Group, Inc., visit TheGroupInc.com or call 970.613.0700. With six conveniently located offices in Northern Colorado, The Group has a location near you.
By L.L. Charles, At Home. Photos provided by The Group Inc.
