We were lucky to catch up with Emily Ford recently and have shared our conversation below.

Emily, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Innovation comes in all shapes, sizes and across all industries, so we’d love to hear about something you’ve done that you feel was particularly innovative.

Several years ago I was finally in a financial position to start acquiring rental properties. Having survived the financial downturn both personally and in a difficult real estate market I had enough savings to buy an investment property. In the fall of 2016 a home came on the market that I was not only familiar with but that where I had previously interviewed for the listing. When it came on the market I had an epiphany; it was listed for sale not taking into account that they were including a vacant lot with the sale of the house and I knew firsthand that the vacant lot had a lot of value as it was a buildable parcel. I pooled my resources and made a cash offer with minimal contingencies and was the winning bidder. I’m not sure that any other prospective Buyers in the market realized the value in the vacant parcel. I knew the house needed significant work to turn it into a rental property so I planned to sell the vacant parcel and use the proceeds to substantially improve the home. And that’s exactly what I did I sold the parcel for $68,000 and put all of the proceeds into the home. In 2019 I found a similar opportunity and identified a lakefront property also listed for sale with inclusive of a contiguous, vacant parcel. I closed on the home and immediately sold the parcel for just under $300,000. While the Sellers were aware that the parcel had value this scenario was a bit more complex because it required me obtaining 2-3 variances to enable the parcel to be as large as possible. I did all of the legwork on the variances, completed the necessary paperwork and appeared before the local Zoning Board of Appeals. While a couple of those on the committee weren’t in favor of granting the variances I was ultimately approved and subsequently was approved for the variances.
I remain on the lookout for other, similar opportunities that may surface and that I may able to recognize due to my extensive real estate knowledge and experience.

Emily, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My experience dates back to 2002 when I obtained my degree in Economics from Kalamazoo College and then immediately went to work as a sales manager for a 72 unit, new home development in Clarkston. I’ve just entered into my 21st year of full time residential real estate sales and real estate is my number one passion! I earned the “Top Producer” award at Morgan Milzow & Ford Realtors from 2007-2022. My career accomplishments to date include over 1,000 homes sold and in excess of $250M in closed transactions. I’ve been voted an Hour Magazine All-Star 2013-2022, an honor only given to the top 5% of Metro Detroit Real Estate Agents.
I’m a lifelong Clarkston resident & service all of Oakland County, parts of Genesee and Macomb Counties, and my area knowledge, professionalism and real estate expertise is unparalleled. As a top-producing & seasoned Realtor I have a strong support staff that handles all facets of our transactions and thus creates a concierge-like real estate process that is as seamless and hands on as it can be, delivering the service you deserve! “Stress free, worry free” is our mission & mantra!
We offer an unmatched marketing plan with preferred positioning on all major Internet outlets and social media, the best in professional photography, staging, handyman services, top-notch negotiating skills, excellent communication & much more.
In 2022 I was awarded the Clarkston Chamber of Commerce Independence Women of the Year award for excellence in business and also for my community contributions. In 2019 I received the Clarkston Community Businessperson of the Year Award. I’m also proud to have served my community as the Clarkston Area Chamber of Commerce President in 2018 & 2019 and I remain a Board member. I’m a past recipient of the NOCBOR (North Oakland County Board of Realtors) Distinguished Service Award, nominated by my peers. I consistently contribute to other, local charitable causes that are close to my heart including Tree of Dreams, benefitting Neighbor for Neighbor, SCAMP and our causes for our community schools.
My resume also includes being an investment property owner, landlord, land developer and home flipper. With my experience and expertise plus my valuable connections I can also offer temporary housing to clients ensuring the most harmonious moving transition possible. For 30 years our brokerage has prided itself on providing concierge real estate services and this philosophy will continue for many years to come.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

In 2008 the real estate market began to shift dramatically. In order to survive in our local economy and as a young real estate salesperson I had to find as many avenues as possible to close transactions. I began researching what I could do to secure transactions other than the typical, private ones I was accustomed to. I started to figure out how I could handle short sale transactions and also how I could obtain foreclosure listings in part because these types of transactions soon became to account for roughly half of the real estate transactions that were consummated in our marketplace. Additionally, I continued to strengthen relationships with other business professionals which ultimately led to a steady stream of business. I became even more connected to attorneys, local asset managers and others where a mutually beneficial connection resulted in many successful transactions for us all. Despite the poor economic conditions my pivoting resulted in success in the real estate business.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

I think there are a few factors that helped me to build my reputation within my market. Besides the fact that I’m an area native I’ve been very involved in our local Chamber of Commerce and in supporting local charities and causes. Moreover, my work ethic and consistent contributions have shown many that I’m not only dedicated to the economic viability of our area but much more beyond that. As a resident in the community in which I own a business I’m more invested than ever in the present and future viability of our market in all facets!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.emilysells.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soldbyemilyford/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EmilyFord.Realtor/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-ford-sells
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwu_Dzagbtj0bhPGQmKWJBw

Image Credits
Katelyn Gomes