We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Mark Raumaker. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Mark below.
Mark, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to start by getting your thoughts on what you are seeing as some the biggest trends emerging in your industry.
In the real estate industry, one of the most significant trends I’ve observed is the shift toward brokerage models that prioritize low commission caps, revenue sharing, and equity opportunities for agents. This movement reflects a broader change in how professionals seek value and growth within their careers, emphasizing not just the earnings but the potential for ownership and passive income.
Example Story:
Let’s consider a fictional story that highlights this trend. “Alex,” an ambitious real estate agent, was drawn to a brokerage offering a low commission cap and the promise of equity in the company. At first, the opportunity seemed golden. Alex was excited by the prospect of earning more while being part of the company’s growth. However, as time passed, Alex realized that while the financial benefits were tangible, there was something missing. The brokerage offered little in terms of personal growth, mentorship, or support in navigating the complexities of the market. Despite the attractive financial model, Alex felt stuck, realizing that real success in real estate comes not just from earning potential but from continuous learning and development.
My Perspective and Actions:
Reflecting on stories like Alex’s and my own experiences, I’ve come to understand the critical importance of choosing a brokerage that invests in the agent’s personal and professional growth. It’s not just about the financial model but how the brokerage supports you in becoming the best version of yourself in this competitive industry.
This realization led me to join SERHANT., a decision that marked a pivotal moment in my career. SERHANT. stands out not because of its financial model but because of its profound commitment to agent support and development. They offer extensive training, cutting-edge tools, and a community that fosters collaboration and growth. This approach aligns with my belief that the true value of a brokerage lies in how it contributes to your development as a professional.
By choosing SERHANT., I’m not just joining a brokerage; I’m partnering with an organization that believes in investing in its agents, ensuring that we have the resources, knowledge, and support to excel. This model, I believe, is the future of real estate—a future where success is measured not only by transactions but by how we grow, learn, and contribute to our clients’ lives.
Mark, 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?
I’m Mark Raumaker, co-founder of The Home Squad, and my journey into real estate is a testament to the power of reinvention and the pursuit of a vision that transcends conventional boundaries. Alongside my wife, Sarah, my path has evolved from the creative arts of stage acting to the dynamic world of real estate, where each transaction tells a story and every client’s dream is a new scene to be realized.
Our Transition from Acting to Real Estate
Our adventure began when Sarah and I, both entrenched in the world of acting, decided to channel our passion for storytelling, connection, and presentation into real estate. This transition was sparked by our desire to create new narratives, not on stage, but in the lives of those navigating the journey of homeownership and investment. Our initial steps were taken at Keller Williams, where the structured environment laid the groundwork for our real estate knowledge. However, we quickly recognized the need for a more personalized approach that could leverage our unique backgrounds.
Creating The Home Squad
Driven by a quest for individuality and a brokerage that valued innovation and personal growth, we joined eXp Realty in 2018. This move was pivotal, providing the autonomy we sought and the perfect backdrop for The Home Squad’s inception. Our team, under our leadership, blossomed into a reflection of our core values: authenticity, personalized client relationships, and tailored real estate solutions. Sarah’s exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail as Chief of Operations and Transaction Manager became the cornerstone of our team’s success, ensuring unparalleled service and efficiency.
Achievements and Growth
Our time at eXp Realty was marked by remarkable growth and achievements, with over $260 million in sales and a landmark year in 2023, achieving $2 million in gross commission from selling 206 homes. These milestones were not merely financial but represented the trust, relationships, and impact we cultivated within the Orlando real estate market.
Embracing the Future with SERHANT.
The latest chapter in our story involves aligning with SERHANT., a move inspired by a shared commitment to innovation, technology, and redefining the real estate experience. Our decision was driven by the desire for a partnership that went beyond traditional brokerage models, one that promised mutual growth and support. SERHANT.’s vision of Real Estate 3.0, emphasizing agent empowerment and advanced technology, mirrored our ambitions and marked a significant milestone for The Home Squad.
Our Vision and Goals
As we embark on this new journey with SERHANT., our goals are clear: to expand our reach within the Orlando market, leverage cutting-edge technology to enhance our services, and continue building meaningful, long-term relationships with our clients. Our focus on agent development, community engagement, and providing exceptional service remains steadfast.
What Sets Us Apart
What differentiates The Home Squad is our blend of creative background, personalized approach, and commitment to not just meeting but exceeding our clients’ expectations. Our story is one of continuous growth, innovation, and an unwavering dedication to the communities we serve.
A Message to Our Clients and Community
To those who may be meeting us for the first time, know that The Home Squad is more than a real estate team; we are your partners in turning dreams into realities. Our journey from the arts to real estate underscores our belief in the power of transformation and personalized service. With SERHANT., we are poised to redefine what you can expect from your real estate experience, promising innovation, support, and a dedication to excellence that is unmatched in the Orlando market.
Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?
The Story of Building Our Audience
The foundation of our social media strategy was rooted in understanding our audience’s needs and interests. We began by identifying the core themes that resonated with our followers, which for us included real estate insights, behind-the-scenes looks into our media production process, and empowering content that inspired our audience.
Given our backgrounds in acting and media production, we capitalized on storytelling, using our social media platforms to share our journey from actors to real estate professionals. This narrative not only differentiated us but also allowed our audience to connect with us on a personal level. We shared successes, challenges, and the realities of the real estate industry, always aiming to educate, inspire, and entertain.
Engagement and Authenticity
Engagement was another critical component. We made it a priority to interact with our followers, responding to comments, messages, and engaging with their content. This two-way interaction fostered a sense of community and showed our audience that we valued their input and presence on our platforms.
We also utilized video content heavily, from Instagram stories and reels to longer-form content on YouTube, to provide immersive experiences. Video allowed us to convey our personalities and expertise more dynamically, making complex real estate concepts accessible and engaging.
Consistency and Adaptation
Consistency in posting was key to keeping our audience engaged and growing our presence. We developed a content calendar but remained flexible, allowing us to adapt to trends, market changes, and the evolving interests of our followers.
Advice for Building a Social Media Presence
1. Start with Your Why: Understand why you’re on social media and what you want to achieve. This will guide your content and engagement strategy.
2. Be Authentic: Share your journey, the good and the bad. Authenticity resonates with people and builds trust.
3. Provide Value: Whether it’s educational, inspirational, or entertaining, make sure your content adds value to your audience’s lives.
4. Engage Actively: Don’t just post and disappear. Engage with your audience and be part of the community you’re building.
5. Use Video Content: Leverage video to share your story and connect with your audience in a more personal and impactful way.
6. Be Consistent but Flexible: Have a plan but be ready to adapt as you learn what works best for engaging your audience.
Building a social media presence is a marathon, not a sprint. It requires patience, persistence, and a willingness to learn and adapt. For anyone just starting, focus on building relationships with your audience and providing value in every post. Remember, the strength of your social media presence lies in the community you build and the authenticity of your engagement.
Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?
Managing a team effectively and maintaining high morale are pivotal aspects of our success at The Home Squad, where our focus has always been on fostering a supportive and positive team environment. Based on our experiences, here are some strategies and principles that have guided us in managing our team and ensuring morale remains high:
1. Clear Communication
Open and transparent communication forms the bedrock of trust within a team. It’s crucial to establish regular check-ins and ensure that every team member feels heard and understood. Encourage open dialogue, where feedback is not just welcomed but actively sought.
2. Recognize and Reward
Acknowledging individual and team achievements reinforces positive behaviors and contributes to a culture of appreciation. Tailor recognition to the preferences of your team members—some may appreciate public recognition, while others might prefer a private thank you.
3. Provide Growth Opportunities
Invest in your team’s professional development by offering opportunities for learning and growth. Whether through training sessions, workshops, or career advancement paths, showing a genuine interest in their development can significantly boost morale and engagement.
4. Foster a Positive Work Environment
Create an atmosphere where team members feel valued and part of a community. This can be achieved through team-building activities, celebrating milestones together, or simply by cultivating a culture of kindness and support.
5. Empower Your Team
Give your team the autonomy to make decisions in their areas of expertise. Empowerment not only boosts confidence but also encourages ownership and accountability, which are key drivers of morale.
6. Address Issues Promptly
Be proactive in identifying and addressing any issues or conflicts within the team. Handling challenges swiftly and fairly demonstrates your commitment to a healthy, productive work environment.
7. Lead by Example
Your behavior sets the tone for the team. Displaying a positive attitude, resilience in the face of challenges, and a strong work ethic can inspire your team to emulate these qualities.
8. Encourage Work-Life Balance
Respect personal time and boundaries, and encourage your team to do the same. A well-balanced life contributes to happier, more productive team members.
9. Customize Your Approach
Understand that each team member is unique, with their own motivations, preferences, and challenges. Tailoring your approach can help in meeting their individual needs while still aligning with team goals.
10. Keep the Vision Alive
Regularly remind your team of the bigger picture and how their work contributes to the overall goals of The Home Squad. A shared vision can be a powerful motivator and morale booster.
Maintaining high morale is not about a one-size-fits-all solution; it’s about being attuned to the needs of your team and adapting your leadership style accordingly. By fostering an environment that prioritizes clear communication, recognition, and growth, you can build a resilient and motivated team poised for success.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://serhant.com/agents/mark-raumaker
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mark.raumaker
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/orlandorealestateninja
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@orlandohomesquad
Image Credits
Shay Walker