We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Sherri Sembly. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Sherri below.
Sherri , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Have you ever seen (or implemented) a really awesome way to show a client you appreciate them
Showing appreciation to my clients is not just a professional obligation—it’s a core part of who I am as a REALTOR® and as a person. I believe in treating my clients as cherished individuals, making them feel valued beyond their roles as clients. One way I show my appreciation is through simple gestures, such as remembering their birthdays, anniversaries and sending heartfelt messages is one way I express this appreciation. It’s not just about business; it’s about celebrating their lives and letting them know that they matter to me on a personal level.
Even after the transaction is done, I don’t consider our relationship over. I’m always there to answer their calls and assist them in any way I can. I want them to understand that our connection is more than just a one-time transaction; it’s a lasting relationship built on trust and care.
Taking the time to know my clients on a deeper level is essential to me. Understanding their preferences, dreams, and aspirations enables me to serve them better. I’m not just selling properties; I’m helping them find homes where they can create lasting memories.
I find joy in going beyond the typical client-realtor dynamic. By genuinely caring about my clients’ well-being and success, I become a part of their journey. It’s about being their advocate and guiding them towards the best decisions for their lives.
In the end, my goal is to build genuine bonds with my clients—bonds that last long after the real estate transaction is complete. It’s not just about business; it’s about fostering meaningful connections with the people I have the privilege to serve. That’s what truly makes being a REALTOR® fulfilling and meaningful to me.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Sure! I was born and raised in Connecticut and in 2003, I moved down to Maryland with my husband where we have raised two remarkable children together. In my spare time, when I can steal a few moments away from real estate, I enjoy spending quality time with my family. I delight in cooking dinner for them and sitting together to savor a good meal. I cherish the moments we create together, whether it’s an afternoon of shopping, a day at an amusement park, or a quiet evening at home.
My career in real estate began in 2014, when I found myself standing at a crossroads in life, faced with the decision to sell my cherished first home and embark on the journey of finding my NextHome. Little did I know that this pivotal moment would ignite a deep love and passion for the world of real estate. As I delved into the process of selling my home, I was immediately captivated by the intricacies of the real estate market. The entire experience was eye-opening, revealing the vast potential and endless possibilities within this dynamic industry. It became clear to me that having a knowledgeable and caring real estate professional by my side was essential for navigating the emotional and significant decisions that came with buying and selling property.
Reflecting back on my own experiences as a first-time homebuyer in 2005 and then as a seller in 2014, I realized that these moments had planted the seeds of curiosity and fascination with real estate in my heart. The thought of assisting others on their own real estate journeys and guiding them through such meaningful transitions filled me with a sense of purpose and excitement. Intrigued by the possibilities and the chance to make a meaningful impact on people’s lives, I decided to take a leap of faith and pursue a new career in real estate.
The first six years of my journey in this field were crucial to my growth and success. During this time, I dedicated myself wholeheartedly to learning the ins and outs of the real estate process. I immersed myself in every aspect of the industry, seeking out opportunities to expand my knowledge and refine my skills.
One of the most valuable aspects of those initial years was the privilege of being mentored by some of the best professionals in the business. Their guidance and wisdom provided me with invaluable insights and shaped the way I approach my work today. I recognized the significance of this opportunity and carried the lessons with me throughout my career, always striving to provide the same level of excellence and care to my clients.
Becoming a real estate professional was not a decision I took lightly; it was a heartfelt commitment to helping others achieve their real estate dreams. Every day, I am fueled by the joy of making a positive impact on my clients’ lives, just as my mentors did for me. I am grateful for the path that led me here, and I look forward to continuing this journey with dedication, passion, and a genuine desire to be the best resource and support for all those I have the privilege of serving.
In 2020, a significant and exciting chapter in my life began when I joined forces with my best friend to fulfill a shared dream of ours – opening NextHome Forward. The idea of starting our own franchise brokerage had been brewing in our minds for some time. We both had a strong passion for real estate and a common vision of how we wanted to transform the real estate experience for our clients. With the support and backing of NextHome, Inc., we knew that this was the perfect opportunity to bring our vision to life.
Together, we took a leap of faith and embarked on this thrilling entrepreneurial journey. It was a leap filled with excitement, nerves, and determination. We believed that we could do real estate in a new and refreshing way, with customer service and client care as our top priorities.
As we prepared to open NextHome Forward, we put our hearts and souls into every aspect of the business. From selecting our location in Nottingham, Maryland, to designing a welcoming and inviting office space, we wanted to create an environment that would reflect our commitment to our clients and our community.
Our mission was clear – to build meaningful relationships and become a reliable resource for the people we served. We wanted to be more than just real estate agents; we wanted to be trusted advisors, guiding our clients through the complexities of the real estate market while providing unwavering support along the way.
As we continue to grow and evolve, our passion for real estate and dedication to exceptional service remain at the core of everything we do. We are grateful for the trust our clients have placed in us and look forward to many more years of building relationships, making dreams come true, and being a forward-thinking force in the real estate industry.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
In 2017, I lost my father to lung cancer, and it shattered my world. He was only 58 years old, and his passing was a major pivoting point in my life. When I lost my father, I realized my energy and efforts had been going in the wrong direction. I was pouring all of myself into the lives of others, neglecting my own needs and missing out on precious moments with the people I cared about most. Losing my dad was a wake-up call, a reminder that life is too short to be living for others’ lives while neglecting my own. It was at this time in my life that I began making major changes. I began setting boundaries. I started to protect my time because I knew there was no way to get time back. I had to learn to say no and stop sacrificing my well-being for the sake of others. This shift in mindset wasn’t easy, and it didn’t always go well with others. People were used to me being there for them, giving all of myself without hesitation. When I started to prioritize my needs and well-being, some people even took offense, unable to see or acknowledge that my needs were just as important as theirs. I came to realize that protecting my peace and focusing on my well-being was crucial. It was essential if I wanted to be the best REALTOR® I could be for my clients. It wasn’t selfish; it was necessary. I learned it was okay to be kind to myself, and I began to prioritize my time to include the things that were truly important to me in my life.
Losing my father taught me that life is precious and unpredictable. I have embraced the importance of cherishing the moments that truly mattered and I’m not taking them for granted. So, I keep moving forward, holding on to the lessons my father’s passing taught me. I am committed to living a life that aligns with my values, one that nurtures my well-being and brings me joy. There are times when I stumble and lose sight of myself, and when I do, I reset, and I restart. Because life is a journey, and I am grateful for the growth and strength it has given me along the way.
Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?
As someone who deeply values the connections I make with people, I have found that building relationships is the most effective strategy for growing my clientele. Over the years, I’ve witnessed how my business thrives on the foundation of past client relationships and referrals from those I have had the privilege of serving. Genuinely caring about the people I work with has been at the core of my approach, and it has yielded remarkable results.
One of the key elements of my strategy is maintaining consistent communication with my past clients. I take the time to stay in touch through personalized messages, emails, and phone calls. I also keep them informed about updates, promotions, and valuable content to ensure that they remain engaged and connected to my services.
Providing exceptional service has always been a priority for me. I strive to exceed my clients’ expectations, knowing that satisfied customers are more inclined to spread the word about their positive experiences. Every interaction I have with my clients is personalized and meaningful. I make a conscious effort to remember important details about them, such as their interests and preferences, which demonstrates my genuine care and investment in their lives. My journey to success has been grounded in building authentic and meaningful relationships with my clients.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sherrisembly.nexthomeforward.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nexthomeforward/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RealEstateWithSherriSembly
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sherri-sembly/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4ZmgadvD8y4umZQX3v52lg
- Yelp: https://www.bing.com/search?q=yelp+nexthome+forward&qs=n&form=QBRE&sp=-1&ghc=1&lq=0&pq=yelp+nexthome+forwar&sc=7-20&sk=&cvid=5A215E606A3046B3809738A1AA440769&ghsh=0&ghacc=0&ghpl=&cp=39.399293%7E-76.481409&lvl=16.0
- Other: https://reach150.com/m/review/1034519/nexthome-forward-sherri-sembly-nottingham-md
Image Credits
Rebecca Mathis