November's REALTOR® Spotlight: Ed Martin

Congratulations to Ed Martin, REALTOR® at RE/MAX Suburban on being MiRealSource’s November REALTOR® Spotlight Winner! Ed was nominated for being such an easy and positive person and REALTOR® to do business with. Ed's also received compliments for being a wonderful team leader and mentor in the industry. It's easy to see why Ed received nominations, he's always a beam of light, eager to grow and learn and lend a helping hand. We're so excited to see what 2020 brings you and your team. Keep up the great work and attitude. Well deserved. 

Professional Questions:

Tell us about your real estate career (title, office, years, specialties, designations, etc.)

I am an associate broker with Re/Max Suburban. I've been with RE/MAX Suburban for 28 years. I'm experienced and specialize in working throughout the whole state of Michigan which can be unique. We list homes in different areas and markets from metro Detroit, to the west side of the state, to up north. We often go on team road trips, working on the road; listing properties such as vacation homes and resort properties. We think of them as workshops and learn all of Michigan's real estate markets. The newest data share between MiRealSource and Northern Great Lakes Realtor® MLS has been wonderful for our team. 

You’ve been nominated for being such a kind and enjoyable REALTOR® to work with in a team and throughout your transactions. In what ways do apply this positivity in your business and team?

Having a positive attitude, which can be contagious to those around me to create a positive atmosphere. The way I look at it, is if we hit challenges, it’s okay, but look for the positive. Everything's a learning experience, especially when things don't always go as planned. 

You currently have a team working for you; what about working in a team is different than being a sole agent? (pros, cons, adjustments, tips, getting started)?

• Pros: Being able to cover so many aspects of the business that is almost impossible to do alone. In turn, this helps us provide great service to our clients
• Cons: Can’t think of a single one
• Tip: Choosing people to work with that have great qualities. Also, finding those who can compliment you & each other, which can help bring out everyone’s strengths & productivity.

How did you get started in the real estate industry?

By accident. I initially wanted to be a real estate investor & ended up getting my license & loving everything about the business.

Which professional achievement are you most proud of?

Being at the same office with the same nucleus of people for over 28 years. 

What is the most common “tid-bit” of information most people don’t know being a REALTOR®

You can do what’s in your client’s best interest and still be successful.

What piece(s) of technology do you incorporate into your business practices?

Our CRM system, Daylite, which my daughter Breanne and business partner Erica helped us to customize and perfect for our business. It’s crucial to our organization. Also, being able to have my “hot spot” in my car, which allows me to work on the road in between appointments. We also like to use Cloud CMA through MiRealSource for nice and clean presentations to use on our listing appointments, property flyers and branded comparable reports. We also use the Homesnap app, especially for setting up clients to start their searches. We love the texting and easy communication regarding properties that Homesnap provides. 

What is the most rewarding aspect of being a REALTOR®?

Building long-term relationships with clients, who we get to know & work with over many years, including their families, their kids and even their pets. Working with other great REALTORS® and building professional relationships has been very rewarding for me. For instance, John Pierce (Real Estate One- Fraser) and I have done many transactions together over the years and I appreciate the professional friendship with him and many other real estate agents in the business. It's also been rewarding to have great mentors and role models, especially when I first started. Two REALTORS® that standout were Al Gross & Tom Desmone, both from my office. 

What is the most difficult aspect of being a REALTOR®?

I don’t dwell on the difficult aspects, so I simply don’t have an answer.

Personal & Fun Questions:

Tell us more about you? (Interests, passions, hobbies, family, etc.)

I spend most of my free time with my family, children & grandchildren.

Can you share with us some of your community service involvement, how you became interested, and where or how someone can get more involved? 

I have belonged to organizations in the past. But in the most recent years, I’ve been consciously trying to do random acts of kindness. I feel at this time in my life, I really try to pay it forward. There’s people all around us that could use a helping hand.

What is your life Motto?

Things will never be perfect, make it work.

Which personal achievement are you most proud of?

My family

Where is the most interesting place you’ve visited?

Italy

If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would you go?

It's endless. Not sure yet, but hope to go on a vacation soon! 

Who or what are you most grateful for?

My family & my health

What are your hopes for the rest of 2019 and 2020?

More of the same. Our 2020 plan is to implement even better technology and working on new ways to serve our clients even better. Take care of the people who take care of us.