Hosted at the historic Heritage Center in downtown Vero Beach, more than 70 real estate pros came together after devastating storms to lift one another up and share insights on the industry over a catered lunch and a fall inspired sangria.  Led by Anna Valencia Tillery with White Glove Moving & Storage the panel of Top Producers consisted of six different agents from boutique firms throughout Indian River County. In addition to covering the new Byers’ Broker Agreements, additional forms, as well as methods for persevering in a shifting market; we also embraced the history of local real estate as the county celebrates its final months of it’s 99th year while then gearing the conversation to its future.

In honor of the rich past that real estate has played in shaping Vero Beach, Sebastian, and Fellsmere we highlighted the many uses of the Heritage  Center and how the historical society was able to save it from demolition before asking Linda Schlitt Gonzalez about three of the most impactful good changes that have occurred over the past 70 years since her parents opened their first real estate office. Kimberly Keithahn from Alex MacWilliam was another panelist and proudly represents Alex MacWilliam Real Estate who also was a realtor pioneer and their brokerage will be celebrating 75 years in business soon. Her insights as to choosing a family led office with a non competing broker and full of education gave the audience a glimpse of questions to ask when considering a place to hang one’s hat.

Cathy Curley was the next panelist to be asked a question during the event, she is with Dale Sorensen Real Estate and really finds value in the new Buyer’s Broker Agreements. Having been from Connecticut where these agreements were already standard procedure, se shared ways she leverages her relationships with her customers and the experiences they partake in as a natural way to explain to them her worth and have them sign the necessary forms. Scotty Reynolds, team leader of The Reynolds Team at Compass, shared his new found love of the agreements and explained just like an athlete must practice daily so does his team so that the language and value are properly conveyed from agent to buyer.

Luckily for us, Cindy J. O’Dare with the O’Dare Boga Dobson Group with One Sotheby’s who specializes exclusively in high-end luxury home sales, was able to join us and provide insights as it pertains to that sector. How are the forms affecting the luxury market? With no issues, in fact, she said many of the sellers are simply willing to step up and give away more knowing the right buyer for the right home often needs to be incentivized for a deal to be done.

Hollie Billero Buldo with Billero and Billero Real Estate serves in leadership roles at the local level as well as on a state and national level. With shifts to a buyer’s market and all the new rules, she gave the audience comfort in knowing that hand picked agents throughout the state were chosen to help create the new forms and that the protections now in place for realtors will ensure they don’t work for free. Following that we heard back from Linda Schlitt Gonzalez about the positive trends in the marketplace like how special our region is as well as the lowering of interest rates and more.

With team leaders on the stage, we got to learn a little about the pros to being a part of a team in the world of real estate from Scott Reynolds and Cindy O’Dare. We also got to learn some tips and the importance of communication from Kimberly Keithahn as it pertains to probate sales knowing much of the market in Indian River County is older with family often far away. Additionally, guests learned about the top lead sources Cathy Curley values and why spending more when times are tough often translates into bigger sales and loyal clients from Cindy. Plus, the value of taking on leadership roles within one’s office or associations can translate into connections that bring unparallelled value to one’s business. Best part, each panelist was able to leave the audience with a final take away and each was full of positivity and good food for thought. My personal favorite was support the affiliates who support you; though each panelist aced their closing remarks.

While the six panelists shared their experiences, our realtor guests in the audience enjoyed a catered lunch from Wild Thyme and prior to the panel discussion was able to visit each of the sponsors at their decorated table to learn more about their services. A special thank you to Image 360, Treasure Coast Home & Living Magazine, Lulich & Attorneys, 360 Butler, Union Home Mortgage Treasure Coast, and White Glove Moving & Storage for supporting the event and ensuring guests had great takeaways from the afternoon. Long branded lighters were a fun souvenir for everyone who partook in the event and as a way to give back to our neighbors in need hit hard by the tornadoes that resulted from Hurricane Milton, many brought water or wipes as a donation upon entry that White Glove Moving & Storage will help disperse.

Much gratitude to all who attended and we look forward to making this an annual event showcasing different top producers and addressing a variety of questions as it pertains to the ever changing dynamics involved with real estate.