In this next “Unique Homes Around the World” article, we are bringing you unique homes in none other than the state of Indiana! Take a look at this list of uniquely crafted homes in the state many of us call home.
1. The Dome Home (Lowell, IN)
REALTOR
Our first home on the list is nothing like you’ve ever seen before! This unique 5 bedroom home resides in Lowell, IN and runs for almost half a million. This monolithic dome home first had a ring of cement poured down for the foundation. Then a custom-made balloon was inflated then sprayed with a layer of cement, the home being constructed like a giant, but livable, papier-mache ball.
The uniquely crafted home was built to withstand the catastrophic winds of tornados, the earth shattering rumbles of earthquakes, is defense proof against termite infestations, and in the unique case that Indiana weather patterns change drastically, this home is also constructed to withstand the destruction of a hurricane. Being that the home is made from cement, it is also non combustible. Along with resembling the stargazing dome home in Zelda Majora’s Mask, this home is overall, insanely cool! The home is equipped with in-floor radiant heating, but homeowners rarely have to turn it on because the foam insulation keeps the home cool during the summer, so there is no sweating the heating bill in this home.
2. The Twisted House (Indianapolis, IN)
Atlas Obscura
Artist McNaughton has taught woodworking at the University of Southern Indiana for over 35 years. The Twisted House was crafted in 2015 in the city of Lowell Indiana. This unique home showcases his unique woodworking skills. This shapely house is hand crafted from cedar wood while the five windows are made from glass. The home favors wood textures so much that even the flowers on the windowsill are crafted from wood.
The best thing about this piece of art is that visitors can actually walk into the artwork as if it were an actual house, connecting an art and nature experience. Visitors can look out the window and view the surrounding trees and plants. The forest’s dirt makes up the floor of this house. This whimsical sculpture can be viewed for free at the Indianapolis Art Center. The art piece is kept outside and is best viewed in warmer weather.
3. Freeland Estate - Indiana’s Most Expensive Home (Fort Wayne, IN)
REALTOR
The Freeland Estate is a staple home in Indiana. The home features 16 bedrooms, 26 bathrooms, and 16 fireplaces. The home contains a total of 10 buildings with an additional 8,000-square-foot house and 6,720-square-foot stables that come equipped with a guest suite.
“Built by craftsmen equivalent to those employed by the Astors or Vanderbilts, this stone mansion has all the elegance and grandeur of a bygone era,” writes agent Marilyn Hoffman in the property listing. The interior is a flashback to mansions of the Gilded Age with elegant wood paneling in the dining room, a vast chef’s styled kitchen, dramatic pillars in the entry hall, an enclosed atrium sitting room, and a game room equipped with a grand pool table, table tennis, and foosball tables. The home’s price tag puts other noteworthy Indiana mansions to shame, including this $6.5 million property listed for sale last year and the home of real estate mogul Mel Simon that went on the market for $25 million back in 2014.
4. The Kessler Mansion (Indianapolis, IN)
REALTOR
The infamous Kessler mansion in Indianapolis, IN was priced at $1,750,000. The 29,500-square-foot compound comes with 11 bedrooms, 8 bathrooms, and 1 unique history.
The home wasn’t first constructed as the final design shows, but it became supersized over the decades. One of the former owners, Jerry A. Hostetler had a fantasy of grandeur and brought that dream to life through the construction of this well-known home. Holding the nickname “Mr. Big,” Hostetler actually started small for his lifestyle, living in a three-bedroom ranch house in the 1960s, according to the Indy Star. After Hostetler’s passing in 2006, the home started to deteriorate in praise and design. Bills began to accumulate and creditors were circling. Rather than raze it, the home had resources put into it to aid with repairs and with a restoration.
The property now includes the main house, a guesthouse, a pool and pool house, fountains, and a dolphin statue. The main house features a grand kitchen, dining area, game room, and multiple balconies. Outside, there’s a grilling area.
Having relocated to Florida, Folkening has placed the palace back on the market—again. He tried unsuccessfully to sell the place for $2.2 million in 2012, $1.3 million in 2013, and even $862,000 in 2014. The mansion hosted an estate sale in 2015, but has since then remained somewhat dormant. Over the years, the home’s list price has more than doubled.
On Amazon, there are items for everyone - including real estate agents! In this article, we are bringing you 5 things that you as a realtor can add to your arsenal to make your life a little easier. You’ll definitely want to bookmark this one!
1. Real Estate Agent Portfolio ($17.95)
Our first item on the list will have your portfolio package in the palm of your hand (or your clients)! The Real Estate Agent Portfolio comes equipped with several pocket areas for paperwork, holds pens, business cards and also a flash drive. It is made of black leatherette and is debossed with the REALTOR logo. It comes in at 9 ⅞” W x 1 2 7/8 “ H, so it’s just the right size for travel and big enough to fit in a medium sized purse. This item is perfect for educational classes, business meetings, trainings, appointments, and more!
2. Reusable Shoe Covers ($9.99)
Bring these usable, anti-slip and machine washable shoe and boot covers to your next showing! Show respect for your clients potential home by covering the bottom of your outdoor shoes.
These shoe covers are made from napped cotton and dacron lining to prolong it usage. Wearing outdoor shoes indoors serves as a way to bring dirt, germs and viral matter from the ground outside inside the home. Major bacteria that can be brought into the home include coliform bacteria like e coli and even fecal matter. A 2015 study published in Microbiome analyzed the microbial environment on people's shoes after walking in different locations. The researchers found that microbes from surfaces — like bacteria and viruses — end up on shoes and rub off on other surfaces you walk on, such as the inside of our home if we walk in with our shoes on.
It is essential that in your home as well as during showings, you cover your shoes with protective covers. These covers are also made for boots and may possibly work with some heels. If you often wear tall heels to showings, consider bringing a change of flats that you can slip a protective cover over if the slips can't fit over taller heels. This deal from Amazon comes with 5 pairs.
3. Social Media Testimonial Photo Props ($23.87)
Our next items on the list are great tools for social media marketing! These modern sold signs are great for social media. They have beautiful designs with gorgeous color palettes and creative messages.
This set comes in a pack of 2 so you are able to choose from one that is bold in color and one that is a bit more stuttle, but just as beautiful! These signs are lightweight, durable and double-sided. Bring them to your next sold listing to capture your clients moments of purchasing their dream home and show potential buyers that they too can find their dream home with you as their realtor!
4. Professional Business Card Holder ($5.85)
This business card holder is a must for real estate agents! These business card holders come in 21 stylish shades to fit your look. The design is padlike with magnetic shut so your cards are tucked away and secure. The card holder is also designed with a slim metal pocket card holder. The business card holder is made from high quality PU leather and stainless steel. It is lightweight, slim and stylish. It measures in at 3.7 x 2.4 inches and is tactile.
5. Housewarming Gift for Clients - New Home Keychain ($9.99)
Our last item on the list serves as a simple and thoughtful gift for your clients who have purchased a home with you. These are a great gift to add to the keys of new homeowners. When they see the chain, they will be reminded of your thoughtfulness and how you helped them claim the home they will make great memories in.
This keychain set also comes contained in a gift box if you would like to present the gift that way. The keychain is real stainless steel and is durable. Congratulate your clients on their new home with this simple and thoughtful gift so that they will remember you if they themselves or others they know may need a great realtor like you to assist them in finding a new home.
In 2021, we are privileged to have access to a library of digital resources, many free of charge. In this article, we are bringing you 4 resources you as a realtor can use to further your development in the field. You’ll definitely want to bookmark this one!
1. The Real Estate Marketplace Glossary: How to Talk the Talk (Free PDF)
This first resource will allow you to develop an extensive vocabulary of real estate related terms. Knowing the proper terminology for all things real estate adds to your development and level of proficiency in the field. You can flip though this 18-page glossary or go as far as making flash cards to ensure you know the terms by heart and are able to apply them in the field. Your clients may be unaware of these terms and it’s your job as a professional to ensure they have knowledge of them and aid them in the process that follows.
2. Real Estate YouTube Channels
YouTube is a valuable resource for many in a variety of fields and professions. Other video-based learning platforms such as Udemy or Skillshare are also available resources, but the great thing about YouTube is that the platform is free and filled with information-packed videos and additional resources that can be linked in the bio of videos. Check out our blog 6 YouTube Channels to Gain Knowledge as a Real Estate Agent to discover channels crafted just for realtors. These videos are packed with key information regarding ways to grow in the real estate world and more.
3. Develop a Book Collection
No matter how the times change, books will always be a prominent resource for many professionals in a variety of fields. Take some time to explore your local library or bookstore and search for real estate related books to help you grow in the field. Not sure where to start? We’ve got you covered. Check out our article 5 Books You Should be Reading as a Realtor. In that article we will bring you 5 books you can order from Amazon that will aid in developing your skills in the field.
4. Instagram
Follow realtor and real estate related accounts to see how competition advertises to potential clients and how they showcase themselves as professionals in the field. On this platform you will be able to see how other professionals market their listings on social media, how they highlight clients and more.
As a professional, it is important that you are working towards expanding your knowledge in your field and refreshing on core fundamentals. In this article we are bringing you 5 books you should be reading as a realtor to aid in developing your skills in the field. To view the book on Amazon, click the book title.
1. “Secrets of Top Selling Agents: Habits, Mindsets, and Tactics of Real Estate” by Joe Sesso
Secrets of Top Selling Agents has been a prominent source for education and career building advice in the real estate world since 2007. The tips and tricks in this book has changed the game for realtors across the map. This is without a doubt a must-read book for every agent in the field. In each chapter is packed with information, as different real estate super producers share their tips on how to effectively grow and manage a successful real estate business.
In the book, 3 important factors are covered: lead generation, business and wealth building, and negotiation and scripts. With leads, this resource covers effective methods like geo farming, open house conversions, and FSBOs, as well as the latest trends such as IGTV and leveraging ibuyers to rack in more appointments. Regarding business and wealth building, readers will learn the keys of investing and business building from Linda McKissack, Dirk Zeller, and Leigh Brown. They will then be able to explore the secret to staying and feeling successful with insights from Floyd Wickman. And lastly with negotiation and scripts, readers will learn to navigate tricky situations with clients and other agents in order to achieve a healthy outcome.
2. “7L: The Seven Levels of Communication: Go From Relationships to Referrals” by Michael J. Maher
In the book, The Seven Levels of Communication, we are taking along the life story of Rick Masters. He is suffering from a down economy when he crosses paths with a mortgage professional who has achieved success in her business without the use of traditional marketing such as advertising and/or personal promotion. Rick decides to tag along with her to a conference to expand his knowledge on how she has become so successful in the field in using non-traditional methods. Taking the wisdom she has taught him, he goes off to become successful as ever in his field of real estate, more than he could have ever imagined. In this quest of success, he finds his heart beginning to attach to new adventures and a new person. This is a heartwarming tale of success through failure and how to evolve in the field. This book teaches you how to win at referrals and in other areas of life.
This book is not your traditional real estate marketing book where you skim through it for a few days, then leave on a bookcase (or in a drawer) to collect dust. This book will teach you vital skills in the world of marketing that you will use for the remainder of your career and things you will be able to build from. Everyone wants to be popular on social media, but not many people know how to work the algorithm. This book will teach you exactly what to post on social media that will get results in the field of real estate, all while building and promoting your own powerful personal brand that will attract your ideal customer and drives referrals in effortlessly.
This book is a step-by-step guide that will help you create a solid social media content strategy that will give you a strong advantage on platforms like Facebook and Instagram to generate real estate leads at no additional cost to you.
The simple three-phase framework outlines how to build your brand, create engaging content, improve your marketing skills and will teach you how to understand how to increase your reach online.
4. “The Miracle Morning for Real Estate Agents: It's Your Time to Rise and Shine” by Hal Elrod
In real estate, one thing all realtors share in common is the drive to strive to get to the next level. The next level of personal success and the next level of professional success. Realtors, like many other professionals, aim to take their lives, businesses and themselves to greater heights. What would you say if you could get there faster than you ever thought possible, simply changing how you start your mornings? There is so much power during the hours of the morning and this book will teach you just how the early bird catches the worm. This book is taking the real estate industry by storm, transforming the lives and businesses of tens of thousands of agents, and you too can benefit from it. Go on a journey into the lives of top-producing agent, Rick Masters and his wife, top-producing lender, Michelle Masters to learn from the best.
5. “The Book of Yes” by Kevin Ward
The Book of Yes provides readers with powerful scripts to use the in field of real estate. Ward ditches old sales scripts in exchange for modern and effective scripts that are sure to help bring in more sales. This book provides realtors with a new and constructive approach to the game of real estate. The book is broken down into two parts. Part one will provide you with foundational skills that will aid you in crafting professional scripts that are tailored for you. Part two will provide you with example scripts that will enable you to have smooth conversations that will lead you to more success in the field. Ward’s book holds 27 scripts and 9 techniques that are guaranteed to help you in any real estate related situation. The book also includes small phrases, key vocabulary to use, signs of a client’s unease and so much more.
YouTube serves as a great resource to expand your knowledge on any terrain. Check out these channels to aid in developing your skills as a realtor.
YouTube Channel Links:
Ryan Serhant (click here)
Ryan Serhant is an American real estate mogul, producer and TV personality.
He is best known as the star of Bravo's Emmy-winning "Million Dollar Listing New York" and as the founder of The Serhant Team. His team at Nest Seekers International sold over $630 million in real estate in 2015 and is the #1 sales team in New York and the #5 sales team in the U.S. by Wall Street Journal.
Ryan is also the producer and star of his new show "Sell It Like Serhant" coming to Bravo in early 2018.
As a real estate expert he is a frequent contributor to 20/20, CNN, CNBC, The Today Show and Bloomberg TV, and is often quoted in The New York Times, Forbes, Wall Street Journal and Wall Street Journal China.
Ryan lives in Tribeca with his wife Emilia Bechrakis.
Ken McElroy (click here)
With over two decades of experience in real estate investing, Ken McElroy is passionate about sharing the good life by helping real estate investors grow and prosper. This channel is a place for Ken to discuss numerous topics connected to real estate investing, including finance, budgeting, the entrepreneur mindset, and creating passive income.
Ken offers a wealth of personal experiences, practical advice, success stories, and even some informative setbacks, all presented here to educate and inspire. Whether you’re a new or seasoned investor, the information and resources on this channel will set you on a path where you and your investments can thrive.
Prep Agent (click here)
Pass the Real Estate Exam with a smile! Getting your real estate license does not have to be a miserable process. Give us a chance, we will not let you down!
To pass the real estate exam go to PrepAgent.com https://www.prepagent.com/sign-up
Enes Yilmazer (click here)
Hi everybody, my name is Enes Yilmazer and welcome to my channel. I am a real estate enthusiast living in Beverly Hills. Come and follow me on my channel to see some of the crazy and amazing homes Los Angeles and the United States has to offer. If you like my videos make sure to hit that subscribe button. Leave a comment on any video if you have any questions about LA or the real estate market here. I respond to everything. Looking forward to meeting you.
Cheers,
Enes Yilmazer
Proactive Thinker (click here)
Life Changing Ideas from Life Changing Books. Learn How To Have An Awesome Life! Questions? Ideas? Contact me: admin@theproactivethinker.com
Reventure Consulting (click here)
Reventure Consulting teaches home buyers and real estate investors how to use data to make smarter investment decisions. By combining data from a variety of sources - including the US Census, BLS, Zillow, and Apartments.com - Reventure has developed a suite of analytics to home buyers and real estate investors make more educated decisions about where and when to buy real estate.
DISCLAIMER: The information provided by Reventure Consulting, LLC and Nicholas Gerli is for general informational, educational, and entertainment purposes only. All information on the Reventure Consulting YouTube Channel is provided in good faith, however we make no representation or warranty of any kind, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, adequacy, validity, reliability, availability or completeness of said information.
Neither Reventure Consulting, LLC or Nicholas Gerli is a registered financial advisor.
Homes from our favorite tv shows and movies have always been the heart of the show. From Fresh Prince of Bel-Air to Beetlejuice, in this article we are covering some of film and TV’s most famous homes. Which home do you wish to visit or maybe stay a night in if you could? Comment down below and tell us all about it!
1. Fresh Prince of Bel-Air
MSN
The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air home holds a special place in all of our hearts! The glamorous mansion, owned by the Banks in the tv show, is said to have 10 bedrooms and 4.5 baths. Rooms that received the most screen time included the kitchen, living room and Will’s bedroom.
What many people don’t know is that these rooms were actually filming sets, meaning they were not actually part of the home itself. The exterior shots of the home are the shots in which the home was actually filmed.
This home was also not located in Bel-Air as advertised on the show, but 15 minutes away in a neighborhood called Brentwood in Los Angeles. The Fresh Prince home was once available to rent on Airbnb during 2020 and many scooped up the opportunity up to spend a few nights in this famous mansion. Airbnb has also housed other famous homes such as the Barbie Malibu Dreamhouse, going for as little as $60 a night. Even Tony Stark’s cabin in Avengers: Endgame is available for rent in Fairburn, Georgia, the price a whopping $335 per night.
2. Forrest Gump
Hooked on Houses
The famous Forrest Gump home is located in South Carolina, not the fictional town of Greenbow, Alabama as the movie had entailed. It was constructed just for the movie and was taken down once filming was wrapped up.
The two-story home was built in 1994 on an 8,000-acre plantation and was the heart of the film. With a 30-person team, the home was built in just 2 months. There were rooms that were not complete, but they were never important to the film so they were never shown.
3. Scarface
Elle Decor
El Fureidis or the famous home in the well-known film Scarface sits on 10.5 acres in Montecito, California. It squares in at 10,000-square-feet.
This lavious home’s name means “Little Paradise '' and its design captures a beautiful essence of just that. According to Wall Street Journal, the home sold for $12.26 million which was way under its original asking price of $35 million, which many believed to be overpriced.
The mansion has only 4 bedrooms, but 4 full bathrooms, 5 half baths, a grand patio and a Byzantine style “conversation room”. The home’s design is inspired by Roman architecture and was designed by archirtect Bertram Goodhue in the early 1900s and was originally a botanic garden.
4. Beetlejuice
Hooked on Houses
This famous film took place in Connecticut, but was actually filmed in East Corinth, Vermont. Like the home in Forrest Gump, the home in the Beetlejuice film was constructed solely for filming and was then torn down once the film was completed.
The set was designed by Bo Welch, who also constructed sets from other movies such as Edward Sissorhands and Men in Black.
Welch is married to Catherine O’Hara, who played Delia Deetz in the Beetlejuice film. Although the home was used for a fantasy/comedy film, the home had a gorgeous and captivating design, with stunning interior decor such as the ragged stone dining room table, high back dining chairs and lavish sculptures. The kitchen was also a beautifully designed space in the film's home.
5. The Dark Knight Rises
Planet Minecraft
Wayne Manor, home of the Batcave, i.e Bruce Wayne’s home in The Dark Knight Rises is truly a sight to behold. This grand castle is located in Gotham City - er Nottingham, England. The castle can be visited by batman fans all over the world, as the castle now serves as the Nottingham’s Natural History Museum, allowing visitors to explore the once set of the famous Batman series.
Works Cited
Gustashaw, Megan. “Actually, the Beetlejuice House Was Kind of Awesome.” Architectural Digest, Architectural Digest, 21 Jan. 2019,
www.architecturaldigest.com/story/beetlejuice-house-inspiration.
Hiatt, Maddie. “43 Famous Houses From Movies and TV Shows You Can Actually Visit.” House Beautiful, House Beautiful, 3 Mar. 2021,
www.housebeautiful.com/lifestyle/g26859396/movie-homes-you-can-visit/.
“How They Built Forrest Gump’s Big Old Southern House for the Movie.” Hooked on Houses, 3 Mar. 2020, Oklahoman.
Mallon, Bridget. “Step Inside The Stunning Mansion From ‘Scarface.’” ELLE Decor, ELLE Decor, 6 Oct. 2017, www.elledecor.com/celebrity-style/luxury-real-estate/news/a7957/scarface-mansion-sold/.
Mihaila, Georgie. “The ‘Fresh Prince of Bel-Air’ House Isn’t Even in Bel-Air.” Fancy Pants Homes, 14 July 2021,
www.fancypantshomes.com/movie-homes/the-fresh-prince-of-bel-air-house-in-real-life/.
Real Trends "The Thousand" Ranking: RE/MAX Advanced Realty takes #21 spot Nationally.
RE/MAX Advanced Realty has been a leading name in the Indianapolis Real Estate scene for years, and this happened by no accident. Owner-Broker Dennis Nottingham set a meticulous plan in place years ago, got to work, and saw it through to become not only the #1 Real Estate Team in Indiana, but the #21 Team in the entire U.S. across all teams and companies, not just within RE/MAX! We sat down with RE/MAX Advanced Realty’s Owner-Broker to ask him some questions about his business, and just how he was able to grow it to be the #21 Team in the country.
1. [Q] indianapolisrealestate.com: How does it feel to be the #21 Team in the Country?
[A] Dennis Nottingham: Pretty good. To build something from the ground up, to watch it grow into something like this, it’s pretty special. Hard work pays off, but it’s really my team who busted their butts to make this happen. Couldn’t have done it without them.
2. [Q] indianapolisrealestate.com: You’ve also been the #1 Team in Indiana for a while, how do you keep that up?
[A] Dennis Nottingham:For 7 years now we’ve been the Top Producing Team in number of transaction sides, homes sold and bought, and that comes from putting our clients first. You can’t build that type of resume if your clients aren’t getting the utmost professionalism mixed with true lifelong friendships from their Real Estate Brokers.
3. [Q] indianapolisrealestate.com And how many Realtors-Brokers are currently on your Team?
[A] Dennis Nottingham: Just under 60 and growing!
4. [Q] indianapolisrealestate.com And why is it that Brokers are so attracted to RE/MAX Advanced Realty
[A] Dennis Nottingham: With my company, what you see is what you get. No gimmicks, no fancy selling points to recruit Brokers. The proof is in the results. We’re a family, and I don’t take on just anyone, we only hire Brokers that fit our model and our culture. We’ve built a nice little community that way, and I won’t sacrifice that just to grow bigger.
And I think Brokers tend to come to that realization on their own. One of our new Agents whose husband works in the Tech industry had him research which Agencies had the most prominent Digital Marketing Presence. He ended up choosing us. So that was pretty cool to hear since Digital Marketing and Social Media are both areas I’ve been actively focusing on for years.
*See the entire Real Trends list here!
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If you’re interested in Joining The Indy Home Pros Team as an Agent/Broker, or have any questions for Dennis, you can email him at dennis@indyhomepros.com or call (317) 298.0961.
Owning a home is one of the most significant landmarks in a person's life. It's a milestone and a symbol that you have made it in life. To finally be able to put down roots, and have a space that you can truly call your own is everyones dream. But, it is also one of the toughest decisions to make. There are so many things to consider, and the process it will take to get there can be daunting. That's why; having the right realtor to guide you through your real estate journey plays a pivotal role in ensuring a smooth and meaningful home buying experience.
Now, have you ever wondered what a real estate agents day to day life looks like? What's their story? Since you are to entrust them with one of the biggest decisions you will ever make in your life don’t you agree that it’s only appropriate that we take a glimpse at their world?
Well, let’s take a look at a day in a realtor’s life through #1 Team Leader and owner of RE/MAX Advanced Realty, Dennis Nottingham Jr. and glean some insight into how the Indy Home Pros Team managed to be the number 1 RE/MAX Team in Indiana for six straight years.
How did you first get involved with the Real Estate Industry?
While working as a police officer around the year 2000 I had met a gentleman who "bought, rehabbed, and sold/rented" properties. He explained what he did and it was intriguing to me. I had always been interested in real estate. So while working one day, myself and a good friend who was on the department with me came up with a plan to start buying and selling houses. During that conversation we decided that one of us should go to Real Estate School to get a license so that we could find these houses we were going to buy. While attending the classes I learned about the earning potential of becoming a Real Estate agent, so I decided I would still work as a police officer, and sell real estate part time. I did that for a short time and the real estate business just kept growing and ultimately I had to quit my "full time job" as a police officer.
What was your first impression of the Industry?
I was very intimidated. I felt that I didn't belong. I was young, a 24 year old in a business where people wore suits and dressed nice. I was raised "blue collar" so the adjustment for me was difficult but I was able to adapt and overcome.
What's your first memory of the home buying / selling process?
I remember not knowing what in the world I was doing! It honestly took 5 - 10 deals before I even understood what I was doing. Real Estate is a tough business - sink or swim. I remember having my managing broker drive all across town to help me write my first offer.
What has surprised you most about working as a real estate broker?
People - People are so different, so many different types of personalities. You have to become a chameleon of sorts.
What do you find most challenging about being a real estate broker?
People, period. – Oh and keeping up with the industry trends. There are so many vendors and new technologies. You have to stay ahead of the competition. Many agents/brokers get caught up in the next new technology in our industry. This industry is still built on relationships; technology has only enabled us to become more efficient but turned us impatient.
What's the best/worst thing to happen since you started working in the real estate industry?
I think the best thing is that Real Estate has allotted me the flexibility to be there for all my kids’ games and functions. I get to work my schedule, my schedule doesn't work me.
What do you wish other people knew about being a real estate broker?
It's difficult to get started. Most agents fail. Most people think this job is just to sell properties and make a ton of money. This is not true. It took a whole heck of a lot of 18 hour days in the beginning. You have to build and maintain long term relationships to have a long lasting career in real estate.
What would you say are some of your strongest beliefs about working in the real estate industry?
My strongest belief is, and I tell each agent that I hire, “you gotta get up every day and put your pants on and go to work" and what I mean is you have to treat Real Estate like a normal job. If you were working at an office you would work 40 hours a week, so with this job you gotta put in the same amount of time each week and more. Time needs to be productive, and not "wasted busy work".
What's your personal philosophy on how the home buying experience should be? How about selling?
Buyers should be excited, happy, and nervous. They should feel like all of their questions are being answered and should feel comfortable with the whole process.
Selling - Sellers should feel that their homes are being marketed at their fullest potential and in the best possible ways. Nothing frustrates me more than a seller’s home being marketed with cell phone photos. Consumers shop visually, so when you put a seller’s home on the market you should have good professional photos!
Tell us about someone who has influenced your decision to work in the real estate industry.
I won't mention this gentleman's last name but his name was "Nick", Nick is the one I met while working on the police department who told me about real estate. That was a brief conversation that day, but that is what put the wheels in motion. After getting my license Nick allowed me to help him locate and purchase multiple investment properties. He knew I was a brand new agent but he worked with me and gave me that opportunity. If he wouldn't have given me that opportunity, I don't know that I would still be in this business.
What might (someone) be surprised to know about you?
I am very introverted. I have had to teach myself to interact with people.
The Indy Home Pros Team has been the number one RE/MAX Team in Indiana for 6 straight years. What do you think are the factors that contributed to that success?
Being consistent. You don't have to be great at everything, you just have to do good consistently, everyone has a job to do and if everyone does their job then success comes natural.
What would you tell someone who is thinking of becoming a realtor?
Research it. There are a lot of people who will tell you that you will make tons of money in this business. It's not easy to be successful. You have to be very self-driven to succeed.
How do you envision the RE/MAX Advanced Realty- Indiana office in the next 5 years?
As one of the most respected and well rounded offices in Central Indiana.
What's it like to be the team leader of the number 1 selling team in Indiana?
I don't really think of it like that. I enjoy bringing an agent in the office and watching them grow their business and succeed.
If you weren't working as a real estate broker, what would you be doing instead or what would your life be like?
I would probably still be a police officer; I enjoyed that part of my life. I think back and I enjoyed the days of not having to take phone calls late at night and dealing with last minute issues.
As a seasoned broker, what sort of Real Estate trends do you see in Central Indiana?
Market is still strong. I weathered the storm in 2008 when foreclosures were the only houses selling. I expect the market to continue being strong. Consumer confidence is high right now.
How would your team members describe you?
Open book. I don't tend to sugar coat things and I think they appreciate that. I expect everyone to do what they are here to do. If you aren't performing then you have to look at yourself in the mirror and question yourself on why you aren't succeeding.
What do you do when you aren't running your business?
I enjoy time with my 2 girls. I am also a big baseball fan, so I enjoy watching baseball and helping coach my girls in softball.
Life in the real estate industry isn’t a walk in the park. It’s not merely getting a realtor’s license and then representing buyers and sellers. In fact, it’s just like any career. To be successful, it requires passion, hard work, team effort, constant learning, consistency and commitment to always doing your best. But the greatest lesson we can take from Dennis is that the right agent for you, the kind of realtor you should work with, is someone who is fuelled with passion for what they do. One that is willing to walk the extra mile to be the best in order to deliver the best for you.
Work with those who know, and learn more about Dennis Nottingham Jr. and his company, RE/MAX Advanced Realty with its 55 full time agents, visit www.IndyHomePros.com
8313 W. 10th St
Indianapolis IN 46234
dennis@indyhomepros.com
317-316-8224