I asked Ron how he sees business, for real estate brokerage firms … over the next quarter?
… I see us continuing to be very active in a sellers-market which is not healthy. While everybody is doing well, at some point there will be a correction – and that hurts people.
And over the next 5 years?
… I see our licensing structures likely to change. I expect a broker-level educational requirement for all agents who will either be licensed as their own brokerage, or be associated with one as most are now – but with liability more equitably on the realtor’s shoulders. With technology continues to advance so quickly, I sense we are cocooning, which causes the industry to lose the hands-on and face-to-face connections which, in my view, makes for better relationships and better real estate transactions.
What qualities distinguish your preferred colleagues, collaborators and suppliers?
… honesty, people who deal fairly, ‘haggle-free-give-me-your-best-price’, trust, no agenda, people who are responsive when I have a problem
What distinguishes you that causes people/employers to choose Ron Stanners/MaxWell, why do they do business with you, why have they hired you, over your competitors?
… my word and my handshake are as important as my signature, we treat people well, we support our realtors with service and problem solving.
What do you lose sleep over, what do you worry about?
… Not much. When I leave the office, I leave it all behind. Not just because I have good people. I’ve always been that way. I don’t know how I do it – I just do.
Who or what influenced you most – that has made a difference in your life, or that was a major turning point?
… my father, for patience and understanding. He was rarely upset. Jim Chaput – sat on a not-for-profit board with him; his skill bringing calm to difficult situations by asking the right questions. When I have problems I often ask myself, “What would Jim do?”. Dick Oakes, my partner of 24+ years – implicit trust, very astute.
Work life balance?
… golf, road trips (to golf!), gardening, wood-working, bird-watching (our home is adjacent to a preserve), planning more foreign travel. Family time - 3 children, 2 grandchildren.
What do you read?
… historical fiction, National Geographic, The Source and other James A. Michener novels.
His ride?
… 2014 Honda Odyssey van.