EXECUTIVEAGENT MAGAZINE
Risa Myers Executive Agent of the Month
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Risa Myers “Get the Star Treatment”
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By Haley Freeman - Ian Wiant Photographer
f you could bottle enthusiasm, Risa Myers would be the next Coca-Cola. Her effervescent personality and real estate expertise combine to create fantastic results for her clients, and everyone has a great time along the way! Risa is not shy about revealing the fact that she grew up as one of eight children in an economically disadvantaged family, often living in small apartments in bad neighborhoods. “Early in my life I aspired to the ‘American Dream’ of owning my own home. I wanted to be that cookie-baking mama who gathered the family around the table for dinner at 6:00 every night.”
As for the rest of her team, Risa says, “I look for trust and energy in people. I want to work with somebody who is excited to get the job done. My team includes 10 women and they all have so much talent – I am constantly blown away because they are so good. I do a lot of volume, so I get the best service response from all of those professionals who support me. When my clients hire me, they hire the whole team. My listing packets include pictures of all of the team members with a description of what they do so that my clients know everyone who is working for them.” A fixture in the South Bay community, Risa says she knows everyone. “I grew up here, and I know and love my area. I generally refer out if a client needs property elsewhere so that I can focus on what I do best. I know the schools and neighborhoods and have the knowledge to find the right fit for my clients’ needs.”
That dream inspired Risa’s interest in real estate, and after an early career in corporate operations and sales, she went on to obtain her license. Today she is a top-producing agent at RE/MAX, ranked #39 of 680 of her Southern California peers. Risa is quick to share the credit for her successes. She describes her executive assistant, Rose Powers, as “the wind beneath my wings. I cannot do this without her. Rose has been right alongside me for four years now. We love each other. She shows up every day with a great attitude and works hard – she is detail-oriented and gets things done.”
Risa’s commitment to her clients’ welfare is evident in every transaction. She goes the extra mile, even when it means correcting someone else’s mistakes. “I once wrote a check for $10,000 for a client who didn’t get their buyer credit at escrow. The mistake was made by someone else in the transaction, but I made it right. It hurt, but I felt it was the right thing to do.”
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From L - R: Melody May, Graphic Designer; Michelle Coolidge-Tondu, Mortgage Lender; Kara Wilkins, Home Warranty Representative; Bree Walrath, Computer Tech; Renee Barnett, Office Coordinator; Risa Myers; Rose Powers, Executive Assistant; Kathleen Knoll, Title Representative; Pamela Boboc, Director of Social Media; Beth Lester, Home Stager; Lisa McMullen, Escrow Officer; Janet Johnson, Transaction Coordinator Risa’s number one reason for loving her work is it’s an opportunity to help others. She strives to make each transaction stress-free and enjoyable for buyers, sellers and the other agents. “I want to be the kind of Realtor® that I would want to do business with – the kind you brag to your friends about.” And people do brag to their friends about Risa. She is the recipient of numerous, sincere thank you letters and generous gifts from grateful clients. The greatest demonstration of their gratitude comes in the form of referrals, which make up about 95% of Risa’s business. One young couple gave Risa the most meaningful thank you of her career. “While the home they wanted was in escrow, we realized that it had a lot of problems and the seller wouldn’t fix anything. I had a bad feeling about it and advised them not to buy. That decision ended up being especially important because they found out they were pregnant and it wasn’t the right time to buy. We connected on such a deep level through the buying process, that they asked me to be the Godmother to their son. I am
more than just a Realtor®. This business can’t be about money. When I look at the box full of cards and letters from my clients, I see evidence of all the good we do and how many people we have helped.” To say thank you to her clients in return, Risa hosts an annual customer appreciation bash. “This year’s party was an Elvis theme. We always host it at Polliwog Park in Manhattan Beach, and every year we have gifts for everyone there. There is music and food – we spare no expense to make sure everyone has a great time.” With her dazzling personality and California smile, it is no wonder that Risa has also become an industry television star. She and her clients have been featured on HGTV’s “House Hunters” and “House Hunters Renovation”. “When I found out HGTV was looking for Realtors®, I submitted my application and was relentless with follow up. When I decide to do something, it’s going to happen. I have a lot of tenacity, so I made a video and sent it in, and I got the opportunity!”
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More Than Just a Realtor® Risa is passionate about marketing her business. Everything she does sets her apart from the crowd. For Thanksgiving, she sent clients gratitude spoons. “There was a card attached that talked about starting a new holiday tradition. The person holding the spoon talks about what they are grateful for and passes it to the next person. I have personalized blankets made when a baby is born. I host housewarming parties for new buyers. I provide all of my sellers with leather-bound listing packets featuring an 8x10 photo of their home on the front. I’ve always been entrepreneurial and had a knack for marketing. I love to do things that are outside the box.”
Risa with Godson, Gabriel, and his parents, Diego and Ashleen Caino
Risa thinks outside the box in every aspect of her business. “When I write an offer, it gets accepted. It is no accident. The offers I submit stand out. I include photos
of my clients who want to buy the home along with a wonderful letter about them and why the house is a good fit. I assure the seller and their agent that when they accept our offer, it will be a smooth transaction. My goal is to take care of my clients and get the deal done.” Risa is also generous about sharing her ideas and expertise with fellow professionals.
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She is the Director of Networking for RE/MAX Estate Properties, and every Thursday Risa hosts a meeting in the Torrance office. She provides training, invites guest speakers and creates a forum where agents can share their off-market listings. While Risa loves her life in real estate, she has another passion that is also about being of service to others. “Long before I had a corporate job, I was a minister. This is my true calling, and I hope to get my self-help books published in the next year. My soul’s journey is to be of service, and that is when I’m the most happy and fulfilled. I believe this is my life’s purpose.” Giving back to the community is especially important to Risa. She donates a portion of every commission to Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and participates in their annual fundraising run.
Risa is working on a self-help series, which includes her life story. “I came from a big family that was poor and had a lot of struggles. I’m writing about my life with the hope that I can help others by telling my story. I have had success in my life and even ended up on TV, but I am not special. I just work really hard.” With her usual light-hearted determination, Risa says, “I have an intention. I will not play unless I’m going to win. I’m a winner. If you want to win too, you want to be on my team.”
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Risa Myers
RE/MAX Estate Properties 1720 S. Elena Avenue Redondo Beach, CA 90277 Tel: 310-429-2969 Email: Risa@risamyers.com Web: www.RisaMyersHomes.com CalBRE # 01715618
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