M O B I L E B AY
C O N N E C T I N G .
E L E VAT I N G .
I N S P I R I N G .
Steve May Restoring Mobile’s Historic Homes Rising Star Nathalie Orso Partner Spotlight Fairhope Title Broker in Charge Teresa Williamson, Roberts Brothers
Real Producer
Tracey
Goens FEBRUARY 2022
Dedicated and Seasoned Attorneys You & Your Clients Can Trust. FAIRHOPE
455 Magnolia Ave., Ste C-1 Fairhope, AL 36532 Tel: 251-928-9900 Fax: 251-928-9904
GULF SHORES 125 Cove Ave Gulf Shores, AL 36542 Tel: 251-967-1026 Fax: 251-967-1085
U NSURPASSE D SERV IC E AND EX P ERTISE Attorney Owned & Operated Proudly serving Baldwin and Mobile County Realtors for over forty years. RES I DE NT IAL | COM MERCIA L | NEW C ONSTRUC T ION | RE FI NANC E T RANSAC T IONS
Reach out to us today at (251) 937-4111
ldholt.com • attorney@ldholt.com 7581 Spanish Fort Blvd, Spanish Fort, AL 36527
WWW.FAIRHOPETITLE.COM 2 • February 2022
• 1031 Tax Saving Realty Exchanges • Preserving Family Realty Legacies • Hold Realty Assets in Protected Entities • Moving Realty through Estate Issues
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TABLE OF
CONTENTS 10
My name is Diane Brookerd. I am a local Title Agent with over 30 years of experience in the local title industry. I am excited to introduce you to SPRINGDALE TITLE where WE SAY YES! We have closed thousands of loans for a variety of lenders in multiple states. Our staff is cross-trained both in the multiple facets of the closing process and in the varying nuances of each state in which we operate.
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22
Publisher’s Note: The Scamdemic
Steve May with Sam Winter & Company
Partner Spotlight: Fairhope Title Services LLC
28
38
44
Real Producer: Tracey Goens
Rising Star: Nathalie Orso
Broker in Charge: Teresa Williamson
We also pride ourselves on staying up-to-date technologically and educationally so that we may offer the safest and most satisfying closing experience possible to our clients. It is our pleasure to tackle the hard problems and complicated closings that other title companies shy away from.
solely those of the author(s). The paid advertisements contained within the Mobile Bay Real Producers magazine are not endorsed or recommended by The N2 Company or the publisher. Therefore, neither The N2 Company nor the publisher may be held liable or responsible for business practices of these companies.
Do you: · · · · ·
If you are interested in contributing or nominating Realtors for certain stories, please email us at Robert.orso@RealProducersMag.com .DISCLAIMER: Any articles included in this publication and/or opinions expressed therein do not necessarily reflect the views of The N2 Company d/b/a Real Producers but remain
Need a split closing? Have a client who is out town and needs to sign remotely? Need extra documents drafted for your closing? Have a problem with your chain of title? Need an odd closing time, day, or location due to an emergency or other extraordinary circumstance?
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Covering Mobile & Baldwin Counties
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M E E T T H E M O B I L E B AY R E A L P R O D U C E R S T E A M
Robert Orso
Heather Johnson
James Avera Photographer
Videographer Adobe House Media Productions
Jon Jeffress
Jill Claire Gentry
Dave Danielson
Asia Schnoes
Owner/Publisher
Photographer
6 • February 2022
Ad Strategist
Writer
Contributing Writer
Lew Thomas,
Social Media Project Manager
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PREFERRED PARTNERS
This section has been created to give you easier access when searching for a trusted real estate affiliate. Take a minute to familiarize yourself with the businesses sponsoring your magazine. These local businesses are proud to partner with you and make this magazine possible. Please support these businesses and thank them for supporting the REALTOR® community! ATTORNEY - REAL ESTATE LD Holt & Associates, LLC LD Holt 7581 Spanish Fort Blvd. Spanish Fort, AL 36527 (251) 937-4111 LDholt.com BUILDER/CONSTRUCTION Lundy Akridge Construction & Development Aaron Akridge 6281 Halfmile Road Irvington, AL 36544 (251) 366-1508 CABINETS/CUSTOM Jimmy Stocks Woodworks James Stocks 10251 Gayfer Road Fairhope, AL 36532 (251) 895-5524 FOUNDATION REPAIR MDH Foundation Repair Shannon Reichart 108 5th Street Daphne, AL 36526 (251) 375-0565 mdhfoundationrepair.com/ HOME INSPECTION Home Boss of Mobile County Riaan DuPlessis 109 Riveroaks Drive Fairhope, AL 36532 (251) 300-4711 www.homebossmobilecounty.com Mobile Bay Inspections Christian Leman 1664 Lamar Street Mobile, AL 36604 (765) 426-5575
Southern Inspection Services, LLC Mike Burchfield 1612 Chase Drive Saraland, AL 36571 (251) 404-0957 HOME WARRANTY Old Republic Home Protection Todd Powell (850) 543-1512 X1 www.ORHP.com HVAC/PLUMBING Hansen Heating & Air Chad Setchell (251) 471-3047 Hansenair.com INSURANCE Coastal Insurance Group, LLC Kurt Wielkens 3660 Dauphin Street, Suite A Mobile, AL 36608 (251) 344-9898 www.coastalinsgrp.com LENDER Alabama Ag Credit Andy Grant 9810 Timber Circle Spanish Fort, AL 36527 (251) 626-2929 alabamaagcredit.com Bank of England Mortgage Alabama (BOE) Bryant MacKellar 1710 Main Street Daphne, AL 36526 (404) 840-6612 www.boealabama.com
Clear Mortgage Kenneth Harter (251) 282-6894 clearmortgage.com Cornerstone Mortgage Solutions Bart Hare 12180 Ariel Way Spanish Fort, AL 36527 (251) 753-5105 choosecornerstone.com Guaranteed Rate Mortgage Garett Caywood 27084 Valamour Blvd. Loxley, AL 36551 (251) 455-2028 guaranteedrate.com Homespire Mortgage Corporation Kelly Lankford (251) 213-8314 homespiremortgage.com Mission 1st Mortgage, Inc. Bryan Dewberry 805 Church Street Mobile, AL 36602 (251) 583-4218 mission1stmortgageinc.com MOLD AND ODOR REMEDIATION AdvantaClean Jimmie Newton 25421 Hwy. 181, Suite 103 Daphne, AL 36526 (251) 776-4669 advantaclean.com
MOVING COMPANY R S Services Kyle Richardson 3704 Moffett Road Mobile, AL 36618 (251) 895-2675 www.richardson services.com PEST SOLUTIONS E3 Termite & Pest Control Mike Adams 20040 Hwy 181 Fairhope, AL 36532 (251) 278-7954 E3pest.com Mr. Buggs Pest Patrol Kenneth Kirby (205) 369-2205 mrbuggs.com Proshield Termite & Pest Control Michael Hayes (251) 776-2362 Southeastern Exterminating Mike Hollis 25378 Profit Drive Daphne, AL 36561 (251) 402-0264 PHOTOGRAPHY Avera Design James Avera (251) 479-2545 averadesign.com
Deep South Focus Photography Jon Jeffress 233 Suzanne Circle Mobile, AL 36608 (251) 421-0517 www.deepsouthfocus.com/
STONE / CABINETRY / TILE Coastal Stone & Cabinetry Stephanie Hale 16020 S. Greeno Road Fairhope, AL 36532 (251) 929-3475 www.coastalstonefairhope.com
PLUMBING Kirchler Plumbing Daniel Kirchler (251) 490-0931
TITLE COMPANY Clear Title Lisa Walker 1680 West 2nd Street Unit A Gulf Shores, AL 36547 (251) 747-2550 x2517524181 www.getcleartitle.com
ROOFING SERVICES Stauter Contracting Lois Stauter 302 Riverbend Drive Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 230-7090 stauterbuilt.com SIGNS & GRAPHICS Fast Signs Pauline McKean 4668 Airport Blvd. Mobile, AL 36608 (251) 279-0747 fastsigns.com SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING Southern View Media Michelle Murrill (251) 583-2605 southernviewmedia.com STAGE & DESIGN Showhomes Home Staging & Design Serving Mobile & Baldwin 251.622.5004 www.showhomesmobile baldwin.com
Fairhope Title Services, LLC Brian Britt 455 Magnolia Street Suite C-1 Fairhope, AL 36532 (251) 928-9900 www.fairhopetitle.com Springdale Title, LLC Diane Brookerd 1501B Highway 98 Daphne, AL 36526 (251) 270-4500 springdaletitle.com VIDEOGRAPHER Adobe House Media Production Lew Thomas 27940 Bay Branch Drive Daphne, AL 36526 (251) 454-0004 adobehousemp.com
TOTAL HOME PROTECTION
www.MrBuggs.com 8 • February 2022
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Mobile Bay Real Producers • 9
of scammers but some of them are useless. The national “Do Not Call Registry” is a joke and ignored by the scammers. Block the numbers from your phone? It takes a lot of time to block all those numbers and after you do, they just roll over to another VoIP number.
publisher’s note By Robert Orso
Now that you know some of the gory details of the scammer pandemic, here are a few suggestions on how to not fall victim. First be aware that most of these scammers are very good at what they do, and they are master manipulators. Some, not so sophisticated. There is a lot of information on the web about how to avoid scams and deal with constant interruptions. I cannot cram all that information into this brief article but here are a few for your consideration. I recommend doing your own research because as smart as you think you are, you could still be scammed.
The SCAMDEMIC Americans lost $29.8 billion to phone scams alone over the past year! What we have here is a Scamdemic within a Pandemic. The scammers have been out there for years, and it just gets worse every year, but the Covid pandemic has just given them more angles for their scams and they are relentless in their pursuit of free money. In fact, 59% of Americans have received scam calls or SMS related to Covid-19. Sadly, many Americans fall for the phone and text message offers every day. Most of us would assume that the elderly are the common victims, but according to Truecaller, the victims fall into several age brackets. Younger Americans are more susceptible to phone scams. And across generations, about 59.4% of men reported being scammed, compared to just 38.3% of women. Younger men and women between the ages of 18-44 are more susceptible to phone scams with the highest category being men, ages 35-44.
10 • February 2022
Roughly, 59.4 million Americans have lost money to phone scams over the past year and 19% of those fell victim more than once, according to The Harris Poll. One in 3 Americans (31%) report falling victim to phone scams. The average reported loss is $502 per person, which is up from the $351 per person reported in 2020. If you are like me, I never answer spam calls and I never open the SMS links, so I have wondered, if a lot of people are like me, why do these scammers persist, and are they making enough money for their efforts? The numbers above answer those questions. This is a bigger business than the cartel’s human trafficking business at the southern border! Even for those of us who have not taken the bait of a scam call or SMS, this is a huge annoyance to our daily
When you receive a robo- or telemarketing call: 1. Let unknown calls go to voicemail. If it is legitimate, they 2. 3. 4.
will leave a message Block and report spam calls. Manually block on your cell phone or download a robocall-blocking app Report spam calls and texts to your wireless carrier. Forward unwanted texts to 7726 (SPAM). Limit how you give your number out. Treat your phone number like you treat your bank account
When you receive a spam text, Norton suggest: 1. Don’t reply directly to any spam text message 2. Don’t release any personal information 3. Don’t click on any links
We all know how the Covid pandemic has interrupted our normal lives and just when we think it is subsiding, another variant pops up. The scammer pandemic is easier to combat than Covid when we implement the measures mentioned above. We cannot ignore Covid, but we can go about our day ignoring any call or text that does not come from someone we know and let voicemail sort them out at the end of the day. The FCC is working on measures to reduce and stop the scams, but we should not expect rapid or completely effective results. In the meantime, be smart and don’t be scammed.
lives and ability to conduct business. I currently receive more scam calls and SMS than legitimate calls and text messages. Some of the calls are identified as Spam or Telemarketer by my wireless carrier and those are easy to ignore, but many of them are not identified. It never fails that if I have my hands full or dirty doing something, the text notifications or ringer go off. I feel the pressure to at least look because it could be a family member or client. I can hardly get through a client meeting without receiving a spam call or SMS. Of course, there are some measures we can take to stem the tide
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Mobile Bay Real Producers • 11
GulfQuest first social event of 2022
Maritime Museum
When you get the invitation, please RSVP and join other top-producing realtors and our preferred partners on Thursday, March 10 at the GulfQuest Maritime Museum, located at 155 S. Water Street in downtown Mobile. The event will run from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Watch for the invitation by email and text. If you do not receive an invitation, please contact me at robert.orso@ realproducersmag.com. The invitations will be one-plus, meaning you can bring your spouse, partner, or friend. Remember, this event is just for you and our advertising partners. Save the date and don’t miss it! No speeches, no agenda. This event is strictly social with great food and beverages in a beautiful setting. It’s a great opportunity for networking, collaboration, and fellowship.
12 • February 2022
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Mobile Bay Real Producers • 13
Restoring Mobile’s Historic Homes
STEVE
MAY with Sam Winter & Company
By Olivia McNorton Photos by Jon Jeffress, Deep South Focus Photography
14 • February 2022
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Mobile Bay Real Producers • 15
PASSION EQUALS ENERGY Take a drive down Mobile’s Dauphin Street or Government Street and you will be met with awe-inspiring homes that boast the city’s historic architecture. In the past, the city had an abundant display of its longevity, featuring Spanish, French, and English architecture throughout its expansive waterfront. Mobilians in the mid20th-century sought to bring modern architecture to Mobile and destroyed thousands of buildings, many of which were built in the early 1800s. Today, many mourn the mistakes of the past and seek to preserve the little of Mobile’s historic architecture that remains. Steve May, an agent with Sam Winter & Co. Real Estate, has found purpose and passion in restoring Mobile’s historic homes. Growing up in a military family, May’s mother would take him and his two brothers on historic home tours around the country whenever she could. “My mother was from Mobile and would rave about how beautiful it
was,” May says, “We’d visit family in the Oakleigh Historic District, and I was always blown away by the beauty of Washington Square.” May attended the University of Alabama, earning his bachelor’s in psychology. “I was always interested in human behavior and the way people think,” he recalls, “But I realized the kind of money I needed to provide for my family, I needed to work in sales.”
that’s these old houses. Whether it is buying them, selling them, restoring them, or preventing them from being torn down-it excites me!” May decided a career as a realtor would give him the flexibility, he needed to hone his focus on historic home preservation. He has been employed as an agent at Sam Winter & Co. since 2019, accumulating a total sales volume of over $4.5 million.
May moved to Mobile in 1995 and held long-term positions for Automatic Data Processing and American Express for a collective of 19 years. “In the meantime, I was always restoring houses on the weekends-I was kind of a ‘weekend warrior’,” May says, “I started working on shotgun houses, and that was my escape.” May continued to work full-time in sales and renovate houses part-time until he reached the age of 50. “I had a couple of my good friends from college die. It just shook me; I realized I needed to do what I am passionate about, and
May finds the creative aspects of renovation rewarding, and the challenge of updating an old house to fit the contemporary lifestyle exciting. He says: “I think in the corporate world, there was nothing tangible. Every year, they would give me a higher quota, but there was nothing I could show for it. What I love about restoring historic homes, you can actually see the work you’re doing and it’s so gratifying.” May has restored over 15 historic homes in the Mobile area, many in the Oakleigh Historic District. Seven of those were shotgun houses, one of them built as early as 1855. May stays involved daily during a restoration project and finds the renovation phase rejuvenating despite the manual labor. May particularly enjoys repurposing old materials for his projects. “I literally pick stuff off the road sometimes,” he says, “people throw away things like good lumber and shutters and I reuse them-and give them a second life.” May believes that historic building preservation is vital to the quality of life of Mobile’s citizens. “There’s this awesome quote from German philosopher Von Goethe, who said that ‘Architecture is frozen music.’,” he quotes, “When I drive around downtown Mobile and I see all the
16 • February 2022
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Mobile Bay Real Producers • 17
different architectural styles, the different periods and craftsmanship, the history, it’s fascinating to me.” For May, historic homes have souls and remind us that life is much grander than our individual experiences. “I think it’s important to preserve our past since we’ve destroyed so much of it already,” he believes, “All the people who lived in these old houses, the stories and families...there are so many memories here.” May’s seen a recent uptake in the popularity of historic home
18 • February 2022
renovation, which he attributes to the rise of social media and FixerUpper-type television series. “They’ve brought a lot more awareness about the value of it, and a sense of place with our city,” May says, “I help a lot of my clients find houses that are in need of renovation because they want to restore them.” May also cites expensive building costs as a major factor in choosing to renovate a home over building a new one. According to Forbes, the average cost of building a home in Alabama is $267, 620. In comparison, Rocket Mortgage reports that renovating a home costs anywhere from $15,000-$200,000. May’s current lineup of projects includes renovating two houses in the Oakleigh House District, a house on Michigan Avenue, and building a greenhouse in his backyard with his son. “Parker has a really good
eye,” May says. “And you know what they say about kids-he’s willing to be brutally honest!” May enjoys being a part of the communal effort to preserve Mobile’s history as well. He is presently a Board Member of Restore Mobile, a nonprofit dedicated to the preservation and revitalization of Mobile’s historic architecture. May believes Mobile’s future is bright and delights in the recent attention towards the city’s downtown. “I think Mayor Stimpson said it best when he said, ‘“You can’t have a great city without a great downtown’,.” May sees the city entering what he calls a “Renaissance” phase, a period in which Mobilians return to their city and recognize the beauty of its architecture, art, and history. “All of that together is just a beautiful gumbo that was neglected for decades,” May reflects, “We just need to stick together and help each other take care of our city.”
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Mobile Bay Real Producers • 19
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Mobile Bay Real Producers • 21
resource for more experienced REALTORS®,” Brian emphasizes. “The fact we’ve been at it so long and have staff with so many years of experience is the key. When an issue arises, there’s usually not too much that we haven’t seen before so we are able to get most issues resolved very efficiently.” Tradition of Excellence
Fairhope Title Services LLC was originally formed in 1980 by Ron Kopesky. Ron and Brian worked together at the company and also as partners in the law firm of Kopesky & Britt LLC. While you won’t find a big difference in products between title companies, there are other differentiating factors. “We’re committed to service, first and foremost, and we really feel we bring a lot to the table because of our legal expertise,” Brian says. “Our main method of taking care of clients is through providing the best possible service. The way we
compete is to give the very best service and we also have a really broad base of knowledge when it comes to the legalities associated with issues surrounding real estate transactions. So we have a lot of tools in our toolbox we can offer.” Building Strong Bonds
The relationships Brian and his team enjoy with their REALTOR® partners are central to their secret of success. “We recognize that real estate agents are the lifeblood of our company. So we want to do everything we can to help them be as good and successful at their careers as they can be,” he says.
partner spotlight By Dave Danielson Photos by Sam Whitt Photography
Fairhope Title Services LLC
Your Resource for Results The way you dedicate yourself to your clients’ needs goes way beyond the business at hand. Your efforts don’t come with an expiration date, right? You’re there to answer questions years down the road. In the same way, it means a lot when you have a partner who approaches their business with you in the same way. That’s where Fairhope Title Services LLC comes in as a true resource for results today and tomorrow.
22 • February 2022
Brian Britt is the owner of Fairhope Title Services LLC and also practices law alongside attorney Brant Richerson at his law firm, Kopesky & Britt LLC. “We really work to be a resource for the REALTORS® in Baldwin County. We’re constantly trying to educate newer agents, as well as being a
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Mobile Bay Real Producers • 23
Hardly a day goes by without me taking a call from someone and helping them solve a problem.
To help accomplish this, Brian has been extremely involved with the local REALTORS’® association, Baldwin Realtors. In fact, he routinely teaches classes to industry members and has chaired the association’s Forms committee for the last four years.
“We always say don’t be afraid to pick up the phone and call us. Most REALTORS® have my cell phone number, and I’m glad they do. Even if I’m not working on their transaction, I’m always happy to answer REALTORS’® or lenders’ questions and help work through issues that arise for them. Hardly a day goes by without me taking a call from someone and helping them solve a problem.”
“I help create and update the documents that REALTORS® use in their daily practice, whether it’s purchase agreements or various addendum forms,” Brian explains. “I also teach classes to REALTORS® so when they get out in the field they are really well equipped to put those documents to good use for their clients.”
Passion for People
The approach Fairhope Title Services LLC takes is all about being there when it matters the most.
As Brian says, “Baldwin County is really booming, but it still has a smalltown and close-knit feel. By the time
Brian’s passion for his work begins with people. First, there is the drive to serve people who are and will continue to be his neighbors.
we get to the closing table, most of the hard work is done and we love getting to engage and visit with our friends and clients face to face here in the office.” Brian is quick to praise his team and their direct impact on the firm’s longterm success. “We have 13 of us on the team between our Fairhope and Gulf Shores offices,” he says. “One of the greatest things about our group is that we are 100 percent a family. We have a couple of team members who have been with us for 20 years, and there are several others who have been here 10 years. We have a lot of longevity. So we’ve been through a lot together, and we’ve helped each other through good and bad times. We are very close and we all take care of each other.”
24 • February 2022
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Away from work, Brian looks forward to time spent with his wife, Beth, and his children — 15-year-old daughter, Maggie, and 3-year-old twins, George and Mary Katherine. In his free time, Brian enjoys time outdoors … hunting, boating, canoeing, and fishing. He also plays guitar and has a real passion for cooking. Giving back to the community is also a big part of who he is. As a member of Trinity Presbyterian Church, Brian serves as an elder and is also involved with the congregation’s witness and outreach committee — identifying and helping to meet the needs of area residents. As Brian considers his team’s longstanding tradition of success, he feels a deep sense of pride in the way they make it happen. “I would hope we’re known as a company that does things the right way. We don’t cut corners,” he says. “Even if it’s a lot more difficult or time-consuming to do something, that’s the way we do it.” For More Information About Fairhope Title Services: Email: brian@KBLawLLC.com Phone: 251-928-9900
Mobile Bay Real Producers • 25
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Mobile Bay Real Producers • 27
real producer By Dave Danielson Photos by James Avera, Avera Design
While there are many drivers for what each of us does each day, there’s nothing quite like the knowledge that your efforts are truly impacting other lives. That’s the feeling that Tracey Goens experiences each day through her work. As Owner and REALTOR® of Core 3 Realty, Tracey partners with Ann Andrew to positively touch the lives of others. “I love helping people get where they need to be. That is my huge passion for what I do. I like to help them through the emotions of the process … through problem-solving and negotiating,” Tracey says.
Tracey
Goens Motivated by the Mission
28 • February 2022
“It’s about being there for them. The money doesn’t motivate me. I love helping people and building relationships. Most of my clients become like family to me. I love having a part in working with people to get into a home. You can’t put a price on that. That’s what drives me.” First Steps
Tracey was born in Spanish Fort. As Tracey came of age, she married her first husband at a young age and had two children. Tracey’s father had owned an auto repair business, and she helped her ex-husband start his own auto repair business, as well. In the meantime, Tracey had earned her real estate license. That was 17 years ago.
“I always liked houses and helping people. I was able to work part-time in real estate while I helped my ex-husband get his auto repair business started,” she remembers. “The transition into the business was challenging. It was six months before I had my first transaction. It took time figuring out where to get business from.” Building Forward
Her career choice provided important benefits.
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In time, her marriage ended. But she continued building her business through the years.
Mobile Bay Real Producers • 29
The signs of success for the Core 3 Realty team have been plentiful. In fact, they completed 2021 with about 200 transactions as one of the top-producing teams in the county. A central part of the firm’s mission is helping professionals grow and succeed in their own business. “When we started Core 3 Realty, we wanted to help other agents to grow, and to also have a balance with life and work. This isn’t just a sales job. It’s a business,” Tracey says. “We have a mentor program for our agents to help them, including the process of listing a property and doing contracts. We offer as much as we can to help them be successful. In addition, it also helps me to be around other people. I’ve been doing this for 17 years. I enjoy coaching and learning things from other people.” Family Foundation
Away from work, Tracey looks forward to time spent with her children — son, Jeff Mosley, and her son, Jonathan Mosley. She also treasures time with her four grandchildren.
Three years ago, she partnered with Ann Andrew to form Core 3 Realty. “Our name is based on our three core values and areas of focus … clients, community, and culture,” Tracey explains. Team Triumphs
Today, the Core 3 Realty team has 16 agents in addition to Tracey and Ann, along with a support team, including office manager Karen Van Belois. “She is the glue that keeps us together,” Tracey says with a smile.
30 • February 2022
In her free time, Tracey has a passion for spending time at the beach, listening to live music, supporting Alabama football, and hanging out with friends. She also enjoys storm chasing and spending time with her dog, Zoey. Tracey is also driven by the memory of her father, Bobby Wilson. “My dad passed away in 2007 when he was 70 years old,” she remembers. “My dad did so much good for the community. He even started the fire department. If I could do 10 percent of what he did for the community, I would feel very honored.”
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Mobile Bay Real Producers • 31
It makes us feel good to know that they turn to us for so many things that aren’t real estate-related. We want to be there for them through time.
When it comes to giving back to the community, Tracey has a heart for helping. She is on the Board of Directors for the Baldwin County Child Advocacy Center. In addition, she is an Ambassador with the Chamber of Commerce. Plus, she was also involved with creating VOCAL (Victims Against Crimes and Leniency). Making an Impact
When you talk with Tracey it’s easy to see the mission for customer service that she has. “That’s something that we really emphasize with our team,” she says. “As part of that, we want to go beyond the real estate side. It makes us feel good to know that they turn to us for so many things that aren’t real estate-related. We want to be there for them through time.”
32 • February 2022
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Mobile Bay Real Producers • 33
Homeowners, Life, Auto & Business Insurance We approach insurance with the heart of a teacher and will help you... Understand your coverage BEFORE you file a claim • Answer all of your questions Make sure you understand your policies • Know what to do and expect
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34 • February 2022
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Mobile Bay Real Producers • 35
IN REVIEW I want to thank all of our top agents, Real Producers, for their interesting and inspiring stories in 2021. It was a great year for Mobile Bay Real Producers. So many outstanding stories from the top agents, rising stars, brokers/leaders, and advertising partners. Looking forward to many more great articles in 2022!
36 • February 2022
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Mobile Bay Real Producers • 37
rising star By Jill Clair Gentry By James Avera, Avera Design
N AT H A LIE ORSO Nathalie Orso uses hospitality background to help clients feel at ease
Nathalie Orso grew up in a real estate family and built a 13-year career in the hospitality industry. Becoming an agent was a natural fit for her. “I’ve always taken care of people,” she says. “At my first job, we had a motto: ‘Make Me Feel Important.’ I have definitely transferred that mindset to real estate.” GETTING STARTED
Nathalie grew up in Mobile and graduated from the University of South Alabama in 2015 with a business degree. She moved to Birmingham, accepted an event planning internship, and worked in the hospitality industry until 2020. “I started my career as an agent during COVID lockdown, so I couldn’t really go out and meet anyone,” Nathalie says. “I couldn’t go to church or host open houses. So, I just started by watching tons of training videos and listening to podcasts during quarantine. I really dug into educating myself, and then I started making a lot of calls.” Nathalie says she was fortunate to start her career at the top real estate brokerage in Birmingham, Keller-Williams Vestavia. The Keller-Williams culture provided her with many mentors and resources, and she sold 10 listings her first year.
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“I really think God just led me to the best place I could’ve ever been to start my career,” she says. “My team leader in Birmingham was so great, and Keller-Williams encourages you to run your business like a business, while also giving you all the freedom in the world.”
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QUALITY HOSPITALITY
After quarantine lifted, Nathalie jumped into hosting open houses, something she genuinely enjoys. “I love doing open houses because it really fits well with my hospitality background,” she says. “I always have champagne, food, and great music— I’m really hosting—and I met a lot of people by doing that.” Beyond open houses, Nathalie says she tries to keep empathy at the forefront of her mind and remember what a huge undertaking a real estate transaction is for her clients. “We’re dealing with their most valuable asset, so they are understandably very nervous,” she says. “I try to take as much off their plate as I can to help them feel at ease. I take a very low-pressure approach and just try to be helpful.” Nathalie’s advice to new agents is to be assertive and to take advantage of the plethora of resources available to new agents online and through their brokerage. “There are so many resources out there to help you get started,” she says. “Don’t be afraid to make calls and talk to strangers. The more you do it, the easier it is. And don’t think about money—just be
helpful to people. They can tell if you’re being genuine or not.” GOOD TO BE HOME
In July 2021, Nathalie moved back to South Alabama, transferred to the Keller-Williams Alabama Gulf Coast office, and began working with her mom, Bernadine Johnson— who has been selling real estate on the Gulf Coast for 19 years. “I just thought, ‘If I could start my career during quarantine in a city where I didn’t know anyone, I can do anything,’” Nathalie says. “Down here, I get to serve my friends and family. It’s been so different and is such a blessing to work with my mom. In 2021, I sold over $5 million. I’m so grateful.” In addition to partnering with her mom, Nathalie’s husband, Shaffer, is a welder and fabricator and comes with her to new listings. He points out what improvements need to be made to the property to help the sellers get top dollar for their homes. “He really has an eye for that and helps me go above and beyond for my clients by pointing out potential problems before they even list their home,” she says. When she’s not working, Nathalie enjoys going to the beach and playing with her dog, a German Shorthaired Pointer mix named Blue. “I’m just really happy to be home,” she says. “I love it here.”
Down here, I get to serve my friends and family. It’s been so different and is such a blessing to work with my mom.
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BANK STATEMENT Self Employed? Close On A Home Loan Quickly Using Bank Statements
Self-employed borrowers can have a challenging time qualifying for a traditional home loan. But you don’t have to worry about there not being a program available for your client to qualify for a mortgage. Bank Statement programs are designed specifically for those who do not have the tax documents,W-2’s, or adequate proof of income that clearly indicates their ability to pay. Give your borrower the good news that the home that seemed out of reach can now be a reality.
Danielle Dewberry NMLS#2002296 | 251-281-8108 danielle@mission1stmortgageinc.com This is not a commitment to make a loan, nor should it be construed as lending advice. Loans are subject to borrower qualifications, including income, property evaluation, sufficient equity in the home to meet LTV requirements, and final credit approval. Approvals are subject to underwriting guidelines, interest rates, and program guidelines, and are subject to change without notice based on applicant’s eligibility and market conditions. Refinancing an existing loan may result in total finance charges being higher over life of loan. Reduction in payments may reflect longer loan terms. Terms of the loan may be subject to payment of points and fees by the applicant. Mission 1st Mortgage Inc. is an Equal Housing Lender NMLS# 1968994.
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T E R ESA W I L L I AMSON Roberts Brothers broker in charge By Dave Danielson Photos by Jon Jeffress, Deep South Focus Photography
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Out Front, Leading By Example One of the sure signs of leadership is the ability to lead by example. That’s something that Teresa Williamson excels at. As General Manager with Roberts Brothers, Teresa makes a difference for those around her by working out front … with resourcefulness and creativity. “One of the most rewarding parts of what I have an opportunity to do is working with new agents,” Teresa emphasizes.
“We purchased and sold several homes through our marriage. We found ourselves moving quite a bit … in fact, we represent that statistic of people moving every five or six years.” Teresa and her husband moved to Oklahoma to pursue a new opportunity. “It was a completely different industry in a new part of the country,” she remembers. “We had planned on our move being permanent. But some unexpected events led us to move back to Mobile.” At that point, Teresa wasn’t sure which career path she would pursue once they had returned to Mobile. “I didn’t have the intention of getting into real estate. At first, I thought about getting into work as an appraiser,” she says.
“But the market and mortgage industry had totally shifted. I got my license because the opportunities for appraisals just weren’t there. But I was very happy to start my career in real estate.” Persistence and Belief
Like most who enter the business, Teresa faced some hurdles. “There is definitely a challenge there when you’re getting started because you don’t know what you don’t know,” she says. “This business is constantly a learning process. I knew I needed to surround myself with people who I could rely on to be a resource.” Team Spirit
Through time, Teresa steadily built her record of results. Today, she serves
“It’s really enjoyable for me to help them figure out what their vision for their business will be. This is very relational. That’s the part of this business that I so love.” Finding Her Path in the Profession
Teresa earned her real estate license 14 years ago. Her start in the business came as the result of real estate investing that she and her husband did.
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Staging ensures you will get the highest sale price in the quickest time. Call today and let us help you get your listing to appeal to as many buyers as possible!
I A LWAYS WAN T T H E M TO K N OW THAT I W I L L B E T H E R E FO R T H E M . T H EY CAN CO U NT O N M E.
that same resourceful role for the 100 Agents and the Brokers she guides in her role as General Manager. “Despite all the resources that are available in the business online today, it means a lot when you have a core group around you who can be a great resource and source of encouragement for you … as well as providing you with accountability,” she says. Wonderful Life
Away from work, Teresa treasures time spent with her husband of 33 years … Tim. Teresa and Tim enjoy moments spent with their children — their son, Taylor, and their daughter-in-law, Dylan (and their 5-year-old daughter, Harper); and their daughter, Natalie, who is a junior in college.
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“One of my favorite things is spending time in the kitchen with my granddaughter, teaching her things that she wants to know,” she says. Teresa has a heart for helping her community. One of her favorite groups to support is the Salvation Army. Steady Leadership
Those who know and work with Teresa appreciate Teresa’s steady, consistent level of care and her thorough approach. “I have wonderful relationships with people in this industry that I’m very thankful for,” she says with a smile. “I always want them to know that I will be there for them. They can count on me.” Congratulations to Teresa Williamson for the positive influence and gifts she shares each day with those around her. Truly, she leads by being out front.
In her free time, Teresa has a passion for exercise, cooking for family, and entertaining.
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