Brand new first-time mother, a division 1 athlete and an award-winning real estate Agent? Seems like there’s not much Relentless Agent Award winner Katie Riedeman cannot do. We checked in with Katie recently to learn how she’s evolving her business, supporting her community and the unexpected benefits of shelter in place.
Are you doing anything differently to push forward with your day-to-day work in helping your clients during this time? How would you describe your new “normal”?
Learning is key! I’ve had time to be more engaged in developing and perfecting my systems behind the scenes which will definitely be beneficial to future clients. With current clients I am still showing homes but once they go under contract with their new home, I am checking in weekly with them and their lender and updating everyone with where we are in the process.
My new normal hasn’t changed a lot in terms of client outreach and showings. I do a more virtual showings than before to slow foot traffic through homes but that isn’t necessarily a new thing for me. I have sold a lot of homes to clients over Facetime in the past so now I’m perfecting that craft and navigating how I can get better. I also supply sanitizer and gloves when my clients want them for showings and do what I can to ensure safety in taking healthy measures during home showings. This isn’t only important for my buyers but also important for us to do everything we can to keep the homes that we are touring clean.
Is there anything that you’re doing now to work on your business that maybe you haven’t done before?
Because this is my 6th year in the business I feel like I now have a true grasp on what it takes to be successful in real estate, I have been working on my systems and client outreach to ensure when the market begins to normalize once more that nothing falls through the cracks. I want clients to receive the service they deserve, and solid systems is the key to clients having successful transactions. If I have good systems in place, I can spend my time with my clients and supporting them rather than spending so much time with behind the scenes work.
In addition, I’m making sure I am up to date with all of the current market information so I can give my honest and educated opinion based on data, research and what I am seeing first hand as I am out in the market helping other clients.
Are there ways that you or your team members are helping your community get through this crisis?
We have been trying to keep our community updated on the housing market with real time stats, so they feel educated in making one of the biggest purchases of their life. Our company has created a community outreach program called Impact where we can donate a portion of our commission toward a cause. Every quarter that money is given to someone in need in the community. We all get the opportunity to nominate a deserving person or cause and a committee decides who gets the funds.
On the personal front, staying up to date on the latest news in supporting local businesses is important to me. I recently connected with a local bakery for pastries that I dropped off on the front step of some friends, clients and community members.
What is one thing that you DON’T miss about pre-coronavirus life?
Some of the fast pace… I have been a competitor all my life and was a Division 1 athlete, so I thrive in the pace of competition. It has been good for me to be forced to slow down a bit. In real estate we can get really caught up in the go go go and forget to slow down and enjoy the things around us. I have had a TON of change in my life since the beginning of this pandemic so having the time to reflect and not just jump back into the fast lane after having my first child has been nice. I am learning new norms and systems to protect the health of my family and clients as well as embracing the change.
What’s your top tip for being relentless during this time?
Communication, honesty and support. I think having open and honest communication with clients during this tough time is essential. Supporting their needs and making sure they know that I am here to serve them whenever they decide the time is right to buy or sell as well as support their needs in between is really important.
BONUS: What is the first thing you’re going to do once the local shelter in place orders have been lifted?
Get together with family and friends! One of my favorite things to do this time of year through the summer is invite people over and grill, play yard games and hang out on the patio.
The Relentless Agent Awards celebrate all of the ways that C21 Agents deliver extraordinary experiences to their clients and make the home buying or selling process a memorable one. Are you a client who recently has an amazing experience with a CENTURY 21 Agent? We want to know! Click here to submit a nomination for a deserving Agent today.
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