Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Infinity established its Texarkana presence just after Thanksgiving 2018 and the business has flourished.
"I loved listing, I loved selling, meeting new people and working the transaction. I went the next step and got my broker's license, so I could build a team of agents who share that same spirit," said Teresa Liepman, a well-known local Realtor, of opening the local Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate office.
Starting with a team of six agents, Liepman thought in a couple of years the office would expand to 12 agents. With just 2.5 years in business, the firm now boasts 21 agents.
"I think people are attracted to what we are doing," Porcha Hawkins, Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate marketing director, says of Liepman's strategy and the Better Homes business model. "You can see in our output and the way we support our agents that we are a little bit different."
The Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate brand includes staging, home decor, lifestyle and well-appointed touches in real estate, which appeals to clients needing expert help to get their home sold.
Also, Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate agents have well-rounded skill sets, with various specialties including home staging, new construction, remodeling, senior care, technology and business.
They put that expertise to work.
"Our goal is to raise the standard for real estate service and offer specialized counsel clients need to get their maximum return," Liepman said.
Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Infinity mainly serves Texarkana, the surrounding areas of Bowie, Cass and Miller counties, and has recently expanded toward Longview.
The agency maximizes the coverage of its listings with the Arkansas and Longview Multiple Listing Service to get a wider reach, Liepman said.
Currently, the inventory of available homes is extremely low as many trends converge, she said.
Interest rates are about 2.5% to 3%, favoring those purchasing homes.
New construction is experiencing a slow down as building costs have increased to about $145 to $150 per square foot.
Established landscaping and upgrades boost the value and appeal of existing homes, which can be priced $120 to $130 per square foot, depending on the location.
"Sometimes it is six to seven offers on the same house and that drives the price upOur goal is to price homes well and put them in the best light possible," Liepman said, adding this is where staging comes in.
"It is about getting our clients the maximum amount and making the process easier," Hawkins said.
Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate works with a team of local service technicians on repairs houses may need.
"We team up with a really great group of people who are a valuable resource to our clients," Liepman said of the contractors.
"We have a collective strength that is an asset to our clients," Hawkins said.
They help clients envision how they will live in their homes and on their property, whether it be drinking coffee on the porch or working in the garden.
And, home has become more important to everyone in the last year.
"I think the pandemic brought us back home. I think a lot of people realized their home did not suit them," Liepman said. "That is why I like this brand. It branches out and shows people how make the best of their home."
They have recently launched a YouTube channel featuring local home and lifestyle videos presented by their agents. For additional info, visit www.sellingtexarkana.com.
Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Infinity gives back to the community by making charitable donations out of every transaction to benefit Texarkana organizations.
If a home buyer is unsure what to do with a room, they also have the ability to consult with the Better Homes and Gardens design team to offer suggestions.
To experience the art of living well in a home, call Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate at 903-306-1454 or visit their offices at 4602 McKnight Road.