Coldwell Banker agents up for the challenge in 2017

COEUR d’ALENE — While Realtors in other regions of the country are facing year-over-year decreases, local Coldwell Banker agents will be working to outdo themselves in 2017.

"When I looked at our sales results for 2016, I was not shocked but always amazed at how well Coldwell Banker Schneidmiller has done," Coldwell Banker's national Chief Operating Officer Michael Fischer said Wednesday.

Fischer spoke to a large crowd during Coldwell Banker Schneidmiller's annual awards banquet in The Hagadone Event Center. He shared that the local branch experienced a 26 percent increase in year-over-year gross commissionable income in 2016 as well as a 20 percent increase in sides.

"That's crazy. Crazy good. And it has to be because of everyone here and all of your contributions," Fischer said. "You are literally the fastest-growing Coldwell Banker company in the top 50 companies in the United States. That is a huge honor. Congratulations."

Fischer said it was a decent 2016 for the National Association of Realtors and mortgage loan company Fannie Mae, but North Idaho Coldwell Banker agents on average outperformed their national counterparts.

"You guys absolutely crushed the national market year-over-year, and that's amazing," Fischer said. "But because this is real estate and it's temporary and we're all starting at zero, the question is, what are you doing to do for me this year?"

Fischer said in the year ahead, Realtors will face the uncertainties that accompany a new administration, which include possible tax cuts, stimulus packages and changes in trade deals.

“Change can be good," he said. "But change can also be a little bit unsettling because you don’t know where the change is going."

Inventory is a challenge throughout the industry as new home construction is down, he said.

"The less listings that are out there is going to make it more difficult for all of us to really control the market,” he said. "We have to be extremely diligent, we have to be extremely focused and disciplined … we have to go after listings with a laser focus because that’s going to make a big difference in the market."

The luxury side of business is also creating a challenge, he said.

"We’re seeing luxury listings stay on market way too long,” Fischer said. “We think the demand for luxury has passed us a little bit; there’s less demand … that’s going to be something we’re focusing on."

He said projections show higher prices and lower demand in the coming year, but this is an opportunity for agents to continue rising above the competition.

"How are we going to get our unfair share of what in many ways is a flat market? How are we going to get our unfair share of listings so we can do better than anyone else?” Fischer asked. “We are no longer a boat that’s floating on high tide. We’re now fighting the current. We have to move a lot, we have to work hard. But you all know that, that’s why you get the results you get."

He emphasized the positive aspects of Coldwell Banker's product set, network scale and brand. He reminded the Realtors that it is a well-known, trusted brand with a heart as well as an entrepreneurial spirit.

"It means we don't have to buy bus stop benches to tell people to trust us," he said.

Gary Schneidmiller, founder and owner of Coldwell Banker Schneidmiller Realty, said the success of the local company is nothing new.

"It's been going on for a lot of years," he said. "It's been a real special pleasure and privilege to not only have that association with our brand, but to have that association with these incredible people."

The speeches were followed by a national and local awards ceremony where agents were recognized for their accomplishments.

"We as a company, I hope and believe, are respected in this community. Each one of you are a part of this company," Schneidmiller said to the crowd. "I respect you so much and it warms my heart so much to see these faces here, many of which I worked with for many, many years."