Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Realty signage added to the Norris & Company Doorway this Morning, February 10, 2016

THIS MORNING, FEBRUARY 10 WE HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO MEET WITH BETH LIVERS, TEAM LEADER OF THE SAND AND LAND REAL ESTATE TEAM WITHIN NORRIS & COMPANY, NOW BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HOME SERVICES, TO GAIN HER INSIGHTS ON THE BOMBSHELL NORRIS & COMPANY DROPPED YESTERDAY.

Beth Livers

To begin with, while Beth indicated the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices acquisition brings with it a “ten fold increase in tools to open marketing doors, I am still going to operate the way I always have by selling people on Vero Beach before discussing their interest in purchasing a home here.

We live in what I believe to be a paradise, but it’s not for everyone. Saks Fifth Avenue does not have a store in Vero, nor do we want one!”

Beth said Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices’ acquisition speaks volumes to the professionalism, ethics and overall reputation of Norris & Company agents.

“You know, all of us at Norris are independent contractors. Berkshire Hathaway had no assurance that we would all stay – but I think that although they acquired Norris & Company what they really did is invest in us; and the goodwill Norris has created here in Indian River County.

Jane Schwiering and Gena Grove, Norris’ owners/brokers, have done a wonderful job with creating a culture that we would never want to disrupt. From what I heard yesterday, Rei Mesa of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices’ Florida Realty wants to continue the culture that they have worked so hard in creating. The ‘girls’ deserve to step back from day to day operations and enjoy life and selling real estate! The fact that they will still be here in the office is a comfort to us all for sure.

In terms of opening marketing doors, we are now one of 40 offices in Florida with more than 1,750 sales people in 18 counties. Across the country, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices has 42,000 agents in 1,200 offices in 47 states.

Think how that network is going to be able to help me when I am working with a client in Chicago who needs to sell their house there before buying the one they want here?

And even though their operation here in Florida has 40 offices I am amazed to be able to speak directly with President and CEO Rei Mesa. He just texted me. It’s huge that he’s that accessible.

I’m going to text him after our meeting to tell him you want to speak with him.”

Rei Mesa

One of the tools Beth is most excited about is Berkshire Hathaway HomeService’s mobile smartphone application where “I will be able to interact real-time with my clients and give them the information they need when they want it. In this way we can have more focused and efficient interaction.”

So I called Mr. Mesa with a few questions Beth was unable to answer.

Yes, he sure is accessible, in seconds.

The Norris & Company and Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices connection grew out of an introduction and involved six month’s of cordial discussions. “We were impressed with their professional reputation in the community,” said Mr. Mesa, “and how they always do the right things and exceed their client’s expectations.”

With regards to the mobile smartphone application, Mr. Mesa indicated it is a “very robust platform; if not the best.”

Mr. Mesa indicated Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices would continue to wave the Norris & Company banner and maintain the same “mom and pop” culture which so well serves the local Indian River County market.

In fact he indicated Norris & Company has employed some of the best practices, such as their website, “that can be used to influence the development of all our offices.”

So, I asked, because of your acquisition, “what if an additional 50 Indian River County agents show up tomorrow and want to work for you?”

“Well, we are always looking to grow, but just because they show up it doesn’t mean we will engage them. We have very high standards in terms of ethics and they would have to embrace our mission and overall vision. The kind of agents Norris & Company have are the kind we would be looking for.”

My only disappointment today was missing this fellow driving away on Ocean Drive.

Ha Ha…