Prairieville, Louisiana – In the world of real estate, where competition is fierce and market dynamics ever-changing, the story of the Maria Thorn Team at EXP Realty stands out as a testament to dedication, client-centric focus, and adaptability. Founded by Maria Thorn in 2005, this thriving real estate business has consistently delivered exceptional results, averaging 70 to 90 transactions annually. The unique twist? Maria’s sister, Aimee Thorton, joined her in 2009, cementing a family bond that has propelled the business to new heights.
A Commitment to the Sphere:
The Maria Thorn Team’s core strategy is an unwavering commitment to their sphere of influence. This sphere consists of friends, family, and past clients, making up a staggering 95% of their business. In an age where digital marketing often takes center stage, Maria and Aimee have managed to maintain their success through personal touches, client appreciation events, and maintaining relationships. Their dedication to client relationships has not only resulted in a thriving business but also in deeply loyal and satisfied clients who appreciate the ongoing care and attention provided by the team.
Aimee emphasizes the importance of in-person interactions, stating, “A face-to-face approach, face-to-face connection is always going to be the most valuable connection you can make with someone over any type of digital connection.”
Origin Story and Unique Selling Proposition:
The journey into real estate was a unique one for Maria. Originally, she pursued a real estate license to facilitate investment property purchases with her husband. However, life took an unexpected turn, and she found herself navigating a divorce. Her real estate license, initially obtained for personal use, became the foundation for her professional career.
For Aimee, it was the desire for a business that offered flexibility while raising her children that drew her into the real estate world. Maria and Aimee’s collaboration began with a clear division of responsibilities, with Aimee handling buyers while Maria focused on sellers. This complementary approach has been pivotal to their success.
Client-Centric Approach:
The Maria Thorn Team’s recipe for success lies in their commitment to understanding their clients’ unique needs and ensuring they are the right fit for each other. Aimee emphasizes the importance of in-person meetings and interviews to align client expectations with the reality of the market.
Growth Strategies:
The team’s growth is attributed to word-of-mouth referrals from satisfied clients. Maria mentions, “Our business is a snowball business. It rolls and gets bigger and bigger because those clients we have taken care of keep referring to their friends and family.” This approach has allowed them to thrive without the need for extensive cold calling or aggressive marketing.
Overcoming Challenges:
In recent years, the real estate market presented challenges, such as extreme competition and inventory issues. However, the team’s solid relationships with both clients and fellow agents played a pivotal role in overcoming these obstacles. Aimee mentions their ability to secure offers in competitive situations due to their reputation for ethical and professional dealings.
Future Ambitions:
Looking ahead, the Maria Thorn Team plans to continue growing, with an emphasis on maintaining their commitment to their sphere. Their long-term vision includes potentially helping other agents within their organization and ensuring the business remains strong and successful.
Advice for Aspiring Real Estate Entrepreneurs:
For those looking to break into the real estate industry, Maria and Aimee’s advice is clear: Education and confidence are paramount. As Aimee advises, “Learning is earning.” Gaining knowledge and expertise in the field is essential to building trust with clients. Additionally, effective self-marketing through social media platforms is crucial in today’s digital age. Maria emphasizes, “You have to let people know what you’re doing.”
In summary, the Maria Thorn Team’s success story is a testament to the power of personal relationships, commitment to client needs, and effective self-marketing. Their journey serves as an inspiration for real estate entrepreneurs aiming to build thriving businesses.
