One of the region’s top agents tells us how she gets it done
After working as a sales educational consultant for Siebel Systems for several years, Heather Herr decided it was time to travel less for work and focus on her family. Her husband, Jeff Herr, encouraged her to get her real estate license to combine her love for community, architecture and people.
“We both felt it was a great career that would allow me to utilize my skills while also raising our daughters,” Heather says.
Almost 20 years later, Heather is one of the top 1% of Coldwell Banker Realtors—bringing in $80 million in sales in 2021—and is running a small team of agents—aptly named Team Herr.
“I like to tell people real estate chose me. I am a creative at heart but have a strong work ethic paired with a business background,” Heather says. “Real estate is a field of marketing and networking; therefore, I was able to utilize my talents and grow an amazing business.”
How has Heather managed to rock the world of real estate, especially during a time in which a record-breaking number of new agents are obtaining their licenses?
Her husband, Jeff, who serves as a business manager for Team Herr, believes Heather’s dedication to her clients separates her from the rest.
“I think that her passion is more holistic than just doing real estate deals. The relationships that she builds with her clients, that’s the glue that keeps it together,” Jeff says. “In any given year, the amount of referral business that she does, or repeat client business that she does, is more than 50% of that volume. I think that that really speaks towards what she’s really doing here.”
Heather says the things she enjoys the most about her career is meeting new people, pairing them with the perfect home and marketing their home through storytelling.
“Architecture and history is a passion,” Heather says. “I live in a historic home, and I love sharing my knowledge of homeownership and all the exciting opportunities in real estate. My first passion is the marketing side of selling homes.”
As the economy began opening up after the March 2020 COVID-19 shutdown, the U.S. housing market has boomed. With so many people wanting to buy their first homes, Jeff says Heather helps manage her clients’ expectations—all while still working to find them their dream home.
“Sitting down with the buyers and educating them on how the market is and letting them know that hey—being very transparent—we might not get that first deal but we’re going to keep on working together. We will get something great for you that meets all of your needs and wants, but that it is going to take patience,” Jeff says.
Heather says that the current housing market is difficult for many first-time homebuyers. She suggests that first-time buyers obtain pre-approval first and know exactly how much they can afford before house hunting.
“Consider all the factors ahead so that when you do find a place, you are prepared. I also recommend sitting down with your agent to discuss goals,” Heather says. “We often are able to find off-market properties by taking the time to prepare before we house hunt.”