by Christy Murdock | May 8, 2025 | Industry, News Feed
Bigger. Better. Bolder. Inman Connect is heading to San Diego. Join thousands of real estate pros, connect with the Inman Community, and gain insights from hundreds of leading minds shaping the industry. If you’re ready to grow your business and invest in yourself, this is where you need to be. Go BIG in San Diego!
From community involvement to agent celebrations, founder Gaetano Marra has built a real estate brokerage where fun is an important part of the business plan. The former schoolteacher’s self-named brokerage started out as an indie, then joined Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate in 2020, rising to become one of the company’s standouts within its first five years.
“After years of working in various roles within the real estate industry, I decided to pursue my dream of creating a brokerage that would not only reflect my values but also provide a service experience that went above and beyond expectations for both agents and clients,” Marra said.
The formula is working, according to Marra: “We’re growing by leaps and bounds! Last year, our business was up almost 50 percent year over year, while all of the major competitors in our market were down by double digits.”
With a 99 percent retention rate (and a “killer game room”), learn how this broker-owner is setting a new standard for fun, with an eye on bringing his brand of brokerage to the rest of the state.
Name: Gaetano Marra
Title: Broker/Owner
Location: Fairfield County, Connecticut
Brokerage name: Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Gaetano Marra Homes
Rankings: Top 20 BHGRE company in U.S.
Team size: 150 agents
Transaction sides (2024): 750
Sales volume (2024): $245 million
Awards: In just five years with Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate, the company earned the Founders Circle designation, a distinction that places the firm among the top 20 of BHGRE companies across the country.
What are 3 things you’d like readers to know about you and your brokerage?
1. When I started my company, I wanted to build something different, something that was more than just a business. The goal was to create an office where both agents and clients could feel at home, where relationships were built on integrity, transparency and a shared focus on achieving the best possible outcomes.
I was very intentional about cultivating a culture where people feel valued, heard and understood.
2. Another important pillar of our success is its deep roots in the local community. All of us understand that a successful business must also be a responsible and engaged member of the community it serves.
The brokerage has made it a priority to support local organizations, sponsor events and participate in initiatives that benefit the Monroe area and beyond. We’re the title sponsor of a charity golf tournament, and we support a local high school sports program as an advertiser on their digital scoreboard.
We also have strong ties to Notre Dame Prep School, a high school that is part of my alma mater Sacred Heart University.
As part of a Connecticut state mandate that requires students to take a financial literacy course, I teach a real estate course in three area high schools. I teach students how to become a real estate agent, explain how they get paid and stress the significant impact owning a home can have on building personal and generational wealth.
We offer first-time homebuyer seminars. I also host a community-focused podcast called “The Expect Better Podcast,” where we focus on life, people, business, and relationships. We have guests from local businesses and nonprofit organizations and even well-known celebrities join to share their stories.
At the end of the day, the podcast — like our business — offers a great way to forge understandings and connections across the diverse landscape in which we live and work.
3. Our 150 agents work across three offices in Fairfield County, all located in the southwestern corner of Connecticut: Bridgeport, Monroe and Newtown. We’re a diverse group in age, experience and ethnicity, with a number of agents fluent in Spanish, Portuguese, French and Chinese.
Bridgeport is the most populous city in the state, with about 150,000 residents. The city is consistently ranked among the top 25 most ethnically and culturally diverse cities in the U.S. According to the 2020 five-year community survey, 48.2 percent of Bridgeport’s population speaks a different primary language at home other than English. We’re proud that our Bridgeport team reflects the community they serve.
A few miles north is Monroe, a bedroom community for people working in New York City, New Haven and Bridgeport, highly regarded for its award-winning schools, beautiful parks and sustained growth in local business and industry.
Newtown, a little farther north, offers a charming New England town experience with a focus on community, good schools and a relatively low crime rate, but it comes with a higher cost of living. More than a dozen Fortune 500 companies are based in Fairfield County.
Because of the nature of our service area, we work with clients at all price points, from first-time homebuyers to move-up and downsizing clients.
Tell us about a high point in your brokerage career
Learning that we had become one of BHGRE’s top 20 companies earlier this year was absolutely thrilling! I founded the brokerage in 2018 and then joined the brand in 2020 to help me grow the business, so reaching this level of success so quickly in the company’s history was definitely a high point.
This recognition is not mine alone, though. It’s a reflection of the hard work and dedication of every agent, every staff member, and every client who has trusted us with their real estate needs.
I have the absolute best agents and staff in the business, and no one will ever tell me differently. They are the ones behind all of this, and I am so lucky to be able to call each and every one of them family.
But we are not resting on our laurels; we are in the process of expanding our footprint. I like to say we will be painting the entire state of Connecticut green.
What makes a good leader?
My approach to running a real estate company is this: They say if you build it, they will come, but the more important question is, “Will they stay?” I’m proud to say we have a 99 percent retention rate among our agents.
I don’t recruit; both new and experienced agents come to us because of our company culture. Building that culture has been central to my leadership approach, and I love that we have a team that works hard so we can play hard together.
We have sales meetings and trainings once a month to support agents in building their businesses. Every month, the agent with the most production gets a special parking spot and their picture taken sitting in the Top Agent Throne, an ornate, high-backed chair covered in green velvet.
As a way of showcasing our hardworking agents, we have what’s called the Capper Club. When an agent hits their cap of $5 million in sales, they get a custom green jacket made by a local Italian tailor, who just happens to be my cousin. For every time they cap after that, they receive a jade pin to wear on their lapel.
We also have a fun social event like a cruise or axe throwing once a month. We have a full arcade and game room in the Monroe office, with a basketball hoop, poker table and Xbox.
You know what you’re going to get at our firm: A reliable company culture built around inclusiveness, collaboration and celebration.
Email Christy Murdock
This post was originally published on this site
by Christy Murdock | May 8, 2025 | Industry, News Feed
Find out how Massachusetts real estate team leader Michelle Fermin got her start and where she’s planning to take her team next.
Bigger. Better. Bolder. Inman Connect is heading to San Diego. Join thousands of real estate pros, connect with the Inman Community, and gain insights from hundreds of leading minds shaping the industry. If you’re ready to grow your business and invest in yourself, this is where you need to be. Go BIG in San Diego!
Sharing is central to the culture that Michelle Fermin is building at The Fermin Group. “We’re trying to build something that is a benefit to everyone,” she said. “We are all about sharing our wins. Sharing with others how we got there.”
By sharing both her success and the mistakes made along the way, she’s educating the real estate community and her clients. “It’s important to us not only to be able to service our clients but also educate them so we can help them build lasting financial wealth,” Fermin said.
As she works to build a national team, launching in Q2 of 2025, she’s also seeking to bring more value to her team in New England. Find out how this team leader got her start and where she’s going next.
Name: Michelle Fermin
Title: Team lead
Experience: 27 years in Real Estate
Location: Lawrence, Massachusetts
Team name: The Fermin Group, Century 21 North East
Rankings: No. 3 Century 21 team in the world, No. 1 Century 21 team in the country
Team size: 41 agents
Awards:
- Dick Loughlin International Hall of Fame Honoree 2025
- NAHREP Top 10 Latino team in the United States 2024
- Best Team in the Boston Agents’ Choice Awards 2021 and 2023
How did you get your start in real estate?
My mom, who was an immigrant with limited resources and English, wanted to buy a house. When we went down to local real estate companies, they shunned her because we didn’t have the funds to purchase a home at the price point that they were offering. They saw her as a challenging buyer.
I got my real estate license to help her. When she closed, her close friend wanted me to help her. I helped them and their friends, and that’s how my first year went. I ended up becoming Rookie of the Year by helping immigrants and challenging buyers who no one wanted to help.
What do you wish more people knew about working in real estate?
It is a long and very challenging beginning. They should expect the first year to be the most challenging. It should be about education and learning, and it’s not where it’s made out to be where you’re driving around in $100,000 cars. In reality, you’ll probably be living in poverty your first few years while you start to build a name, a book of business and your confidence.
For those who do make it, they can expect a long career, but 9 out of 10 do not make it past the five-year mark.
What makes a good leader?
A good leader is someone who is willing to consistently be a good student. Someone who is open to hearing from their peers where they need improvement and help focusing on getting 1% better every day.
Someone who is innovative and is open to change. Understands that to stay relevant and effective, we consistently need to change based on the needs of our clients.
Someone who is empathetic and sensitive. It’s not just about being No. 1 but about the journey.
What’s your top tip for newly formed teams?
Look for structure. Make sure you have a really good coach who is focused on building teams. Make sure that you understand who your avatar is and what your journey is. Make sure that you hire only people who are in line with the culture you are trying to build.
Be wary of overpaying. Don’t hire anyone and pay them anything, thinking that something is better than nothing. Make sure you understand what your expenses are.
Tell us about a high point in your career
A high point in my career was winning the No. 1 Century 21 Team in the World. But I think that winning the Dick Loughlin award was even more heartfelt. It hit me deeper because I knew it wasn’t just about sales; it was about impacting other people’s lives and giving back. That was a huge honor for me.
Email Christy Murdock
This post was originally published on this site
by Christy Murdock | May 6, 2025 | Industry, News Feed
Bigger. Better. Bolder. Inman Connect is heading to San Diego. Join thousands of real estate pros, connect with the Inman Community, and gain insights from hundreds of leading minds shaping the industry. If you’re ready to grow your business and invest in yourself, this is where you need to be. Go BIG in San Diego!
Sixth-generation Fairfield County, Connecticut, resident and two-decade Realtor Libby McKinney-Tritschler knows her market. Her deep roots in the community are informed by her deep involvement in local volunteer efforts, serving on the board of the Pequot Library, the Westport/Weston YMCA, the Bedford Family Social Responsibility Fund and the Stewart B. McKinney Foundation.
A consistent top-producer, McKinney-Tritschler leverages her extensive personal and professional network and strong local reputation to navigate the complexities of the market and make every transaction as seamless as possible. Find out what she’s learned along the way and what advice she’d offer new agents just starting out.
Name: Libby McKinney Tritschler
Title: Sales agent
Experience: 20+ years
Location: Fairfield County, Connecticut
Brokerage name: William Raveis Real Estate
Rankings: Executive Vice President of Sales
Team: On The Harbor
Transaction sides: 400
Sales volume: $727 million
As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I think I wanted to be a politician. When I was young, I loved spending time with my father, who was a congressman. He would spend his weekends canvassing his community and talking to his constituents. He built relationships, understood people’s needs and earned their trust — much like what I do in real estate.
Both require strong communication, a personal touch and the ability to connect with people from all walks of life. In real estate, you must be present, listen and show your clients you genuinely care.
What’s the best advice you ever got from a mentor or colleague?
Without signatures, you have nothing. In real estate conversations, promises and verbal agreements mean nothing without signatures. Nothing is certain until it is in writing.
It’s a reminder to stay proactive, protect everyone’s time and ensure the deal is solid before getting too excited about an opportunity. This is a very important lesson, and if you can learn it early on in life/your career, you’ll be ahead of the game.
What would you tell a new agent before they start out in the business?
I would tell a new agent that real estate isn’t just about selling homes. It’s about building relationships, staying consistent and playing the long game. Success doesn’t happen overnight, so stay patient and persistent, and never stop learning.
Provide value, be reliable and genuinely care about your clients, and in time, the business will come.
What do clients need to know before they begin a real estate transaction?
This is a challenging process, and those who can control their emotions have the best chance of capitalizing on an opportunity.
What do too few agents know that would make their lives easier?
The best agents master what others overlook. Emotional intelligence gives you the ability to read people, adapt and build trust quickly. Real success comes from adaptability — knowing when to pivot based on conversation.
Setting clear expectations with your clients upfront prevents headaches down the road, while wise follow-ups ensure you are adding value, not just checking in. Knowing when something is truly urgent and when to let things breathe keeps both deals and everyone’s sanity intact.
Storytelling is another game changer. Facts inform and stories sell; try to tell the story every time.
What is the best thing you can do for your life and business?
Love what you do and build real connections. Whether it’s with clients, colleagues or in your community, people want to work with someone they trust and enjoy being around. Stay in touch, and be helpful without always expecting something in return.
Most importantly for me is to make your work something you’re excited about. When you love what you do, success follows.
If you could do anything other than real estate, what would it be?
Honestly, I couldn’t imagine doing anything else. Real estate is the perfect blend of relationships, strategy and problem solving; every day is different.
I love the people, the challenge and the ability to make a real impact on someone’s life. Any job I choose would have to involve working closely with people, helping them navigate big decisions and building something meaningful. That being said, nothing excites me the way real estate does.
Tell us a story about your most memorable transaction
Some properties are more than just real estate — they hold stories, legacies and deep historical roots. Selling 66 Beachside Ave in Westport was not just a transaction; it was an honor.
This waterfront estate was a rare gem, the largest parcel available at the time, with a history stretching over a century. Built in the early 1900s, it remained in the same family until 2015, a testament to its significance and the deep connection the owners had to the land.
The indigenous inhabitants once called it “Machamux,” meaning “beautiful land,” a name that still felt fitting as the waves kissed its private shoreline. Later, the family lovingly referred to it as “Banrock,” inspired by the striking rock formations along the beach.
Beyond its natural beauty and history, what made this sale truly special was its purpose. It was part of an estate sale, with proceeds directed to three nonprofit organizations. Knowing that this transaction would help fund meaningful causes added more fulfillment.
Additionally, this was the last piece of land belonging to the Bedford family, marking the end of an era for a lineage that had long been woven into the fabric of Westport. Facilitating this transition was both a privilege and a responsibility, ensuring that the next chapter of this property’s story was handled with care and respect.
Selling homes is often about numbers, negotiations and contracts. But every so often, a sale like this comes along — one that reminds me why I love what I do.
Email Christy Murdock
This post was originally published on this site
by Christy Murdock | May 3, 2025 | Industry, News Feed
As the Texas legislature moves to undermine NAR’s Code of Ethics, it’s time to think about your messaging moving forward.
Bigger. Better. Bolder. Inman Connect is heading to San Diego. Join thousands of real estate pros, connect with the power of the Inman Community, and gain insights from hundreds of leading minds shaping the industry. If you’re ready to grow your business and invest in yourself, this is where you need to be. Go BIG in San Diego!
Each week on The Download, Inman’s Christy Murdock takes a deeper look at the top-read stories of the week to give you what you’ll need to meet Monday head-on. This week: As the Texas legislature moves to undermine NAR’s Code of Ethics, it’s time to think about your messaging moving forward.
The culture wars being waged over the past few decades often come down to those who want to say what they want, to whom they want, when they want — and those who say there’s a right way and a wrong way to talk to and about people.
For Realtors, it’s not as straightforward as it is for your average Joe because fair housing considerations mean that flying off the handle online or using politically charged language — especially in reference to marginalized groups — calls into question an agent’s ability to deal fairly with clients who represent protected groups.
The National Association of Realtors’ (NAR) Standard of Practice 10-5 attempts to address this issue, as outlined by the trade group: “Standard of Practice 10-5 prohibits Realtors from using harassing speech, hate speech, epithets or slurs based on the protected classes of Article 10.”
Since adding Standard of Practice 10-5 in late 2020, it has been the focus for discussion and dissent, both from those who don’t want to watch their words and from those who feel that the rule hasn’t been adequately enforced. Now, lawmakers in Texas are seeking to make it a moot point altogether, at least in their state.
The National Association of Realtors’ (NAR) hate speech policy, enshrined in Article 10 of its Code of Ethics, is currently under fire by the Texas Senate. Senate Bill 2713 would prohibit trade organizations within the state from denying anyone membership in their organization due to race, color, religion, sex, disability, familial status or national origin, or “because of the person’s exercise of the person’s freedom of speech or assembly, notwithstanding any provision of the association’s or organization’s bylaws.”
“Senate Bill 2713 ensures that no Texan will be denied membership or access in professional or trade associations because of their race, religion, sex or disability, which is already law, but also because of their constitutional protected right to speak and freely assemble. In other words, this bill reaffirms that your ability to work and practice your trade in Texas does not depend on your political or religious beliefs or who you associate with,” Senator Mayes Middleton (R-Galveston), the author of the bill, said.
“This bill closes the door on ideological discrimination by trade organizations. It remembers the first amendment does not end when you clock in, and yet too many Texans today find themselves faced by adverse action and forced to choose between staying silent or risking expulsion from their trade industry.”
“We see tremendous value in upholding standards that support the ability for membership associations to address cases of harassment and discrimination,” Texas Realtors Chairman Christy Gessler said in a statement sent to Inman. “However, we agree that such standards must be balanced with a member’s ability to express personal opinions and beliefs.”
“Enforcement of professional standards at Texas Realtors helps ensure that Fair Housing laws are followed and that Realtors provide fair, equal and professional service to all consumers. Our professional standards program involves a rigorous, member-driven process which includes an initial review, a hearing and a right to appeal.”
Gessler added that the state association was working closely with legislators “to ensure they have accurate information and that our professional standards can be upheld while ensuring personal beliefs are not encroached on.”
Breaking it all down
As Article 10 faces a possible existential threat in some markets, it’s a good time to take stock of the way you’ll communicate moving forward. From your social media messaging to your digital footprint and more, understanding best practices for how to speak to the public — and to potential clients — while maintaining your professionalism is essential.
This week, Inman contributors offer their insights on ensuring your online presence makes you look good while making everyone else feel welcome to work with you.
Jessi Healey breaks down Meta’s new AI app, Instagram’s creative updates, and the fine line between funny and flop when brands go viral.
In a competitive market, these simple but powerful strategies from Alyssa Stalker can help agents boost visibility, grow engagement and generate real leads without feeling stretched thin.
By embracing branding, storytelling, PR and leveraging AI, Angela Yungk writes, agents can establish a competitive edge that extends far beyond transactions.
While you’re optimizing your online presence, don’t stop at social media. Jimmy Burgess and Julie Tomlinson help you start up (or rethink) your Google Business Profile.
Christy Murdock is a writer, coach and consultant and the owner of Writing Real Estate. Connect with Writing Real Estate on Instagram and subscribe to the weekly roundup, The Ketchup.
This post was originally published on this site
by Christy Murdock | May 1, 2025 | Industry, News Feed
Find out how this real estate broker from Valle de Bravo, Mexico, proves “that you can lead with soul and scale with systems.”
Bigger. Better. Bolder. Inman Connect is heading to San Diego. Join thousands of real estate pros, connect with the power of the Inman Community, and gain insights from hundreds of leading minds shaping the industry. If you’re ready to grow your business and invest in yourself, this is where you need to be. Go BIG in San Diego!
Located two hours west of Mexico City, the mountain-lake region of Valle de Bravo attracts buyers looking for second homes, vacation homes and nature-focused retreats. Founder and managing broker Miled López Buentello launched during a time of economic turbulence, navigating “emotional and financial breakdowns not just to survive but to redefine what it means to be a conscious entrepreneur,” he said.
“We’re not just selling properties,” Buentello said. “We’re building a legacy-driven real estate ecosystem with a conscious capitalism mindset. We believe in tech-enabled, human-centered service: Every listing, every client, every team member matters.”
Buentello’s focus is on developing next-gen brokers through coaching, mentoring and a purpose-driven culture. His “vertically integrated ecosystem blends brokerage, investment, interior design and marketing into a single, human-centric real estate platform.”
Find out how this broker proves “that you can lead with soul and scale with systems.”
Name: Miled López Buentello
Title: Founder and managing broker
Experience: 10+ years in the real estate and investment sector
Location: Valle de Bravo, Mexico
Brokerage name: The Agency Valle de Bravo
Team size: 18+ professionals
Transaction sides: 200+ closed transactions
Sales volume: Over $500 million USD in closed deals
Awards:
- Top producer in Colliers (2018-2024)
- Largest Industrial Operation in Spot2.mx 2024
- Largest Portfolio Sale for BRINKS $ 800 million USD
How did you get your start in real estate?
I started in real estate because I saw a massive gap between what clients truly need and what most brokers deliver. Early in my career, while working in investment and development, I realized that real estate wasn’t just about properties — it was about people, timing, and vision.
I became a broker to offer a more strategic, client-focused experience — one that goes beyond closing deals and focuses on building long-term value. My background in investment gave me the tools, but it was the relationships and the impact that made me stay.
What do you wish more people knew about working in real estate?
That it’s not about selling. It’s about solving problems, guiding life decisions, and being relentlessly disciplined. It’s emotional labor — and you need to master your mindset daily.
What’s something you know now that you wish you knew when you started?
That systems and branding are everything. Your reputation travels faster than you do — build it with intention.
What’s your top tip for freshly licensed brokers?
Don’t chase the sale. Chase the relationship. Be consistent, document your process and invest in your brand early.
Tell us about a high point in your brokerage career
Launching The Agency Valle de Bravo in 2024, during an economic downturn. It was only possible through radical focus, building trust in the community and the power of collaboration.
This post was originally published on this site
