Queue up for this broker! 'It's all about serving your client'

by Tara Gilligan Reimer BELLINGHAM, WA—August 24, 2022 From Bali to Bellingham, Quentin Sermet has traveled and lived, observed and learned. Thanks to his parents and grandparents in Indonesia and France, he’s a global citizen. With one year completed at RE/MAX Whatcom County, he is now an independent agent. … Seeing the contours With traveling and gaining life experience, Quentin says he can identify the contrast between cultures—including languages, manners, relationships—which has aided him in seeing variations within the real estate business. Quentin explains that he now understands that real estate is “not a sales pitch.” Rather, he says, “It’s all about serving your client.” Importantly, Quentin points out, “Bellingham is a small market.” That density makes the relationships, especially with other brokers, key to preserve and strengthen. … Traveling the world Quentin’s ability to read a room or a market comes from his beginnings. Born in Los Angeles with some time in Walnut Creek, California, he moved to Indonesia when he was six years old. He lived in Bali for 12 years with his family. That’s where he picked up French and Indonesian, too, languages noted on his broker website and bio. “I understand the specific and varied needs of people from all walks of life,” Quentin says. That’s all strength in real estate. … Working with people he admires Strength also brought him to the front door of RE/MAX. Quentin works out at the same mixed martial arts gym as well-liked and respected broker, Emily Wyss. Quentin explains Emily convinced him to interview at her brokerage. He interviewed at other companies, but you all know the familiar refrain. “What RE/MAX has done in Whatcom County, plus the education and the people! That’s why I’m here,” says our world traveler on why he calls this brokerage home. … Going beyond expectations In his website bio, Quentin writes honestly about being “young, committed, and energetic” in his chosen field. Quentin sums up, “Real estate is never the same, never boring.” Need a collaborator on a deal, a connection to a sweet villa in Bali, or a recommendation for a Pacific Northwest fishing or camping adventure? You can go to Q. And, lucky for us, you can find him learning, working, and practicing his passion at RE/MAX. About Us Thirty years ago, a local girl (Sehome High School, Washington State University, and Western Washington University grad) launched a small start-up with a big dream. Little did RE/MAX Whatcom County founder and CEO Lori Reece know that her company would become not only the most successful brokerage but also respected nationally and across industries. Her team, 90+ sought-after professionals, leads by serving thousands of clients and building market share. Learn, collaborate, be kind. When you’re doing all that—together—you know you’re in RE/MAX Whatcom County, the house that Lori built. # # #

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ROOKIE OF THE YEAR BRINGS HEFT, IN CONTRACTS AND WORK ETHIC

All County Team man, in business and heart by Tara Gilligan Reimer BELLINGHAM, WA—FEBRUARY 17, 2022 True story. A guy works in a smelter (aluminum manufacturer) for 18 years, gets recruited to real estate by a chance fill-in at a clinch bowling league match (Mark Frye seems to turn up at exactly the right time), and completes a rookie year by putting together 50 contracts. You know where the story is going.   Founder and Chief Executive Officer Lori Reece recently named Brian Hefter RE/MAX Whatcom County’s 2021 Rookie of the Year, praising his hustle and continuous learning. It’s where the story started that’s surprising. ... A good son “My dad made me get my first job when I was 14, to earn extra money,” Brian says. At 23, “I went to work for Reynolds in Longview, where my father worked.” From the start, Henry Hefter told his son, “You better work hard and not embarrass me.” Brian laughs, “That’s been my mantra ever since.” His father’s advice was dead-on for manufacturing. Smelting is physically demanding and dangerous, and smelters rely on each other for safe practices, less like a work team and more like family. Fortunately, Henry’s advice also applies to real estate, where your reputation is everything. Brian also had a loving example in his mother, Terry. “She taught me to be kind and keep my promises,” adds Brian. Every rookie needs sound coaching. Brian acknowledges his good fortune in parents who taught him what was most important in life. ... Mark Frye’s buyer broker Brian signed onto managing broker Mark Frye’s All County Team in late 2020 (https://www.allcountyteam.com/our-agents/mark-frye). Training camp was the Glen, the recreational mountain community that Mark reverse-engineered, conducting primary home contracts out of second- and third-vacation property buyers in Maple Falls, Washington. Working in one place made sense for Brian. “The Glen became my only focus until it became second nature to me,” he explains. In that one vacation community, the year-one broker learned fundamentals: 1) why to ask for a buyer agency agreement, 2) when to proceed to the next ask, a primary home, 3) and how much courage you need when you’re new. “The David Knox training was helpful, and I often thought about his 30-second rule, when I started to second-guess myself,” Brian explains. When you’ve taken a risk on a new career, it’s easy to ask if you can make it in the next five years, or ten. “Knox breaks it down: in the moment, in the contract, you just need 30 seconds of courage.” Besides learning fundamentals, Brian also invested in accredited training, extracting knowledge from recognized professionals. (Brian’s certifications come from these recognized industry leaders: National Association of Realtors, Certified Multiple Offers Expert Designation, e-PRO, and Accredited Buyer’s Representation.) Finally, he relied on his work ethic, learned from his father’s example. “I have two rules,” Brian offers. “Keep your customers happy. And treat people the way you want to be treated.” Brian is also careful to point out: “I would not have succeeded without Mark’s dedication to the Glen for years. Also, Julie and Shayla were just so helpful.” (Julie James is Team Manager while Shalya Lerner is Systems Manager.) Then Brian invokes the litany of names—the five pros on one team known as the CEO, CFO, IT & Marketing, and Directors of broker and client services. “I’m just so grateful to Lori-Lisa-Michael-Jennifer-Ashlee. RE/MAX feels like one, big family, where everyone wants the best for you.” ... Family man Has Mark Frye read all the studies of how happily marrieds and long-term couples can also be more successful? (Inc. magazine, “A Supportive Marriage Can Make You a More Successful Entrepreneur. This Study Shows Why,” by Minda Zetlin, Sep 2020.) Because when Brian says, “I owe everything to my wife” the interviewer thinks, three for three. Another All County man.   Brian and Lisa have been married for almost five years. She’s a Lynden girl and, notably, Chief Operating Officer of Peoples Bank. “It took me until my 40s to find my soulmate,” Brian says quietly. “Lisa was the one who said, ‘I think you’d be successful as a broker.’” “Sharing your life with those you love is what it’s all about,” he adds. He sounds like the newest broker to All County: Justin Kirby describes his wife, neuro-ICU nurse, as “my hero.” Also, Brian echoes the guy who started it all: Mark refers to Julie James as “team manager” and “my beautiful wife.” Real estate pros, serious sports fans, and grateful husbands. A band of brothers, grinders, and achievers with blue-collar work ethics. These All County guys. ... Man in the middle When Brian’s Rookie of the Year win was announced company-wide, Mark took a moment to name every contributor on his team—Julie, Shayla, Lindsey, Josh—and ended with personable and heartfelt appreciation for Hef: “We all love ya, man.” Behind the scenes, Mark, ever the conscientious managing broker, was a bit concerned. While Mark had just received a write-up for his RE/MAX Hall of Fame award (https://www.nwhomes.net/blog/mark-frye-wins-remax-hall-of-fame-award.html) and new broker, Justin Kirby, also got a featured introduction (https://www.nwhomes.net/blog/trifecta-perfecta-frye-has-hef-now-kirb.html ), it was Hefter who was top concern. “What Brian has done—THAT is the most important thing,” Mark insisted. Sometimes our life’s path takes such a sharp turn that we surprise ourselves. We’re in our forties and meet our soul mate. We change careers and score success. We find power in learning and confidence in being uncomfortable. That’s the power of being a rookie. The man in the middle, the one learning from his lead and inspiring the other coming up, is always the most important. Ask Mark Frye and Justin Kirby. They’re thrilled to run with this Rookie of the Year. About us. Thirty years ago, a local girl (Sehome High School, Washington State University & Western Washington University grad) launched a small start-up with a big dream. Little did RE/MAX Whatcom County founder and CEO Lori Reece know that her company would become not only the most successful brokerage but also respected nationally and across industries. Her team, 90+ sought-after professionals, leads by serving thousands of clients and building market share. Learn, collaborate, be kind. When you’re doing all that—together—you know you’re in RE/MAX Whatcom County, the house that Lori built. Tara Gilligan Reimer loves to find the story in place and people. There’s always another story inside the published one, and in this feature, the backstory is about husband-and-wife team editing. Brian and his wife, Lisa, offered edits that helped make this story precise and tight. They followed the editing examples of Mark and Julie as well as Justin and Christina, in their previously published features. The All County Team runs well, all the way through. This is my eighth feature on RE/MAX, the best brokerage in Whatcom County and the agents who lead, with brilliance and passion.

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PRO TIPS ON TRANSFORMING YOUR OUTDOOR SPACE INTO AN OASIS

By guest writer, Maria Cannon, maria@hobbyjr.org When the weather starts to warm up, it is only natural to want to spend as much time outdoors as you can. From playing your favorite sports to getting out in nature, there are so many ways to enjoy the beautiful days of spring and summer. A favorite way to spend time outside is by relaxing on your porch or patio. However, if you haven’t updated your exterior furniture and decor lately, your outdoor space may need some work. Photo credit: PEXELS The real estate experts at RE/MAX Whatcom County share their top recommendations for creating an outdoor oasis at home on a budget. Add shade to your porch or patio In warmer climates, the sun can quickly make your porch or patio feel like a sauna. To enjoy your main outdoor space to the fullest, Houzz points out that it’s essential to add shade in any areas you plan to spend time. Multiple solutions—that work for any size space—can effectively block the sun and cool the immediate area. These ideas can include a budget-friendly gazebo, a large umbrella, or even an affordable porch screen. If you are looking for a more permanent solution (that can also increase the value of your home), a porch screen with retractable vinyl curtains or powder-coated shutters, a retractable canopy, or an awning is your best bet. If you plan to sell your home in the near future, watch current trends to ensure that you are installing a shade option that potential buyers will like. Buy gently used outdoor furniture Happy Happy Nester notes that making your outdoor space comfortable is an absolute must. If you, your family, and your guests must sit in hard chairs with no space to set food and drinks, it is almost impossible to relax. Update your outdoor furniture to correct this problem. Rather than buying brand-new outdoor table and chairs sets (which can easily cost over $1,000), find pieces that are gently used. Search online neighborhood group boards, consignment stores, and yard sales to find the exterior furniture you want. In fact, it isn’t uncommon to stumble upon excellent furniture for little to no cost when searching local sales groups on social media. Decorate with fabric Using fabric for decorative purposes is a wonderful and budget-friendly way to transform a space — both indoors and outdoors. Browse your local craft store to find patterns that match the look and feel you are trying to achieve on your porch or patio. Also, be sure that the fabrics that you select are sturdy enough to hold up outside. Once you’ve found what you are looking for, you can use the fabric in a number of ways. You can reupholster old cushions and pillows, hang fabric for decoration, or sew a tablecloth for your outdoor table. Additionally, consider purchasing an outdoor rug to create a cozy and inviting environment. Create privacy without building a fence On average, according to The Home Depot, the cost to install a privacy fence can range between $1,000 to $10,000. When looking to stay on a budget, a fence often isn’t a feasible option for your backyard. Thankfully, there are less expensive ways that you can create privacy for your patio area. The Spruce mentions that one creative solution is to plant tall ornamental grass and plants that obscure views of your outdoor space. Bamboo, palms, zebra grass, and feather reed grass are all fantastic options. Another great way to introduce a sense of privacy to your patio area is to set up a tent gazebo that has fabric walls that can be zipped up. Oftentimes, these gazebos range between $400 and $600. Spruce up the deck It’s always a good idea to reseal your deck from time to time to prevent premature aging of the wood surfaces and joints. Add staining to the task and you’ll end up with a like-new feature for your backyard oasis. Also consider adding some lighting to show off the work. This can be hanging outdoor lights, tiki torches, or planters with lights around the perimeter of the deck. Turning your porch or patio into an outdoor oasis doesn’t have to cost a fortune. For several hundred dollars, you can make meaningful changes that create a comfortable and serene environment. About us. Thirty years ago, a local girl (Sehome High School, Washington State University, and Western Washington University grad) launched a small start-up with a big dream. Little did RE/MAX Whatcom County founder and CEO Lori Reece know that her company would become not only the most successful brokerage but also respected nationally and across industries. Her team, 90+ sought-after professionals, leads by serving thousands of clients and building market share. Learn, collaborate, be kind. When you’re doing all that—together—you know you’re in RE/MAX Whatcom County, the house that Lori built.

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