“Agents come here because they share our values and the trust we have in the community. People respect our longevity, and we have an amazing reputation.” —Noreen Smith
Being voted the North Bay’s Best Real Estate Company is nothing new to Frank Howard Allen Realtors. But that doesn’t make the recognition any less significant to the people who make up this independently owned and operated company. “We’re truly honored. It’s very important,” says Noreen Smith, president/COO of the 103-year-old company.
The loyalty of its customer base has helped make the company a market leader year after year. Smith says this loyalty stems, in part, from the fact the company is local, not a nationwide franchise, so profits stay in the North Bay. The company is deeply involved with the local community and considers community service an important part of its culture.
At the same time, the company offers exposure to a wide network, says Smith. “We partner with Leading Real Estate Companies of the World, an invitation-only network that’s been a partner for many years.” It’s a global real estate network comprised of 600 of the best-known local and regional real estate firms that also has a luxury arm, Luxury Portfolio International, which markets luxury properties worldwide. “There are many luxury properties, especially in Marin County,” Smith says.
It’s common knowledge the local real estate market is improving, and Frank Howard Allen strives to remain responsive to its clients’ increasing needs. Last month, a new, independently owned and operated office opened in Sebastopol and, in May 2013, the San Rafael office will relocate to the San Rafael Corporate Center.
Frank Howard Allen Realtors serves buyers and sellers from all demographics, from first time buyers to those who’ve bought and sold many times. To provide what’s needed to such a diverse clientele, “you have to really stay on top of the tools you need,” Smith says.
So the company is also expanding its online presence and adding innovative online tools. “Our social media presence is vast and engaging, and we’re always adding new tools and materials,” says Smith. “All our listings are tweeted and presented on YouTube, and last year, we completely redid our listing presentation material for clients. The tools we offer our agents are always evolving.”
Among the state-of-the-art technology and marketing tools the company offers is docusign, a safe way to handle real estate documents digitally. Another program, Home Alerts, provides automatic email notifications about new listings and price changes. “We update our systems every half hour,” says Smith. “Right now, inventory is very low, so tools like this really help our clients.”
Frank Howard Allen gives back to the community by helping out dozens of schools, cultural institutions, local events and charities every year. One of its programs allows each agent to donate a portion of every closed escrow to community organizations. This relationship with the community generates an attitude of trust and respect both within the community and within the company. “Agents come here because they share our values and the trust we have in the community. People respect our longevity, and we have an amazing reputation,” says Smith.
While it provides worldwide networks, the company is headquartered in Novato and has had local ownership for more than 100 years. “We’re truly local. We’re in your neighborhood, just like the people who buy and sell houses,” says Smith.
