Real estate can be a personal and family-oriented industry. It would seem only natural that teaming up with relatives and spouses would be a recipe for business success. Earlier this summer, we caught up with a few REALTOR® members to put that theory to the test. The response was so positive; we thought we’d do it again!
90+ years of Bosley real estate
While Ann Bosley’s route to real estate may be unique, she doesn’t regret the decision.
After her husband, Tom Bosley, President and broker of record at Bosley Real Estate Ltd. and CREA Past President (1997), bought the family-owned business from his father and uncle in 1985, Ann needed to get a license to secure the business if anything were to happen to her husband.
“Real estate has been an extremely fulfilling career for me. For many years, Tom and I were interchangeable,” said Ann, who’s held positions with the Toronto Real Estate Board (TREB) and CREA.
Without the support of her husband and family, she would never have been able to work in organized real estate.
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Now, with more than 250 people on staff, the Bosleys believe in treating all of their agents like family.
“We actually know all the agents on our team. They come to our house parties and we try and offer a fun working environment,” she said, adding it’s been a part of their brand since Tom’s grandfather (William H. Bosley) started the company in 1928.
For Ann, the most successful family businesses are ones that trust and listen to each other.
“If you are going to have different families of generations, you want the younger generation to bring life into the business,” said Ann.
In her case, that means their daughter, Christan.
“I have the advantage of working with family members who have seen it all when it comes to the business. If there is a day or week that goes by where I haven’t learned something new from their experience, I haven’t worked hard enough,” said Christan, who was one of the firm’s top sellers in 2016.
Christan said she believes differences of opinions are natural in all business, however, she makes sure to leave the arguments at work.
While Ann agrees, she also adds, “You want to make sure the parents aren’t just looking for a way out. Parents should be up with the times and act as a mentor for their son or daughter.”
Meet Wendy and Nancy
For sisters Wendy Bell and Nancy Dellin, family is the lifeblood of their business.
“As families grow, shrink, move, and leave the household for whatever reason, we make sure to bring a family approach to our entire business,” said Dellin who has been a REALTOR® for more than 25 years.
While the Ottawa pair shares a real estate business, the sisters also share a set of core values instilled upon them from their childhood.
“Conflicts can arise in any partnership. Beneath it all lies the underlying trust, love and care for each other along with knowing that you will always remain family,” said Dellin.
The pair agree, no matter what, they will always have each other’s back, especially in front of clients.
“We never, ever disagree with something one of us has said when meeting with a client. This is respect in its highest form.
“We respect each other and our clients and are very honoured to have the opportunity to help them with their real estate needs,” Bell said.
Meet Bianca and Taryn
When Bianca Myddleton decides to retire from real estate, she knows her business will be in good hands.
“I know Taryn (daughter) will continue to take great care of our clients and grow the business,” she said.
While Taryn may be new to the business, the mother-daughter partnership has something many businesses strive for: a foundation of trust.
The lower mainland B.C. pair understand each other’s personality, working style, and trust they can be completely honest with one another, good or bad.
“My daughter grew up listening to me on the phone with clients for hours. It was an easy transition for her in knowing what I do, how I do it and why,” Bianca said.
And to what does the duo believe is the biggest benefit of working with a family member?
For Bianca, it’s twofold. Knowing your clients will be well taken care of when you’re unavailable and having a fresh set of eyes to spur new ideas, she says are the advantages.
Meet the Walkers
Cindy Walker believes potential clientele admire families who work together.
As a REALTOR® in the South Surrey-White Rock area, Cindy has witnessed its boom over the last two decades.
After selling 22 properties in her first year, her husband Dave knew it was time to get his real estate license.
Years later their daughter, Amanda, joined the business, followed by their youngest Kimberly.
“It’s really nice working with your family. I believe families who work together just really like each other. There are no problems, only solutions,” said Cindy, who knows her family members will put their best foot forward.
When it comes to picking up the slack, Cindy knows someone in her family will be there.
“We’re a team. I believe teams are where real estate is going. We have five different people, with five different ideas, skills and opinions,” she said, adding everyone brings something different to the table.
From banking and building to marketing and social media, the Walkers have a variety of skills, and they love the fact real estate allows them to utilize all of them.
