Marilyn Richter, Assistant Sales Manager at Roger Fazendin REALTORS®, began her residential real estate career with Fazendin 35 years ago. She graduated from Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter and became an English and Social Studies teacher.
She and her husband of 43 years, Jim, moved to Wayzata to be closer to her parents. They had two children at the time, ages 2 and 5. Marilyn decided that she wanted a career that was a better fit and balance for her family. She talked with many of the real estate companies in town and decided that Fazendin was a good fit. Interestingly enough, all of the other companies that she spoke with are no longer in business! She says of Fazendin that they are her family and they offer the best support to agents and to buyers and sellers. She enjoys the office culture and knows that the processes they have in place work.
If you ask Marilyn what her favorite part of the business is, she would tell you it’s the problem solving. Each situation presents its own puzzle to solve and she rises to the challenge of putting all those pieces together – in fact, as she would say, it is what brings her the most satisfaction.
Marilyn has been Agent of the Month many times over the course of her career. When asked how she continues to be successful, she attributes that to the strength of her loyal clients – they give her a lot of referrals. She must be good at that problem solving – if people keep referring her!
What are the biggest changes she has seen since starting in this industry? Definitely the technology – this change can be a huge plus but also a negative. You can spend a lot of time on technology without results, but the pluses outweigh the negatives. She remembers when listings were printed on pieces of paper and buyers and sellers did not have access to available listings. It is helpful that technology has helped to automate so many things and that clients can have a better point of reference today.
Marilyn has enjoyed growth in this industry through volunteering. She has served on the Minneapolis Area Board of Directors and the Professional Standards Committee. Her role as Assistant Sales Manager allows her to do training with the agents so her teaching has really come full circle.
With over $100 million in sales, it is Marilyn’s philosophy to always give the best personal service and she plans to keep doing that – as she hopes to sell residential real estate for another 35 years!
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