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Folks Next Door

By Cindy Hodnett
HomePlace Writer

When Bob Warman, a well-known Triad real-estate agent, decided to open his company, he knew that there were a couple of things he could do to ensure his success. First, he joined professional forces with his wife, Mary. Next, he created a business plan that would allow him to pass along his low overhead costs to his clients.

"Whenever I meet with clients, they always want to know where Mary is if she doesn’t come along," Warman said with a good-natured laugh. "It doesn’t matter if I’m there or not, as long as Mary shows up."

Warman’s friendly personality has endeared him to many clients during the course of his career, and his partnership with his wife enhances the "folks next door" quality of First Choice Realty of NC, their new company. However, the Warmans are not relying on their easy-going attitudes to attract new business; instead, they are passing along notable savings to their residential clients.

For sellers, First Choice Realty charges a 4-percent commission fee as opposed to the more common 6 percent. In addition, the company offers buyers a $1,000 minimum rebate on any home purchased with any company. As the home purchase price increases, so does the amount of the rebate, says Warman, and the final rebate will be 25 percent of the commission paid to First Choice Realty by the listing company for the property. The only stipulation is that First Choice Realty must be representing the individual as a buyer’s agent. For sellers, the Warmans have developed an extensive marketing plan that uses a mix of media sources.

"We offer Web-site marketing at Realtor.com, Homesand Land.com, Triad MLS.com, Listingbook.com, Yahoo.com

and BobWarman.com," Warman said. "We also advertise our listings in real-estate magazines like HomeSpotter and Homes & Land."

One of Warman’s current listings is a 2,800-square-foot custom home in Kernersville. A builder’s personal home, 435 Savannah Lane has many amenities, including hardwood and tile floors; a custom master suite and bath with double shower heads, a jetted tub and double vanities; extensive built-ins; a sunroom; a formal dining room; a main-level garage; an unfinished basement; and an irrigation system. This home lists for $424,900 and has four bedrooms, three and a half baths, a breakfast area, and a guest room with a separate bath.

"We offer complete buying and selling services for less," Warman said. "Our goal is to make our client’s experiences more affordable and easy."

To schedule a private showing of 435 Savannah Lane, call Bob Warman at First Choice Realty at 336-306-9776 or go to www.BobWarman.com.