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Nathan Gesner, Broker / Property Manager (American West Realty and Management)

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Rainmaker
1,027,602
Susan Haughton
Long and Foster REALTORS (703) 470-4545 - Alexandria, VA
Susan & Mindy Team...Honesty. Integrity. Results.

While we don't work together in the RE business, my husband and I have worked together in other ventures and for us, it worked very well. 

It takes finely honed communication skills, honesty, mutual respect, maturity, comparable work ethic and dedication to the business.  

In other words, the same things you need to have a successful marriage.  

May 08, 2017 06:22 AM
Rainmaker
5,104,931
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Realtor

My husband has a license in case I need him to get access to a home or show a home at a last minute request. But beyond the occassional showing and doing my books, I do not truly "work" with my spouse. We are not suited to working together... he is a retired CEO of large banks and likes to think he's the boss, when in my real estate practice I am the boss.

May 08, 2017 06:53 AM
Ambassador
2,684,109
Fred Griffin Florida Real Estate
Fred Griffin Real Estate - Tallahassee, FL
Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker

     My wife was an active Realtor with Century 21, for two years.  Since then she has been my office manager/assistant/partner/coordinator/public relations director/etc. 

    As Susan Haughton said, in order for this to work out, you need to do the things that make for a successful marriage.

May 08, 2017 06:30 AM
Rainmaker
809,258
Kasey & John Boles
Jon Gosche Real Estate, LLC - BoiseMeridianRealEstate.com - Boise, ID
Boise & Meridian, ID Ada/Canyon/Gem/Boise Counties

We do.  Advice....honestly, we personally found that we did better having our own clients and staying out of each other's way and only helping when the other asked for help and gave instructions.  In our early years we worked next to each other, but hardly ever worked WITH each other (didn't really share clients, didn't go on listing appointments together, etc). Now I'm the designated broker and so we have clearly defined our roles, which are pretty different.   One big thing is try to learn to shut it off, not have your whole life about work - when you are together don't always talk about work, in the evening try to stop working.   You are together all the time, but it's not good quality together time, so make sure there is good quality not work related together time too. -Kasey

May 08, 2017 06:45 AM
Rainer
3,461
Tanya Patterson
Patterson Investments - San Jose, CA
Because my number one priority is you!

This is a great question. My husband and I worked together years ago as agents. It was tough because I tried to have him simply assists where-ever I needed the help BUT that did not work.

Now he's back in high-tech. We still work together a little BUT the best advice I can give you is to have your spouse do ONLY the things he/she enjoys and is really good at it. And you do the same....This way everyone wins!! My husband does mostly the IT for me and the real estate sign placements and removals.  That's it and it works well :)

May 08, 2017 10:54 AM
Rainmaker
5,583,278
Barbara Todaro
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired - Franklin, MA
Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

I work with my daughter and I need to remember to NOT play mother....but my daughter has no problem with including my name and that I'm her mother when communicating with clients....  

May 08, 2017 08:11 AM
Rainmaker
711,852
Lynnea Miller
Bend Premier Real Estate - Bend, OR
Premier Real Estate Service in Central Oregon

My husband is a general contractor - which is why I became a real estate agent. He is actively involved with my work, however, in helping with the website, creative marketing advice, and general "help me with..." assistance. I couldn't do it without him.

May 08, 2017 07:48 AM
Rainmaker
1,543,823
Thomas J. Nelson, REALTOR ® e-Pro CRS RCS-D Vets
Big Block Realty 858.232.8722 - La Jolla, CA
CEO of Vision Drive Realty - Coastal San Diego

My bride was my assistant from 2007-2011 and our rule was at work, I'm her employer and I treated her with the same proprieties of an employee. When we got in the car to go home, we were husband and wife and no shop talk was allowed until we returned to the office. She also returned to being the boss. That part worked well. Overall, she didn't like real estate and that was the short sale years so who could blame her? Agents were rude and business was intense.

May 08, 2017 07:03 AM
Rainmaker
7,836,139
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

Yes. Agree on the division of tasks.

 

May 08, 2017 06:30 AM
Rainmaker
989,652
Jennifer Mackay
Counts Real Estate Group, Inc. - Panama City, FL
Your Bay County Florida Realtor 850.774.6582

Yes - 12 years now!

It can be very trying, but if you are both completely honest with each other it works out fine.

One thing I recommend is to find areas of strenth which you do NOT share and each of you take on the tasks related to that strength and trust each other completely in those tasks

May 08, 2017 01:48 PM
Ambassador
5,230,102
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310 - Charlotte, NC
The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!

My husband helps me as well and I can't think of anyone that I'd rather work with! We work well together in marriage and in work! 

Simply respect one another, be a good listener and never 'pull rank' on your spouse!  Always let them know you are grateful for their input/help.

May 08, 2017 01:03 PM
Ambassador
6,393,494
Bob Crane
Woodland Management Service / Woodland Real Estate, KW Diversified - Stevens Point, WI
Forestland Experts! 715-204-9671

She helps out after her real job as a teacher, and has for the past 30 years.

Best assistant I have ever had, but she does not ever want to give up her real job so I have to settle for having her working with us part time.

May 08, 2017 10:57 AM
Rainmaker
2,781,173
Richie Alan Naggar
people first...then business Ran Right Realty - Riverside, CA
agent & author

Wearing hats is recommended and taking them off when you get home wise

May 08, 2017 06:51 AM
Ambassador
5,049,450
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

No we don't

May 08, 2017 06:23 AM
Rainmaker
1,712,676
Joe Pryor
The Virtual Real Estate Team - Oklahoma City, OK
REALTOR® - Oklahoma Investment Properties

Learn to communicate without anger.

May 08, 2017 02:58 PM
Rainmaker
1,196,798
Doug Dawes
Keller Williams Evolution - 447 Boston Street, Suite #5, Topsfield, MA - Topsfield, MA
Your Personal Realtor®

Many years ago our plan was to do that but it never came to fruition. Each have your separate responsibilities.

May 08, 2017 02:01 PM
Rainmaker
1,466,207
Michael Setunsky
Woodbridge, VA
Your Commercial Real Estate Link to Northern VA

Nathan Gesner I did when I first got into real estate. We never had any problems.

May 08, 2017 11:50 AM
Rainmaker
290,969
Allie Angeloni
Long Realty - Oro Valley, AZ

Yes, Roger and I are 'Team Angeloni' Nathan Gesner, and we work together on a daily basis.  Advice is tough to give, not knowing the personalities involved.  Do you compliment each other or do you compete with each other.  What might help is, if one of you is strong in one area, to work that area, while the other person might be strong in a different area, so they should work that area.  Go with your strengths.  Remember to share what is happening with clients and texts and emails.  Each person should try to be the other's 'better half'.  If one is responsible for paperwork and deadlines, the other could be responsible for open houses and marketing, just as a quickie example.

May 08, 2017 11:09 AM
Rainmaker
1,844,301
Lyn Sims
Schaumburg, IL
Real Estate Broker Retired

There are plenty of teams, I wouldn't be in that group. Too much of 'a good thing' is just that. 

May 08, 2017 10:15 AM
Rainmaker
1,502,998
Ryan Huggins - Thousand Oaks, CA
https://HugginsHomes.com - Thousand Oaks, CA
Residential Real Estate and Investment Properties

I'm not married, or even dating at the moment.

My folks have worked together as long as I've been around, in one business or another.  Not always easy, but it works.  Not sure I could do that, but I'd like to try.

May 08, 2017 09:50 AM
Rainmaker
472,114
JoAnn Moore
The Mortgage Market of Delaware - Georgetown, DE
Home Loans in Delaware

My husband and I own a mortgage brokerage. We are high school sweethearts and have been together for 47 years. If you have a disagreement, get it resolved quickly, don't let it stew.  Arguments, etc. are so small in the grand scheme of things. Get over it and move on.

May 08, 2017 09:39 AM
Rainmaker
4,333,772
Lawrence "Larry" & Sheila Agranoff. Cell: 631-805-4400
The Top Team @ Charles Rutenberg Realty 255 Executive Dr, Plainview NY 11803 - Plainview, NY
Long Island Condo and Home Specialists

We do, and it works out really well!

May 08, 2017 07:58 AM
Rainer
117,135
Christine Kankowski North SD and Temecula
House Match Inc - Poway, CA
Excellent Sales and Property Management

WE do but we are pretty separate.  He does Property management, and I do sales.  We interact a lot since my investor client, will then become his property management client.  Then years later, when they want to sell, they become my client again.  Our duties are very specific and dont really overlap much, but we technially work together.  :)     I think I got the good job. 

May 08, 2017 07:47 AM
Rainmaker
1,725,996
Sandy Padula & Norm Padula, JD, GRI
HomeSmart Realty West & Florida Realty Investments - , CA
Presence, Persistence & Perseverance

Don't do it!

May 08, 2017 07:20 AM
Rainmaker
3,626,530
James Dray
Fathom Realty - Bentonville, AR

Not  chance in H**L.  Yeah, don't do it....  LOL

May 08, 2017 07:08 AM
Ambassador
2,178,603
Carol Williams
Although I'm retired, I love sharing my knowledge and learning from other real estate industry professionals. - Wenatchee, WA
Retired Agent / Broker / Prop. Mgr, Wenatchee, WA

Never did except to take him on showings occasionally if I felt the need for back-up.  

May 08, 2017 06:54 AM
Rainmaker
5,868,554
Joan Cox
House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO
Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

I used to, and there were times it would have been nice to not be around him 24/7.   I would recommend having some time away from each other, just to keep the sanity.

May 10, 2017 07:53 AM
Rainmaker
4,800,082
Gabe Sanders
Real Estate of Florida specializing in Martin County Residential Homes, Condos and Land Sales - Stuart, FL
Stuart Florida Real Estate

I don't.  Though, I've seen some very good ones here in the 'Rain'.

May 09, 2017 06:00 AM
Rainmaker
3,071,489
Tony and Suzanne Marriott, Associate Brokers
Serving the Greater Phoenix and Scottsdale Metropolitan Area - Scottsdale, AZ
Haven Express @ Keller Williams Arizona Realty

You bet!

May 09, 2017 05:18 AM
Rainmaker
2,241,053
Andrew Mooers | 207.532.6573
MOOERS REALTY - Houlton, ME
Northern Maine Real Estate-Aroostook County Broker

Had tossed this one up before earlier AR group about dating within the species of "R". Interesting answers.

May 09, 2017 03:10 AM
Rainmaker
1,622,432
Inna Ivchenko
Barcode Properties - Encino, CA
Realtor® • GRI • HAFA • PSC Calabasas CA

Well, since I do not have one, I do not.

Working as a couple can be a blessing or backfire. All depends on the relationship itself. 

May 09, 2017 01:13 AM
Rainmaker
4,319,419
Praful Thakkar
LAER Realty Partners - Andover, MA
Andover, MA: Andover Luxury Homes For Sale

Nathan Gesner - yes. Though she is more of a 'Silent Partner'! And that works the best!

May 08, 2017 09:58 PM
Rainmaker
4,936,705
Will Hamm
Hamm Homes - Aurora, CO
"Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"

would not work out

 

May 08, 2017 08:42 PM
Rainmaker
3,988,007
Debbie Reynolds, C21 Platinum Properties
Platinum Properties- (931)771-9070 - Clarksville, TN
The Dedicated Clarksville TN Realtor-(931)320-6730

My husband worked for me in my company many years ago. He told me I was the best boss he ever had but I think he had ulterior motives, to sleep with the boss. On a more serious note, we worked well together and he was an excellent agent. The secret ingredient was respect and to treat business as business.

May 08, 2017 08:23 PM
Rainer
259,005
Mick Michaud
Distinctly Texas Lifestyle Properties, LLC Office:682/498-3107 - Granbury, TX
Your Texas Lifestyle is Here!

I tried years ago with my ex.  It wasn't pretty.  She had the will but would not tolerate me telling her what I needed her to do to help me to do my job.  We finally had to just let me handle it because it was my business. 

 

May 08, 2017 08:19 PM
Rainmaker
3,986,258
William Feela
WHISPERING PINES REALTY - North Branch, MN
Realtor, Whispering Pines Realty 651-674-5999 No.

My spouse had her license for about 3 months.  Ended up with 2 really bad clients and decided it was not for her.  it would not have worked in the ong run as we have different view on how to work the profession

May 08, 2017 08:12 PM
Ambassador
3,345,091
Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist
KD Realty - 408.972.1822 - San Jose, CA
Probate Real Estate Services

I do not. I also do not have a spouse. I feel that I could if we aligned well in how I do things 

May 08, 2017 06:00 PM
Rainmaker
5,772,575
Ron and Alexandra Seigel
Napa Consultants - Carpinteria, CA
Luxury Real Estate Branding, Marketing & Strategy

Nathan,

When your goals are aligned, it is a breeze and so wonderful...Not everyone couple is suited for this. A

May 08, 2017 05:39 PM
Rainmaker
3,416,038
Scott Godzyk
Godzyk Real Estate Services - Manchester, NH
One of the Manchester NH's area Leading Agents

I work solo without a spouse and not sure i could. It is hard for most spouses to live and work together but it can be done. 

May 08, 2017 05:26 PM
Ambassador
3,587,960
Anna "Banana" Kruchten
HomeSmart Real Estate - Phoenix, AZ
602-380-4886

Who's the broker?  My husband knows that as the broker I call the broker shots.  He's extremely talented in other areas and we work really well as a team!  Don't get nuts over small stuff - let it go and don't bring it home! Nothing is that important!

May 08, 2017 04:37 PM
Rainmaker
4,434,127
Gita Bantwal
RE/MAX Centre Realtors - Warwick, PA
REALTOR,ABR,CRS,SRES,GRI - Bucks County & Philadel

no

May 08, 2017 02:24 PM
Rainmaker
1,617,916
Harry F. D'Elia III
WEDO Real Estate and Beyond, LLC - Phoenix, AZ
Investor , Mentor, GRI, Radio, CIPS, REOs, ABR

not at this time

May 08, 2017 09:40 AM
Rainmaker
1,239,901
Sam Shueh
(408) 425-1601 - San Jose, CA
mba, cdpe, reopro, pe

Wanting to have nothing to do with RE period.

 

May 08, 2017 09:39 AM
Rainmaker
5,216,409
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Chicago, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

We did not work together, but did compliment one another. Wife was a loan officer.

May 08, 2017 09:20 AM
Rainmaker
921,504
Annette Lawrence , Palm Harbor, FL 727-420-4041
ReMax Realtec Group - Palm Harbor, FL
Making FLORIDA Real Estate EZ

I do not, but I know how.

What I OBSERVE is those who spend inordinate time with each other fall into an unexpected trap. That trap is 'tradition.' It is the same trap that sabotages relationships of ALL kinds.

Tradition says, when the President enters, all rise.

Tradition say, bow your head, close your eyes when you pray.

Tradition says cranberry appears for Thanksgiving.

There is no room to ask, change or alter, because it is tradition.

In the same way, past tradition inhibits the 'turning towards' that is essential for supporting relationships to grow together. 

Tradition establishes that the way one responded two year ago will be the same 5 years from now. The reality is , each of us experience tremendous personal emotional change over the course of 7 years. If you don't have mechanisms to monitor that change. to keep track of each others emotional situation, you become strangers stuck in TRADITION.

Make is a practice to turn towards by saying, "Is there more?"

 

May 08, 2017 07:06 AM