I've been watching Autumn Hendrix build up her real estate consulting business since we met in May of 2015. I actually met her while interviewing her for some work we needed done on a project for KC Kids on Track. A grant writer or some copy, I don't recall. But what I do remember was that we talked for nearly 4 hours that first time. It was actually scheduled for an hour but it was one of those conversations that passed so quickly you couldn't believe how 30 minutes jumped to 4 hours. It was the best conversation ever.
I was fascinated by how like-minded we both were. She was creating a footprint and a career in the real estate industry and I was exploring a few options in the staffing industry. Autumn's approach or style was strictly behind the scenes. She developed services and programs for individuals and companies without getting any of the credit. Paying customers get the glory, Autumn received money for billable hours and referrals but she never shared the spotlight . The perfect formula for a young, single lady looking to be a productive, working member of society.
I on the other hand, I liked to be present when my creations were revealed. So if I was hired out, I usually joined the team in some fashion. My duties at the time of meeting her were for a nonprofit organization called KC Kids on Track. I was the Community Relations Director. I'd seek out partnerships with other nonprofits and sign MOU's. Memorandum of Understanding is what they are and they allow you the right to talk about the other organizations without getting into trouble. It also lays out the rules and it helps protect the brand. Brands that are very valuable as far as their image and the work that they do within communities. Autumn's and my work are similar but the approach is slightly different.
Today Autumn is a marketing agent for a company called Showhomes Kansas City. She is part of the staging process of homes. It also includes decluttering and organization of stuff in peoples homes. That stuff is usually what we call junk. But regardless of the stuff or junk, Autumn Hendrix is the perfect person for Showhomes Kansas City. She has the eye for the business and skill set to execute certain programs in that arena.
In a recent conversation Autumn told me about a program she's been working on. It involves For Sale by Owner (FSBO) services. She helps the segment of the real estate industry who takes on the daunting task of selling their own home - FSBO. Her point of view is that everyone selling property should have the same resources for the process. Most sales are traditional transactions, real estate agent involvement. But with today's technological world many people want to bypass the traditional 6% fee and keep that to themselves. Understandable. But what most people don't know is that along with the 6% of fees Homeowners also dish out and additional 1-2% on other services to help move their home. Not too bad if you want to move on quickly. A total of 8% to get the war of selling behind you.
Unless you're technology savvy, most people need someone to help them in the sales process. They say buying your home is the biggest major purchase a person or couple will do. In the same breath, I agree with Autumn Hendrix of Showhomes Kansas City, why wouldn't you approach the biggest, most major asset the same way when selling it. Put the best resources towards it and get the most out of it. If one person or couple is willing to dedicate 8% in fees and services, why wouldn't a FSBO be willing to put 2-4% in services such as Showhomes Kansas City to make it sell better? That's why I think Autumn is brilliant. She wants to be that friend for the FSBO market. Autumn wants to hold seminars, let them walk through a staged house, walk them through the process, and to make sure that certain services/products are available to any and all people selling their home. Especially FSBO's who otherwise didn't or wouldn't know that certain services/products are available to make the transaction, the sale easier.
I guess I just wanted to say how refreshing it is to watch someone grow and adapt over the course of a year. From complete obscurity in her consulting work to the formation of meetings, FSBO friendships, and networking that puts her in the spotlight. I just wanted to say congratulations Autumn Hendrix of Showhomes Kansas City and good luck on your travels. The FSBO community and real estate veterans couldn't ask for a better friend in the industry!
