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Colleen Coesens.

Colleen Coesens
Broker-In-Charge
Allen Tate Company
Rock Hill, SC

How Long Have You Been In Real Estate?
I began my real estate career in Spartanburg, S.C. in 1990 after another corporate move brought our family from Winston-Salem, N.C. I had been working as a pharmaceutical representative and the travel wasn’t good for my family, so I decided to give it a try. My first sale was for a golf course lot, and then a small home in town – to the same client! I was hooked! The industry fascinated me. After several years of selling, the owner of the company asked if I would consider getting my Broker’s license and becoming the Broker-in-Charge, as the current BIC in my office was retiring. I accepted the challenge and soon realized I had found my niche.

How Did You Get Into Your Current Role As A Broker-In-Charge?
In 1995, I received an offer from a large real estate company in Cleveland, Ohio, to manage one of their flagship offices. As I wanted to continue to advance my career as a Broker, I accepted the position and moved north. About 10 years later, I was ready to move back closer to my children and grandchildren, so I heard about an opening at Allen Tate. After interviewing with Allen Tate, I knew this is where I was destined to continue my career and joined this office in 2005.

What Are Some Of Your Businesses’ Toughest Challenges These Days?
1. Helping our clients make difficult decisions regarding the positioning of their property in the market. In our area, the average sale price has declined somewhat. We must help our sellers be realistic about pricing, days on market, staging their property, and negotiations. Buyers have a great selection from which to choose and therefore are very deliberate in their search and seeking a “good deal.”
2. Working with sellers who are facing foreclosure. We work very hard to help them avoid foreclosure or a short sale. Unfortunately, many homeowners wait too long before calling us in to assist, and the process becomes even more complicated and frustrating for them. Our expertise in working with this type of sale is essential to the homeowner. It is so important to be empathetic and try to understand what they are going through. This is not just a sale; these are real people in a very difficult position. Respect is essential.

How Do You Measure Your Success (professionally)?
I know I am successful when a client looks to me for assistance and I’m there to help. It’s rewarding to know the agents on our team are comfortable coming to me for coaching; assistance with a transaction; to share the good and bad. I love my job!

What Do You Enjoy Doing To Rejuvenate After A Long Day Or A Long Week?
I play in the mud. I took up throwing pottery almost two years ago and find it quite relaxing. I have a small studio in my garage and spend as much time as I can making pots. My friends and family now have a plentiful supply of soup bowls and platters! Spending time with my husband, Tim, is very important, as he is so supportive of what I do and the hours I spend on the job. We enjoy the activities provided by the Center for the Arts, particularly the Art Crawls and watching the (Winthrop University) Eagles play basketball. Go Eagles!!

What Would You Say To Other Women Who Want A Similar Career?
Being a broker-in-charge can be a very satisfying career, filled with opportunity for growth. I have learned so very much in my years as a Broker. I have met so many wonderful people and I have been given the opportunity to help in many ways.