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Broker Spotlight: Chip Stella
Name: Chip Stella
Title: Director of Brokerage Development
Experience: 16 years in real estate, eight years in production and eight years in management roles
Location: Boston, Massachusetts
Brokerage name: Landvest | Christie’s International Real Estate
Sales volume: Combined sales for New England is $800 million
Awards: Sales production awards and President’s Council management award
How did you choose your current brokerage?
I chose to move my career to LandVest | Christie’s International Real Estate within the past year. I felt like the big box brokerages have lost their way, and LandVest represents a real return to value in the real estate business. Small offices, incredible support, top tech and dedication to agent success were the factors that caused me to change.
What do you wish more people knew about working in real estate?
I think there is a major disconnect between what Realtors do and what consumers believe. I wish more people knew how dedicated and hardworking agents are. NAR has not done a good enough job of articulating our value to the public. Now, we are under attack by class action lawsuits that are eroding the good work 99 percent of us actually do with clients and consumers.
Tell us about a high point in your brokerage career
The height of my career came very recently. I got a handwritten note from an agent I haven’t worked with in five years. She said I was the best broker she ever had and thinks about my support all the time. It was out of the blue and truly validated me as a broker.
What’s your top tip for freshly licensed brokers?
Forget about commission splits. Find a broker who will coach and support you. Start building a career with someone who will take you under their wing and not let you fail. Find the right alignment for you and your business.
What makes a good leader?
Good leadership is a learned skill. Good leaders listen first and speak last. Good leaders keep a sharp sword and stay on top of market conditions and market trends to support their people. Good leaders consider the people who work for them their clients and support them in their journey.
The greatest reward as a leader is seeing the growth of people and the company both professionally and economically.
Know someone who should be featured in an upcoming Broker Spotlight? Nominations, please, to brokeredge@inman.com.