Making the Winds of Change a Breeze

Jane Huston Crommelin understands the importance of focus in the business of real estate. The Florence, Alabama native and University of Alabama graduate has thrived in the industry for more than two decades, and she’s learned a thing or two about what her clients want and need at every phase of life. A Realtor with Ray & Poynor since the company’s inception, Jane Huston just added another specialty to her real estate repertoire: she joined forces with six other Realtors at Ray & Poynor as a Transitional Move Expert. This division, formed by Vice President of Business Development Harriet Cochrane, is for clients who seek to simplify their lives and homes. From recent empty-nesters to retirees, the clients run the gamut, but they have one thing they share: receiving premium customer service from their Realtors and everyone who assists with the process. Jane Huston initially got into real estate for a more flexible work schedule – but structure is important to her to ensure transactions go smoothly. “In real estate, you do not want surprises,” she pointed out. “Every transaction has a lot of moving parts, and you have to remain focused and organized. Attention to detail is important. There are a lot of facets. You’re taking care of a client’s largest asset, and they’re trusting you.” As part of the Transitional Move Experts division, Jane Huston has the opportunity to help clients navigate not only the parts of a transaction but the delicate nature of change. Though many Realtors have the Senior Real Estate Specialist, or SRES, designation given by the National Association of Realtors, no department like this one previously existed in our state —and the need is more widespread than just senior citizens. In the words of Harriet: “We launched this division at the end of last year for downsizing moves of any sort. The team collaborated and realized there’s no other real estate company offering this, and there’s a need in Alabama. It doesn't matter if you’re 50 and tired of yard work or you’re going into a retirement home — simplifying can be quite complicated.” Fortunately for the clients, this savvy team has figured out what to do for them and created a list of steps to make the process that much easier. The steps, posed as rhetorical questions, are: where will I live; what should I take with me; how will I get my things there; what should I do with the rest; and finally, how will I sell my home. Of course, the assisting agent cannot accomplish all of these steps alone, which is why Jane Huston and the rest of the team maintain a network of partner providers to facilitate each move. “Once we find a trusted professional — organizers, stagers, contractors — we add them to our list of partner providers,” noted Jane Huston. “We need experts in different fields to help these clients.” Jane Huston and Harriet agreed it’s most important for clients to feel like their agent is their partner in the process. Downsizing and parting with cherished items and longtime homes can be tough, and the team members are prepared for emotional bumps in the road. “This is not all glitz and glamour; we see it all,” Harriet remarked. “A lot of the time, people are scared and overwhelmed — but we want their families to become our clients and for us to become their real estate resource for life.” Jane Huston echoed the sentiment: “We always want to be the trusted resource partner,” she mused. “I feel like this group is dedicated to this special calling.”