When you think of a red door, you might picture warmth, welcome, and the sense of being home. That’s exactly what The Red Door Group with Keller Williams Realty Partners in Overland Park brings to the Kansas City real estate landscape. Since launching their team in 2012, partners Teresa Hoffman and Donna Sulek’s mission has been simple: put clients first, create an elevated experience that is seamless and drama-free, and make sure every buyer or seller client feels The Red Door Group is their home for all things real estate, from the very first conversation, to the closing table, and beyond.
That philosophy has resonated. Today, an impressive 95% of their business is referral based. Referrals from past clients, friends and neighbors, lender partners, vendors, and out of state realtors needing a trusted experienced agent in Kansas or Missouri.
“The Red Door Group stands out among other teams with our “small but mighty” demeanor and the fact that we do not specialize in a certain price point,” says Sulek. “Over our combined 59 years of experience, we’ve learned and recognized what works and have curated a streamline experience for every one of our clients that is not only successful and effective but top-tier in quality for all regardless of price point. We also feel that our clients should be informed and educated about the process of buying and selling a home, and we’re willing to do as much hand holding as necessary. We also believe that it’s important to roll up your sleeves and do whatever is necessary to help clients get their homes ready to sell so they’re in the best possible condition to get the highest amount of money for their home.”
One of the most talked-about communities in Johnson County is Meadowbrook Park, a neighborhood that feels like a resort tucked into the heart of Prairie Village. Nestled beside Meadowbrook Park and just steps from the Inn at Meadowbrook, this development quickly became one of the most sought-after addresses in the metro.
Hoffman was part of the team that helped bring this community to life. She worked directly with the developers, land planners, builders, and buyers.
“It was a unique product that Johnson County really hadn't seen before—small lots, rear garages, developed around an 85 acre park, but also luxury homes,” says Hoffman. “Working with VanTrust Real Estate as the developer, the land planner LRK out of Florida, and the five hand-picked approved builders (all of whom I had worked with before) was amazing. Selling the developer's vision of what that community could look like was a challenge since it was so different from anything Johnson County had seen, but it was truly a privilege and joy to sell that vision to the buyers. How it turned out is beyond everyone's expectations. Seeing how creative the builders, buyers, architects, and developers were as they approached this unique community was so fun to be a part of and I loved every minute of it!”
The creativity of the architects, builders, and homeowners led to streets filled with charming, one-of-a-kind homes that blend seamlessly with the green spaces around them.
“People tell me all the time, the community just feels different, like a resort in the middle of the city.”
The Red Door Group’s expertise extends beyond Meadowbrook. Hoffman’s new construction background complements Sulek’s specialty in relocation and working with multiple relocation companies across the country, making the team a perfect fit for their wide range of clients. Their team also includes Mercedes Burdick, who keeps operations running smoothly, and their newest agent, Rick Kingcade, who has been a client of Teresa's for the past 20 years and has a background in commercial real estate. Ian Harns is also a part-time agent on the team and also a former client. Whether you’re moving across town, across the country, or simply across the street, they’ve guided people through every kind of transition, from first homes, downsizing, investing, and everything in between.
Hoffman and Sulek offer their secrets to success for anyone seeking to find their dream home.
“Be very clear about what you want and what you are willing to give up when designing or finding your dream home. Make a list of must haves, nice to haves, and definitely don't wants,” says Hoffman. “Create a Pinterest board, take photos of homes you like or interiors you like, and bring it all to your builder and architect at your first meeting,” says Hoffman.
“My most valuable advice on searching for your dream home is to start the process as early as possible,” says Sulek. “It’s important to get to know the homes in the areas that you’re looking in and what an expected price to pay for those homes are. This makes the process much easier when you’re ready to buy so you’re comfortable moving forward when you find the right home.”
Together their team ensures every client, no matter the price point, receives the same level of service and care.
Article by Allison Swan
Photography by Janie Jones
Originally published in Johnson County City Lifestyle