C3 thrives in challenging real estate market

Real estate agents need to be experts in finances and psychology, says John Simmons, C3 Real Estate Solutions co-founder and co-owner.

“They deal with death, divorce, job loss and the economy,” he said.

To keep his company’s agents on top of it all, Simmons, along with co-founder and co-owner Jesse Laner, makes sure that they make the job a place to learn, develop and thrive.

“Most real estate agents get bogged down by doing things like brochures, but we take care of that, so they’re freed up to do what they do best,” Simmons said.

Whereas the market is challenging these days, agents at C3 are doing well.

“Low inventory and an oversaturation of agents is causing most agents and real estate companies to be down 5 to 10 percent in sales volumes,” Simmons said, “but we’re up about 26 percent.

“We don’t even have to recruit agents because we offer such an affordable model that includes a lot of office locations, is heavy on technology and offers great support and leadership.”

C3’s office locations make it convenient for buyers and sellers as well as for the company’s independent brokers. They’re in high-retail areas, which increase exposure and the opportunity for people who are already out shopping to stop in.

The company also provides lead generation, staff support and opportunities for professional development to agents.

“We’re teaching agents how to leverage listings rather than how to get them,” Simmons said.

The company also holds weekly office meetings that feature subject-matter experts from different fields. Topics have included presentations on character, positive mindset and database use and organization. Offering these learning opportunities as well as CDs and conferences keep agents growing and able to offer more to customers.

“I want 100 percent of our agents to hit their goals and to be very focused on their customers,” Simmons said. “We put an emphasis on commitment, self-development and community involvement.”

The company is considering opening a sixth office or offering franchise opportunities in the upcoming future.

“When we entered the industry years ago, we were already top in the nation and knew there was a better way of doing business,” Simmons said.  The way he and Laner run C3 reflects that better way.

With inventory low and a competitive market high for the real estate industry in Colorado, it’s important to make sure a team has every advantage possible to keep properties moving and customers pleased, Simmons said.

“I tell our agents to go out and establish sincere relationships,” he said, “because, as one agent recently said, ‘Thee who bumps elbows first, wins.’ ”

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