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NextHome Dana Trahern Realty opens in Southwest Kansas

NextHome Dana Trahern Realty opens in Southwest Kansas

Dana Trahern

Pleasanton, CA — July 22, 2021 — NextHome is pleased to announce the newest addition to the franchise, NextHome Dana Trahern Realty, based in Ulysses, Kansas. 

The brokerage represents the 508th office to join the NextHome franchise out of 518 active office locations across the country.

Located in the family-friendly southwest corner of Kansas, the brokerage will serve clients in Ulysses, Hugoton, Johnson City, and Satanta.

Under the leadership of Ulysses-native Dana Trahern, the brokerage will offer clients an unparalleled real estate experience. 

“I’m a people person who loves making each experience smooth and stress-free for my clients,” Dana said. 

Dana has been a professional REALTOR® since 2018. Prior to real estate, Dana taught 5th grade for 10 years. She also helped run the family business, Riley Ford, which remained a pillar of the Ulysses community for more than 40 years. 

Just two short years after becoming a licensed REALTOR®, Dana’s exceptional sales numbers and work ethic helped her achieve her broker’s license. In a town of about 6,000 people, she was able to reach 50 transactions in the space of two years. 

As Dana’s reputation for excellence grew, she began thinking about opening her own brokerage. As she was mulling over the benefits of franchising versus going independent, Dana reached out to a friend who suggested NextHome. 

“I loved the professionalism and look of it,” Dana said. “I reached out to Charis (Moreno, NextHome’s VP of Sales) and wondered if NextHome would fit with my existing work ethic and culture. Immediately I was hooked. Once I really dug into it, NextHome had this great business model set up. All I needed to do was plug my work ethic in and keep going. The more I looked into it, NextHome just got better and better.”

Today, Dana is using NextHome’s tools, technology and marketing to provide exceptional service to Ulysses-area clients. 

“I’m not the agent who will stick a sign in your yard then wait for someone to call me,” Dana said. “I have a great marketing plan that is now backed by industry-leading advertising. I have always worked extremely hard for my clients and will continue that level of service, now with NextHome’s support.”

When she isn’t helping clients, Dana enjoys spending time with her husband, Stacy, and her two children Chase (21) and Hailey (18). She enjoys traveling or unplugging with a good day’s work on the family farm. 

Please join us in congratulating Dana on the opening of NextHome Dana Trahern Realty in Ulysses, Kansas!

 

Interested in being a part of the NextHome Real Estate Franchise? Contact VP of Sales Charis Moreno at Charis@NextHome.com.

Each office is an independently owned and operated business.

NextHome Named on Franchise Business Review’s 2021 Culture100 List

NextHome Named on Franchise Business Review’s 2021 Culture100 List

Pleasanton, CA — July 21, 2021 — NextHome was recently recognized on Franchise Business Review’s second annual “Culture100” list. The list recognizes the top 100 franchise brands in a 2021 report on the Best Franchise Cultures. 

NextHome, Inc. is an independently owned national franchisor with a focus on changing the way consumers work with local agents and shop for real estate online. The NextHome franchise, founded in 2014, has 510+ offices and nearly 5,000 members across 48 states. The company closes over 29,500 transactions annually worth over $8.3B in volume.

Franchise Business Review, a franchise market research firm that performs independent surveys of franchisee satisfaction, provides the only rankings of franchises based solely on actual franchisee satisfaction and performance. Franchise Business Review publishes its rankings of top franchises in its annual Guide to Today’s Top Franchises, as well as in special interest reports throughout the year that identify the top franchises in specific sectors.

NextHome was among 224 franchise brands, representing nearly 25,000 franchise owners, that participated in Franchise Business Review’s research on the best franchise cultures. Franchisees were surveyed on 33 benchmark questions about their experience and satisfaction regarding critical areas of their franchise systems. The brands that were selected received the highest overall ratings based on 12 questions specifically focused on leadership, core values, whether they enjoy being part of the organization, and would they recommend their franchise to others.

“The impact of the pandemic this past year on small businesses has put the spotlight on franchise culture more than ever,” said Michelle Rowan, President and COO of Franchise Business Review. “Our research into hundreds of brands really shows which ones held up the best when rated by their franchise owners. The franchise companies that have the honor of being named to our Culture100 list are clearly among the best of the best franchise opportunities.”

The NextHome Culture has been a differentiator for the franchise since its inception in 2014. Their Humans Over Houses motto and mindset puts people first in an industry that so commonly forgets about the human connection in a tech-driven world. 

“Being recognized on the Culture100 list is directly attributed to all NextHome members who’ve helped curate what our franchise has come to be, and continues to grow to become,” said Keith Robinson, NextHome’s Chief Strategy Officer. “However, to ensure a cohesive culture, there must be a consistent underlying philosophy tying everyone together. For NextHome, it’s that we all strive to put Humans Over Houses. We know that so long as we don’t lose focus on the humans who buy and sell houses, and the amazing agents who help them through the process, everything will be fine. ”

Earlier this year, NextHome was also named No. 1 on Franchise Business Review’s list of the Top Franchises for 2021 in owner satisfaction, as well as a Top Franchise for Women.

Visit FranchiseBusinessReview.com to see the full list of the 2021 Best Franchise Cultures.

 

Interested in being a part of the NextHome Real Estate Franchise? Contact VP of Sales Charis Moreno at Charis@NextHome.com.

Each office is an independently owned and operated business.

NextHome Real Estate Perfection opens in Lakewood Ranch, Florida

NextHome Real Estate Perfection opens in Lakewood Ranch, Florida

Pleasanton, CA — July 16, 2021 — NextHome is pleased to announce the newest addition to the franchise, NextHome Real Estate Perfection, based in Lakewood Ranch, Florida. The brokerage represents the 497th office to join the NextHome franchise out of 519 active office locations across the country.

NextHome Real Estate Perfection will serve clients across Manatee County, with a focus on residential buyers and sellers in the Lakewood Ranch area. 

The brokerage is owned by the husband-and-wife team of Greg and Kassandra Simony. Greg has been a licensed real estate agent since 2002 and Kassandra has held her real estate sales license since 2019. 

Together, Greg and Kassandra have been successful entrepreneurs, owning several successful businesses throughout the years. However, real estate called to them as a business that could make a real impact on the lives of others in their community. 

“We were excited to provide a real estate experience where clients could be listened to and receive service that was truly tailored to what they want and need – not simply what is convenient for the agent,” Greg said. 

When they discovered NextHome, Greg and Kassandra knew they had found a franchise that could help them accomplish their goals. 

“The technology, the marketing, the tools, everything was great,” Kassandra said. “And the affordability factor of starting with NextHome gave us the flexibility to invest money the way we needed to.”

Today, Greg and Kassandra are offering clients across Manatee County prompt and professional service, backed by NextHome’s suite of industry-leading technology. 

“We genuinely believe that if you are going to do something, you need to do it right,” Kassandra said. “That means we answer the phone, we provide unparalleled service, and we are really responsive to our clients.”

Outside the office, Greg enjoys giving back to his community through various nonprofit organizations. He is a dedicated athlete who helps disabled individuals participate in triathlons through using a slew of adaptive gear he has accumulated over the years. 

Greg and Kassandra are the parents of one daughter, Marie (11), who is an accomplished competitive swimmer. 

Please join us in congratulating Greg and Kassandra on the opening of NextHome Real Estate Perfection in Lakewood Ranch, Florida!

 

Interested in being a part of the NextHome Real Estate Franchise? Contact VP of Sales Charis Moreno at Charis@NextHome.com.

Each office is an independently owned and operated business.

How Real Estate Professionals Set Goals

How Real Estate Professionals Set Goals

Career success doesn’t usually happen by chance. For most people, building a business and moving up the ladder takes focus, drive, and planning. So, if you’re unsure where your career is headed or what your next steps are, perhaps it’s time for some goal setting. Whether your goals are immediate, mid-range, or long-term, here are some helpful steps:

Look back.

While it’s true that goal setting is a forward-thinking exercise, sometimes it helps to review your history before you get started. What has kept you from achieving goals in the past? What steps can you take to keep remove, minimize, or manage these impediments? What changes would be helpful before you proceed? Reflecting and answering some simple questions can give you clarity and help you stay on track.

Prioritize.

Take stock of your career and personal life and ask yourself what is important to you and your family. Remember, not every professional goal needs to be tied to income. Your professional goals might include holding an office in an industry organization, networking, or increasing your social media presence and engagement. Relocating to a new town or changing companies can also be professional goals.

Break your goals into manageable tasks.

For every goal, detail the steps needed to achieve it and the estimated time to complete each step. It’s usually helpful to do this in outline form first and then block out time on your calendar daily or weekly, specifically for goal work. You can assign firm deadlines for each step or a weekly, monthly, quarterly, or annual timeline.

Make timeframes realistic.

While it’s good to assign target dates for each step in the goal-setting process, you could get discouraged and eventually give up if the timeframes are too ambitious. Factor in current work and family obligations, as well as any increased seasonal responsibilities to set yourself up for success.

Network with colleagues.

Find out how they handle goal setting and if they’d be willing to share any tips with you. Ask if you can meet regularly to help hold each other accountable for working on the steps that will help you reach your goals. Finally, be sure to celebrate together when each of you makes progress.

Have a mentor.

Asking a respected colleague or boss to serve as a counselor, advisor, and supporter is a great way to work toward your goals. By sharing their own experience, your mentor can help you avoid pitfalls and guide you in the right direction. You may also develop a meaningful relationship and friendship in the process.

Consider the education and training that will be needed for advancement.

Would a degree help you achieve your goals? Do you need certification or continuing education credits to move forward? Research the requirements, time commitments, and expenses that advancing your education and training will require.

Be honest with yourself about your strengths and weaknesses.

As much as possible, try to align your goals with your best talents and attributes. If something is holding you back, make a plan to improve yourself in that area. Remember, no one is good at everything, but everyone is good at something. Make sure your goals reflect the ways you excel.

For more helpful tips from our partners at American Home Shield, check out their blog!

NextHome announces new Northern Idaho brokerage

NextHome announces new Northern Idaho brokerage

Carrie and Shawn Sutton

Pleasanton, CA — July 9, 2021 — NextHome is pleased to announce the newest addition to the franchise, NextHome 365 Realty, based in Athol, Idaho. 

Located just 30 minutes north of Coeur D’ Alene and an hour east of Spokane, Washington, NextHome 365 Realty is poised to serve the growing northern Idaho area. 

Under the leadership of owners Carrie and Shawn Sutton, NextHome 365 Realty offers expertise in waterfront property, secondary and vacation rental homes, land and acreage, ranches, and all other types of residential real estate. 

Carrie has more than 16 years of high-producing sales experience. Shawn obtained his Idaho sales license in 2007, his Washington sales license in 2019, and his broker’s license in 2021. He is also the owner of Sutton Tile and Marble.

Together, Carrie and Shawn offer unique expertise and people-first service to their clients. 

“Throughout my career, the thing I’m most proud of is the relationships we have built,” Carrie said. “To me, it’s not about a transaction, but about the humans we are able to help and the lives we impact for the better.”

Although Carrie remains laser-focused on the human side of the business, the Suttons sales numbers are also remarkable. Last year, they achieved $17 million in sales volume with 46 transactions. This year, they are primed to exceed that number by 20 additional transactions. 

Their success is built on NextHome’s foundation of putting humans over houses. In 2016, the Suttons became part-owners of a northern Idaho NextHome franchise. In 2019, they stepped away from ownership to focus all their attention on their sales clients. The banner years that followed, and their rededication to the people who mattered most, helped the Suttons know that 2021 was the right time to step back into ownership. 

“There was no doubt in my mind that NextHome was the franchise we wanted to continue to partner with,” Carrie said. “I’ve been with a lot of different companies and by far NextHome’s communication, its support, its back-office systems make every day and every transaction go so smoothly.”

As they launch NextHome 365 Realty, the Suttons hope to position themselves as the company that cares. 

“I want to be a household name, not because we sell real estate but because we care and we are passionate and have the drive to support people,” Carrie said. “As we grow, we are looking for agents who will embrace that caring mentality. It is always humans over houses for us.”

That dedication to service has been a distinguishing trait for the Suttons since they started in real estate. The couple are always helping in their community with various needs on a personal basis. When an unexpected windstorm toppled hundreds of trees in January, the Suttons helped coordinate cleanup efforts. When local businesses open, the Suttons use their thriving social media platforms to give them a boost. And when storms trap locals in snowbound homes, the Suttons find ways to help plow them out. In addition to those personal acts of community service, Carrie also serves on the Coeur D Alene MLS Board of Directors. 

“My vision for NextHome 365 Realty is to continue to offer an outstanding service level to our community,” Carrie said. “Our vision is to continue to give absolutely amazing service not only to our agents but also clients and customers.”

The brokerage is a family affair, which includes Carrie and Shawn’s children. Courtney Lampert is a professional REALTOR® who carries on her mother’s legacy of hard work and dedication to client service, Turner is a professional real estate photographer, and April is a lender at a local bank. 

Please join us in congratulating the Sutton family on the opening of NextHome 365 Realty in Athol, Idaho!

 

Interested in being a part of the NextHome Real Estate Franchise? Contact VP of Sales Charis Moreno at Charis@NextHome.com.

Each office is an independently owned and operated business.

Fair Housing, Discrimination and Errors & Omissions Insurance

Fair Housing, Discrimination and Errors & Omissions Insurance

Discrimination and Fair Housing issues, both real and alleged, can take many forms. It is, or should be, a topic of concern for all real estate professionals. The topic is prevalent in today’s news with stories of racial bias in property appraisals resulting in inappropriately low valuations for Black and minority owned properties. Concerns of bias and discrimination are not unique to the appraisal profession and have roots in real estate that go back decades. Few local or federal laws were in place to allow equal access to home ownership or funding for many decades. The Fair Housing Administration was established in 1934 but did little to create greater opportunity for home ownership. Its guidelines relied on local ordinances and real estate boards to determine how loans would be made, all but formalizing the red‐lining of minority neighborhoods and communities. The consequences of red ‐ lining were enormous, affecting public housing policy and even relocation of neighborhoods for highways and other government projects.

In 1968, the federal government enacted the Fair Housing Act, though initially with no enforcement capabilities. The Act prohibits discrimination in most housing due to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status and disability, and a substantial list of prohibitions is noted. More can be found about the Fair Housing Act at
https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/fair_housing_equal_opp/fair_housing_act_overview.

It would be easy to assume that only the most egregious instances of discrimination and bias exist in the real estate industry today. While those are the events that make the headlines, such as the recent appraisal bias allegations, real estate agents continue to be sued or receive complaints due to actions that seem far less severe. In fact, E & O claims alleging Fair Housing Discrimination are on the rise. Many of these allegations (remember that a Claim and lawsuit is only an allegation of wrong‐doing) do not result from clear or deliberate acts of bias or discrimination – though those unfortunately exist in abundance. Many allegations seem more benign, less intentional, but still trigger serious consequences. Some professional services create more risk, including property management, leasing, eviction and “cash for keys”. Many other complaints are triggered by careless comments and assumptions, and even attempts to be helpful. Examples include describing a neighborhood as “family friendly” to a single buyer; telling a handicapped person that they would be unhappy in a multi‐level home; providing erroneous information on the acceptance of service animals on a property; failure to provide documents and communications in a person’s native language; failure to, or creating the appearance of, limited availability or opportunity to buyers of color, sexual orientation, etc. As in so many circumstances that result in problems for agents, moving away from verifiable fact and information about a property, and venturing into opinion and conjecture is both avoidable and potentially catastrophic.

Most Errors & Omissions policies for real estate firms offer Fair Housing and Discrimination coverage, though it is typically a separate and specifically‐defined coverage with liability limits that can be different (less) from the policy’s main liability coverage. To trigger a Fair Housing Claim, the allegation must allege a violation of some federal, state or local regulation or law related to equal housing opportunity, Civil Rights violation or the Fair Housing Act. Because Fair Housing coverage and resulting Claims are limited in both policy language and liability protection, a clever Plaintiff attorney would also most likely bring suit against some other aspect of the agent’s actions and policy coverage. A conscientious agent would be wise, and considerate, to avoid this double jeopardy.

For more helpful information from our partners at Landy Insurance, click HERE.

Written by John Torvi | Vice President of Marketing and Sales | The Herbert H. Landy Insurance Agency, Inc | johnt@landy.com | Direct: 781-292-5417 | Toll Free: 800-336-5422 x117
6 Ways to Improve Your Credit Score Right Now

6 Ways to Improve Your Credit Score Right Now

If you have a less than perfect credit score, applying for a mortgage or other type of loan might feel impossible. Fortunately, there are several mortgage programs that have lenient credit requirements plus many ways you can boost your score on your own before you apply for a mortgage.

  1. Pay your bills on time

The most influential factor for both your FICO® credit score and VantageScore is your credit history. If you have a good history of paying your monthly debts on time, this is a good indicator that you will be able to handle your future debts responsibly as well. “You want to avoid things like late payments, defaults, repossessions, foreclosures, and third-party collections,” says John Ulzheimer, credit expert, formerly of FICO® and Equifax. “And filing bankruptcy is a horrible idea. Anything that would indicate non-performance of a liability is going to harm your credit score.”

  1. Keep tabs on your credit utilization rate

Your credit utilization rate shows how much of your available credit you actually use. The lower your credit utilization, the better. “The higher that ratio, the fewer points you’re going to earn in that category and your scores are absolutely going to suffer,” Ulzheimer says. “In fact, people who have the highest average FICO® scores have a utilization of 7%.”

  1. Leave old debts on your report

You might feel like wiping the slate clean and starting over will help boost your score. However, it’s quite the opposite. Leaving debts on your report shows lenders and scoring companies that you can handle and completely pay off large debts. “An account that’s paid in full is a good thing; however, closing an account isn’t something that consumers should automatically do in the hopes that it will positively impact their credit score,” says Nancy Bistritz-Balkan, vice president of communications and consumer education at Equifax. “Having an account with a long history and solid track record of paying bills on time, every time, are the types of responsible habits, lenders and creditors look for.”

  1. Don’t close old accounts

Closing your credit card accounts can actually lower your credit score. When you close an account, you will have a lower maximum credit limit. But you also don’t want to keep an account open with a carried balance. So, it’s best to keep your credit card with a balance of $0 open, even if you aren’t using it.

  1. Only apply for credit when you need it

Every time you apply for a new line of credit, your credit card company will pull a hard inquiry on your report – which will lower your credit score temporarily. However, the effects of a hard credit pull could last up to 12 months. If it’s a single hard credit pull, then it will likely be a smaller drop on your credit score. A string of hard inquiries could show lenders that you are taking on too much debt and could result in a larger drop. One way to avoid hard credit pulls is by applying for prequalification or preapproval – these generally result in a soft credit pull instead. Soft pulls don’t affect your credit score.

  1. Continue to monitor your credit

Viewing your own credit results in a soft inquiry – it doesn’t hurt your score. You should strive to check in on your score every few months to make sure that it is heading in the right direction. If it’s not, you may need to make some changes.

Your credit score affects a lot of other financial prospects. In almost every application where you will be taking on future debt, people will likely review your score. In the mortgage world, if you have a higher credit score, you will likely qualify for a lower mortgage rate. To check your credit score, you can use any of the three credit bureaus – TransUnion, Experian, or Equifax. To get started on your prequalification, click the “Get Started” button above.

Sources: Money.com

For more helpful tips from our partners at NextMortgage, check out their blog!

NextHome HomeFront expands to serve military families

NextHome HomeFront expands to serve military families

Crystal Boggs

Pleasanton, CA — July 2, 2021 — NextHome is pleased to announce the expansion of NextHome HomeFront, serving clients at Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, Mississippi. This newest addition expands on the success of the original NextHome HomeFront location in Ocean Springs that opened in 2019. 

The brokerage represents the 499th office to join the NextHome franchise out of 517 active office locations across the country.

NextHome HomeFront is owned by Crystal Boggs, a high-producing professional who has a passion for serving military families. 

Of the 15 agents working with NextHome HomeFront, all but two come from military families. The new brokerage is also ideally situated just outside Keesler Air Force Base’s new main gate – a multi-million-dollar upgrade years in the making. 

“My husband retired from the military in 2019, and his service included nine years at Keesler – right after Hurricane Katrina came through,” Crystal said. “We understand the military lifestyle like no one else. We are aiming to be hyper-focused on the needs of military families.”

Crystal began her real estate sales career in San Antonio in 2016, and when the family moved to Mississippi in 2017, she again became licensed. Crystal went into real estate full time after selling off her very successful party rental business, Biloxi Bounce House, which did more than 1,000 rentals annually. 

She spent most of the first year learning the marketing and prospecting side of real estate, and that dedication to education paid off just a few months into her second year in the business. Within the last three months of 2017, she sold over $1 million in real estate – an incredible number considering the local average home sales price at that time was just under $140,000.

Crystal made the move to a local NextHome franchised office where, in 2018, she sold 24 homes with more than $5 million in total sales volume.

In late 2018, Crystal felt it was the right time to open her own brokerage. As the previous owner of a successful business prior to real estate, her experience and track record gave her the confidence to open NextHome HomeFront.

“NextHome HomeFront is a boutique brokerage company where the agents are treated like family,” said Crystal. “That allows them to connect with the ownership/leadership team and know they are heard and treated with respect.”

In 2019, Crystal was honored with one of the most esteemed awards a military spouse can receive – Armed Forces Insurance Keesler Military Spouse of The Year. She also mentors military spouses to have transferable careers and assists retirees get started in a real estate career. 

Crystal and her husband Bryan have been married for 19 years and are the proud parents of Mecquela (age 17) and Bryanna (15). Mecquela graduated a year early from high school and is joining the Airforce this summer, continuing the family’s military life.

The family enjoys all types of outdoor activities including hiking, fishing, and crabbing. 

Please join us in congratulating Crystal and the rest of the team at NextHome HomeFront on the opening of their brand new NextHome office in Biloxi, Mississippi!

 

Interested in being a part of the NextHome Real Estate Franchise? Contact VP of Sales Charis Moreno at Charis@NextHome.com.

Each office is an independently owned and operated business.

NextHome Signature Properties opens in Richmond, VA

NextHome Signature Properties opens in Richmond, VA

Nicole Diamond

Pleasanton, CA — June 25, 2021 — NextHome is pleased to announce the newest addition to the franchise, NextHome Signature Properties, based in Richmond, Virginia. The brokerage represents the 16th office location opened in Virginia for the NextHome franchise and the 586th NextHome office opened nationally.

Centrally located in a thriving metro area, NextHome Signature Properties will serve clients across Chesterfield, Hanover, Henrico and Richmond. 

The brokerage is owned by veteran Virginia REALTOR® Nicole Diamond. Under her leadership, NextHome Signature Properties brings client-centered service with 22 years of area knowledge behind it. The brokerage offers expertise in first-time home buying, listings, investment properties, relocations and new construction.

Nicole obtained her real estate sales license in 1999, in her first year she was named by her brokerage’s Rookie of the Year. Along with the aggressive sales, she developed a reputation for exceptional service.

Throughout her career, Nicole has worked with brokerages both large and small. Eventually though, Nicole knew that she wanted to offer her clients something different. Something that would cement the relations by delivering a service filled with long lasting benefits, Something memorable.  While earning and sustaining their loyalty and trust

“Owning my own franchise would give me the opportunity to do business the way that I wanted, the way that I knew would be best for my clients,” Nicole said. 

“NextHome was the perfect fit,” Nicole said. “Everything was aesthetically pleasing and the attention to detail was excellent. Everything had been thought out with the end user in mind.”

Today, Nicole is building NextHome Signature Properties with both compassion and cutting-edge technology.

As Nicole continues to build NextHome Signature Properties, she hopes to connect with professional REALTORS® who put the client front and center in all they do.

“Our agents will be people who are aggressive, care about their career, and understand that quality of service is important in building viable relationships with your clients in the community,” said Nicole.

Nicole is excited to extend NextHome’s Humans Over Houses motto to The Doorways, a nonprofit she has been supporting over the past few years, and plans to continually support through NextHome Signature Properties. Based in Richmond, VA, The Doorways provides lodging and support for patients and their loved ones who need to be close to the nearby hospital but not far from the feeling of “home.”  

Outside the office, Nicole enjoys traveling, cooking, and small DIY projects that don’t often turn out exactly as planned. 

Nicole is the mother of one daughter, Kyndall, who plays lacrosse in college.

Please join us in congratulating Nicole on the opening of NextHome Signature Properties in Richmond, Virginia!

 

Interested in being a part of the NextHome Real Estate Franchise? Contact VP of Sales Charis Moreno at Charis@NextHome.com.

Each office is an independently owned and operated business.

NextHomies celebrated Luke Day 2021 with community service and outreach

NextHomies celebrated Luke Day 2021 with community service and outreach

An integral part of our brand identity and culture, NextHome wouldn’t be the same without our beloved mascot Luke. In honor of his birthday, we have declared June 15th our company’s annual day of community service and outreach – Luke Day. We use this day as an opportunity to step away from our business and come together to serve our local areas and the people and pets that thrive there.  

Coming off of a year that emphasized the importance of community support, Luke Day 2021 was full of amazing events organized by NextHomies across the nation. Events ranged from volunteering at food banks and supporting local animal shelters to raising donations for our national charity partner, Canine Companions. 

Here are just a few examples of how NextHome members rolled up their sleeves to support their neighbors, friends, and communities:

  • NextHome Unlimited in Junction City, KS organized donation boxes for the local animal shelter, supplying items in high need.
  • NextHome Preferred in Felton, DE launched a “Get Luked” fundraiser supporting Canine Companions, where neighbors had their lawns covered with Luke mascots.
  • NextHome CORE Realty in Lubbock, TX performed maintenance duties at a local children’s shelter, Texas Boys and Girls Ranch.
  • NextHome First Coast in Saint Augustine, FL delivered donations to K9s for Warriors, partnering with a local girl scout troop to escalate their impact.
  • NextHome Hometown Realty in Kahului, HI donated shoes and funds to the Wishing Well Foundation for Kids.
  • NextHome Preview Properties in Mount Vernon, WA gathered pet supplies for their local Humane Society.
  • NextHome New Horizons Equity Realty in Byesville, OH held a spaghetti dinner fundraiser and donated proceeds to The Guernsey Co. Dog Shelter and The House of Samuel.
  • NextHome Realty Consultants in North Augusta, SC supported the SPCA Albrecht Center for Animal Welfare by donating supplies they needed from the community.

NextHome would like to extend a huge thank you to all NextHomies who participated in Luke Day, an event that truly shares our Humans Over Houses mindset. In addition, NextHome was able to donate nearly $2,000 toward Canine Companions thanks to the NextHomies who purchased Luke Day apparel from The Orange Appeal Store. 

Based in Pleasanton, CA, the NextHome corporate office used Luke Day as an opportunity to support the Alameda County Community Food Bank. Together, the corporate team raised over $1,200 to fund the local food bank’s ongoing hunger-relief efforts.

“Luke Day, in just its third year of celebration, has been an opportunity for NextHomies to showcase the Humans Over Houses ethos that runs deeply in all of us,” said Keith Robinson, Chief Strategy Officer of NextHome, Inc.“Being in real estate doesn’t just mean we sell houses, our underlying passion is helping our communities, and seeing the admirable events NextHome offices organized near and far echoes that.”

On behalf of Luke, thank you to the NextHomies using his orange powers for good. You already serve the people in your communities by helping them find their next home. Thank you for spending Luke Day to further drive the #HumansOverHouses movement forward!