If Sarah Leonard were to sum up 2022 in one word, it would be growth. Leonard grew her team by hiring successful, like-minded office support staff and restructured her agents to ensure the team is comprised of only the best. Her team closed more homes than any other team in the MLS for the second year in a year in a row.
Driven by relationships with clients, Leonard, broker and owner of The Sarah Leonard Team, know that one thing stands true in business: People work with people they like. It’s that simple. She enjoys getting to know clients on a personal level, so this isn’t just a transaction to her and her team. The relationships continue once the “job” is done.
She takes time to listen to clients and understand their needs and goals. “I have around three minutes at someone’s table to earn their trust before they make a decision if they’re comfortable trusting me with one of their biggest financial assets,” she says. She is proactive and always defines the best route for each client, depending on their circumstances. “I let them know I am truly there to help lessen their burden and form a true partnership,” she explains.
She arms clients with the information they need to make an informed decision, a timeline with expectations and access to trusted referrals to help make the process of prepping their home as smooth and easy as possible.
“This process is so emotional and stressful for people,” says Leonard, who has 17 years of industry experience. “A large part of my job is to take the stress out of the transaction. Having a positive impact on my clients makes the long hours worth it.” The team makes a huge effort to stay in touch with clients long after they close on their homes, and it has paid off. Their No. 1 source of new business is past clients, followed closely by referrals from past clients.
Leonard started her real estate career at 15, first working for a loan officer before becoming a marketing coordinator for a real estate team and then advancing to a licensed Realtor. Experiencing different facets of the industry laid the foundation for her to successfully lead a well-rounded team.
