It is one thing for a Realtor to become a trusted advisor to their clients. It is quite another to be recognized as one by home builders and help those around you be known as trusted advisors with you. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
While many Realtors are grappling with the implications of the NAR Settlement, Tom Popadak is in a unique position to navigate these changes effortlessly, using what he calls his New Home MLS system.
The NAR settlement, effective August 17, has caused significant concern among Realtors nationwide, primarily because local Multiple Listing Services (MLS) can no longer publish the buyer’s agent commission.
He doesn’t need to worry about resale buyer commissions or inventory shortages. Popadak has access to over $100 million in new homes ready for sale or will be ready within 45 days.
“With all the new construction in Polk County, that is all I need. With this much inventory readily available, I can treat their inventory like my listings, holding open houses as needed,” Popadak said.
Over the past twelve months, he has sold fifteen new homes for eight different homebuilders, totaling $5.4 million in sales.
Popadak doesn’t need to worry about buyer commissions or inventory shortages.
He refers resale shoppers to his Realtor associates at La Rosa Realty Prestige in Lakeland, FL, where he leads a new homes team.
Popadak’s MLS system is not a traditional platform but a simpler solution that includes the buyer’s commission, paid by the homebuilder. It consists of inventory sheets of move-in-ready homes and current incentives from 10 to 12 builders, which are emailed weekly to his team.
Thousands of Realtors receive builder inventory sheets. The difference is how he applies his win-win-win work ethic.
Popadak has built such strong relationships with home builders that some entrust him with the keys to their model homes and rely on him for model home coverage responsibilities.
According to Janet Backman, an onsite sales consultant at Southern Homes, “I have seen firsthand how Tom and team are fully informed and understand all the steps in building a new home, making the buying process smooth and successful."
“Tom Popadak cares more about his buyers than he does his commission.” — Cindy Wilkerson, Community Sales Manager, Maronda Homes.
The members of his new home team, whom he built and trained from the ground up, are known to be trusted advisors, as well.
“I’ve known Tom for ten years. People trust and like him. So do I. Tom is dedicated to ensuring his team is knowledgeable, successful, and well-versed in the brand they represent."
“We look forward to working with Tom and his team members for years to come.” Jenny Lytle, Vice President of Sales & Marketing, M/I Homes of Tampa, LLC | Tampa Division, said.
Popadak’s strong relationships with builders and their onsite teams have led some to consider him essential to their operations. He and his team are often called upon to cover for onsite sales consultants on days off and such,
Homebuilders and their onsite sales consultants eagerly collaborate with Popadak and his team.
“The bottom line is that my focus has always been on what is in the buyer’s best interest, not on the amount of my commission."
“My goal is to create a win/win/win scenario for all parties involved, benefiting everyone personally, professionally, and financially." Popadak said this approach has been integral to his success in selling my new home.
To put it mildly.
On a personal note:
Tom Popadak is a friend. When I approached him to do this piece, I assured him that this was not a favor or expected one but out of respect for his work ethic and how he represents the Realtor profession to both homebuilders, his clients, and his team.
