New Home Star's Real Estate Rockstars New Home Star

In this episode, we’re joined by Mark Thompson and Hill Dickerson from BuilderPad. Mark and Hill co-founded BuilderPad in 2021 to bridge the trust and communication gaps often seen in construction projects. BuilderPad aims to streamline construction project management, enhance trust between parties involved, and improve overall communication, all contributing to more successful and efficient project completion. We talk about the customer experience from a technical standpoint and how BuilderPad makes the process more efficient.


Some themes we cover in this episode:


The background of BuilderPad and how the co-founders got startedHow BuilderPad smooths the customer experience process and creates more transparencyHow modes of communication are changing for younger generationsThe BuilderPad service as a customer relationship management and customer service toolThe specific features of scheduling, communication, selections, and filingWhat the role of the salesperson is in the BuilderPad process

And don’t miss this week’s Peer Learning Question of the Week, where our guests walk through how salespeople can engage their buyers more effectively during the home building process.


Connect with Mark: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrthompson/


Connect with Hill: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hill-dickerson/


Learn about BuilderPqd: https://builderpad.com


Connect with New Home Star: https://www.newhomestar.com

In this episode, we welcome Mark Hirschfeld of Maronda Homes to talk about the increasing digitization of the builder market. We learn how the new home industry can embrace digital adoption in order to grow, and the ways that the pandemic, the rise of AI, and other economic shifts are revolutionizing this industry towards the use of technology.


Mark R. Hirschfeld is the Director of Digital Marketing at Maronda Homes, a family-owned new home construction company that's been building for 50 years in markets all over PA, OH, FL, KY, GA, AL, and VA. Apart from overseeing and developing digital marketing media strategies for Maronda Homes and its sister brand Focus Homes, Mark also oversees the Online Concierge team; Mark led the development of the new immersive Maronda Homes website in 2021; launched the Maronda Homes 50th-anniversary marketing campaign; and was selected to ProBuilder Media's Forty Under 40 in 2022.


Some themes we cover in this episode:


How some industries have been resistant to digitization, and how it’s necessary to move into that realmThe J-curve of digital adoptionHow the pandemic has shifted the way home builders are utilizing technologyMaking sure you can speak on who’s in your database and who your buyer isThe role of AI in sales, and how those who use AI will be more qualified than those who don’tHow agent-led campaigns can offer insight into the communities we operate inRemembering the actual transformational value of what we’re selling: homes for people

And don’t miss this week’s Peer Learning Question of the Week, where Mark dives into what sales associate marketing efforts we should focus on in Q4 to drive sales for the end of the year.


Connect with Mark: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markrhirschfeld/


Connect with New Home Star: https://www.newhomestar.com

In this episode, we welcome back New Home Star’s lead market analyst, Oren Jacobson, to give a review of where the new home sales market is now, at the beginning of Q4, and what we can anticipate over the coming months with regards to inflation, interest rates, and the possibility of a recession. 


Oren Jacobson brings a combination of experience, education, and exposure to his role that is among the most unique in the industry. Over more than 15 years, Oren has had the opportunity to sell, market, and manage projects for every buyer profile, product type, and price point in the market across multiple regions. In this role, Oren focuses on driving systemic-level changes to improve organizational results.


Some themes we cover in this episode:


How we’re currently in a holding pattern, with no real changes as of yetBecause inflation is still over the federal goal of 2% per year, there may be action to cool it downThe resiliency of the new home sales marketThe impact of student loan repayment on the marketHow there aren’t a lot of signs that point to a recessionThe skills salespeople should focus on to serve their clientsHome buyers changing preferences in floorplans

And don’t miss this week’s Peer Learning Question of the Week, where Oren talks about shifts in buyer preferences, what to expect for the next year, and what builders and salespeople should focus on.


Connect with New Home Star: https://www.newhomestar.com

In this episode, we welcome Eric Brevik, where we discuss how the current market challenges are a catalyst for growth and how they can prompt us to improve the new home construction process. We learn how to help our builder partners thrive in these challenging times, and the insights behind Rocket Mortgage's exceptional customer service.


Eric Brevik is the Senior Director of Mortgage Banking with Rocket Mortgage, where he’s been working for over 23 years. Eric specializes in self-employment and new construction. Rocket Mortgage is a residential mortgage lender, which helps people purchase homes, either new or existing construction, and refinance their current homes to put them into a better situation.


Some themes we cover in this episode:


The importance of doing things correctly, and not just to check a box Looking at this challenging market differently: tough times help us to grow and innovateThe value of speedy, quality customer service in the new home construction industryHow to center the client in problem solving, alwaysHow sales agents can increase their capture rate with a trusted lenderWhat programs Rocket Mortgage offers sales agents and buyersResisting the fear of failure and change

And finally, don’t miss the Peer Learning Question of the Week, where Eric explains how sales associates can support buyers who are concerned about rising interest rates.


Connect with Eric: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-brevik-636b6b3/


Connect with New Home Star: https://www.newhomestar.com

In this episode, we welcome back New Home Star’s lead market analyst, Oren Jacobson, where we dissect the economic ups and downs of the past quarter and forecast what the future holds in the new home sales market. 


Oren Jacobson brings a combination of experience, education, and exposure to his role that is among the most unique in the industry. Over more than 15 years, Oren has had the opportunity to sell, market, and manage projects for every buyer profile, product type, and price point in the market across multiple regions. In this role, Oren focuses on driving systemic-level changes to improve organizational results.


Some themes we cover in this episode:


How the last quarter has transitioned from more volatility to an opportune moment for buildersThe possibility of a soft landing from recent inflationHow inflation and interest rates affect the current housing marketThe role of psychology in economics and marketing (The Zonda Index)How real estate professionals can communicate these trends to buyersHow to utilize quieter market periods for future successThe looming issue of affordable housing and its impact on consumer behavior

And finally, don't miss the Peer Learning Question of the Week where Oren offers advice on what third-party materials to have on hand in the sales office.


Read Zonda’s Baby Chaser Index: https://www.builderonline.com/data-analysis/austin-tops-zondas-baby-chaser-index-for-second-year-in-a-row_o


Connect with New Home Star: https://www.newhomestar.com

Hosts Tori and Coppers introduce Season 12 of New Home Star’s Real Estate Rockstars podcast.