By Deborah Ball Kearns, RE/MAX Times Online Associate Editor

Stella Price was Prudential's No. 1 producer in North America in 2007 and 2008. She closed 140 transactions and grossed $2.2 million in commissions as an individual in 2008. You can't travel down many streets on the Westwood Plateau in Coquitlam, British Columbia, without seeing her yard signs.

But those signs now bear the RE/MAX Balloon instead of the Prudential rock.

After seven years with Prudential, Price switched to RE/MAX Sabre Realty Group in Port Coquitlam in October. She has built a reputation for being a no-nonsense agent who can sell any listing, and she makes millions each year doing so – even when the market slowed.

"I'd be successful anywhere, because I love this business and I work hard, but I can do even better with RE/MAX," says Price, who brought her team of one licensed agent and a licensed assistant, and 61 listings with her. "In fact, a lot of my clients were surprised that I wasn't already with RE/MAX because the brand has a stellar reputation here. This is a step up for me; going anywhere else – Royal LePage, Keller Williams or Coldwell Banker – would've been a lateral move."

From selling modest condos in one building early in her career to selling multi-million dollar mansions in the upscale Westwood Plateau area, Price has mastered the art of real estate sales. Her secret? Farming a specific neighborhood.

"Don't try to be everywhere; choose a subdivision or neighborhood you want to dominate, and market like crazy," Price says. "Start with smaller properties like condos and work your way up. If you're new to the business, you have to sell yourself because you don't have listings to work with yet. Don't let people see you sweat or tell prospects that you're new; they won't work with you."

Price certainly has a lot of sweat equity in her business. She used to work seven days a week, pulling 12- to 15-hour days. Her hard work paid off, but she wanted to have a life again, so she formed a team earlier this year. Letting go, however, wasn't easy.

"I'm a control freak," Price admits, adding that having a team has been particularly helpful in landing contracts with the growing Asian community in Coquitlam. "I handle most of the English-speaking clients, and I'm a native Indonesian. My Associates work with our Mandarin, Cantonese, Farsi and Korean-speaking clients. About half of the buyers in the Vancouver market are Asians."

A competitor at heart, Price sees her move to RE/MAX as a fresh start – especially with the resources her office provides, such as professional reception services, support from the Broker/Owner and Manager, and a full-time conveyancer. Her passion for real estate has a lot to do with success, too.

"I look forward to getting up each morning and going to work; I love the challenge," Price says. "Clients can sense whether or not you truly love what you do."

Price says it won't be long until she earns her way into the network's highest production clubs. When she does, it will be on her own terms.

"I never negotiate my commission," Price says. "If discount brokers were so successful, everyone would go with them. My advice is to learn to say no to listings and save yourself the headache of dealing with someone who won't respect your role in the transaction. Once you negotiate, you set a bad precedent and people will assume that they can take advantage of you."

© 2010 RE/MAX, LLC. RE/MAX Affiliates may share this article, provided they do not charge for it and this notice is included. All other rights reserved.

Comment on this story and read more on RE/MAX Mainstreet
E-mail your comments to editor@remax.net. Please include your full name, RE/MAX office, city and state or province. Comments, slightly edited for length, flow and punctuation, will appear below.

Comments (6)
As a Prudential broker for 10 years and 3 as a consultant, I can share Stella’s enthusiasm for now being with the #1 Franchise in the world. I would like to say “Welcome Aboard” and “thumbs up” for joining RE/MAX.
– Steve Snook, RE/MAX Mid-States & Dixie Region, Gladstone, Mo.
 
Timely article in this area of the country – Stella’s approach is both encouraging and her words reinforce what the foundation of a successful real estate agent and the full service that RE/MAX offices offer...keep up these inspiring articles.  Most importantly, Congratulations Stella for joining RE/MAX!
– Brenda  Sopel, RE/MAX Oceanview Realty, Sechelt, British Columbia

Welcome Aboard and Congratulations Stella on your move to RE/MAX!
– Elton Ash, Regional Executive Vice President, RE/MAX of Western Canada

This is a great story. I am with RE/MAX New Dimensions in Trinity and Tarpon Springs on the West Coast of Florida. I was always more successful with RE/MAX. I went with a different company when I moved from New York and found that I made less money and had less notoriety with the 100% offices. I felt I was just a number in these companies. With RE/MAX everyone is so supportive of one another and we are proud of our beautiful offices to meet with customers.
– Lorrie Williams, RE/MAX New Dimensions, Trinity, Florida

WELCOME ABOARD RE/MAX, STELLA. Thanks for your tips they are great. I had 24 years  as an independent broker owner in Brisbane, Australia and I am loving my new career with RE/MAX!
– Alan Lucas, RE/MAX Bayside Properties, Alexandra Hills, Australia

Congratulations and welcome to the RE/MAX family Stella!
– Shawna Sambrano, Regional Development Consultant, RE/MAX World Headquarters

Posted 11/2/10