I answer my phone at all times, and I do a lot of hands-on work," says Marilyn Cromer, Executive Director of Luxury Sales with Douglas Elliman Real Estate. "I'm a full-service agent. I start from the very beginning and stay until the very end, and I never pawn my clients off to an assistant. They can call me at any time, no matter where I am. Even if I'm on vacation, I always answer my phone.
For the past thirty-eight years, Marilyn has worked in the industry. However, she began her professional career as a counselor. After earning her Master's in social work, she opened up her own private practice. Still, Marilyn always had a passion for real estate. "I've been interested in houses, architecture, and decorating for a long time," she says. When she began to have children, she decided it was time to make a change.
Nearly all of Marilyn's business comes from repeat and referral clients. "Having a degree in counseling helps me to understand people," she explains. She also credits her highly individualized service for her clients' high rate of loyalty as well as her depth of knowledge when it comes to real estate. "I've been doing this and living here for so long, I know the market really well," Marilyn explains.
Marilyn works out of and services the great state of Florida. The majority of her business comes from Miami Beach and runs to Palmetto Bay. She works with a team of four members. That includes her daughter-in-law, who joined Marilyn a year and a half ago.
When it comes to marketing her listings, Marilyn likes to cast a wide net. She uses professional photography to create brochures. She also creates professional videos which are then distributed via social media such as Instagram and Facebook as well as email blasts. Depending on the unit, she often advertises in nationally distributed magazines and local publications. "I spend a lot of money on advertising,” Marilyn says. "In order to make money, you need to spend money.
Outside of work, Marilyn enjoys giving back to her community. She gives to a few charities, but her absolute favorite way to get involved is at her granddaughter's preschool. There, Marilyn will read to the children or help students who are currently having trouble in their classes.
Marilyn is an avid golfer, and when she isn't working hard for her clients you can often find her out on the green. She also loves traveling and exercising, and she stays active while spending time with her grandchildren.
Looking to the future, Marilyn is excited to continue providing her clients with her high level of service. "It's very rewarding to have people be happy with the houses I find them or how quickly I sell their house," she says. "I'm a people person!" She plans to continue expanding her business while training her daughter-in-law to hopefully take over the business in the coming years.
