Bee Home Realty, located at New Realty Company Offers. in the historic Whiteway Corner building, freshly opened its doors on May 1 to a new way of operation within the real estate industry.
“The real estate industry is changing right now,” said Lauren Rohman, co-owner of Bee Home Realty, regarding industry lawsuits that will reshape buying and selling agents’ commission structures across the nation starting mid-July. “We saw a need for change. We wanted to be able to be flexible with that and adjust. Having our own company gives us the power to do that.”
Traditionally, realtors used to guide buyers through the entire buying process at a cost typically absorbed by the seller. With the legal changes, that cost now falls to the buyer, and Bee Home Realty offers customizable solutions for buyers through its full-service and à la carte options. For buyers who have already found a house or agreed to terms, Bee Home’s à la carte services can include things like assistance with writing an offer, or an inspection review to help ascertain which repairs need addressed.
“Now, since the buyer is responsible for paying that…if they can’t afford it, don’t want to pay it, don’t need that extra help…we can do that,” said Rohman.
Rohman, along with fellow co-owners Erin Armstrong and Rachel Shepard, bring a combined three decades of experience to their new venture. In addition to all being licensed realtors, Armstrong assists with the company accounting, Rohman serves as the managing broker, and Shepard heads up Bee Home’s property management division.
Through its property management division, Bee Home offers tenant placement assistance – where the owner manages repairs and maintenance – as well as full-spectrum property management.
“We have a lot of owners choose that route, even some that are local, because property management is a full-time job,” said Rohman.
In addition to housing their office in one of the area’s historic landmarks, Rohman called their work in the historic districts their “bread and butter.”
“We love those historical homes. I always say, ‘If you can sell a historic home, you can sell anywhere.’ There’s just so much character and charm that those homes offer. It’s a very eclectic neighborhood, which we love,” she said.
After just a week and a half in operation, Bee Home Realty had already posted four active sales listings and 14 rental listings as of May 10.
