Business Profile: Charles and Cheryl Goodall

When Charles Goodall first obtained his Realtor’s license, it seemed like the perfect summer job.

While attending Iowa State University, Charles figured he could make more money from the sale of one house than his classmates could earn flipping burgers for an entire summer. However, he didn’t expect that eventually he’d get busy enough that he’d ask his mother, Cheryl, to get her license and join him in the business.

The Goodalls are one of a select few mother and son real estate teams, a rare combination that they say is well suited to their personalities.

Cheryl likes showing houses, while Charles’s specialty is working the back end of the deal to make sure everything comes together. Last year, the pair sold more than $11 million worth of real estate.

Charles Goodall received his real estate license in 2002, and by his 21^st birthday he’d sold his first house. After graduating from Iowa State he quickly established himself in Waukee. Initially, Cheryl helped Charles with marketing, but once business began to pick up, he found that he was getting overwhelmed.

“He told me, ‘Why don’t you get a license and help me show a few houses’,” Cheryl remembered.

In 2007, Cheryl got her Realtor’s license, and the two began working together full time. Their specialty is income properties, and both Goodalls say real estate remains a good investment, particularly in a down economy.

Growing up, Cheryl and her husband owned several rental properties, and Charles remembers helping his dad maintain them.

“I already knew how the rental business works, it’s just a great investment,” Charles said. “We can show people how it can work for them.”

Charles also runs Goodall Properties, a business that specializes in renting and maintaining rental properties. With three full-time staff members, Goodall Properties has grown quickly, and Charles said he now spends about half of his time managing that business.

The Goodalls feel their team concept offers an advantage that other real estate agents can’t match. They’re also proud that they are the only team based in Waukee that also lives in Waukee. Cheryl said she and Charles are able to work seamlessly together, which means clients can contact either Goodall whenever they have a question. 

However, both agreed their success has resulted from the close relationships they’ve built with clients. Calling themselves “Realtors for life,” the Goodalls have a glowing page of recommendations from clients, something that Charles says is because they never lose sight of their No. 1 goal.

“Everyone has a different need,” Charles said. “Our No. 1 goal is your No. 1 goal.” 

For more information about the Goodalls, check out their website at www.goodallproperties.com.