A Different Experience For Real Estate In SK

Opening a new real estate firm in a crowded market during a recession spurred by a housing crisis may seem foolish to some. But to the owners of Experience Real Estate, the latest edition to South Kingstown’s housing industry, it is an opportunity.

Owners Kathy Schmitt and Jill Lawler opened their Wakefield office, located at 23 Arnold St., last week after weeks of design meetings that lead to not just a chic
look, but a polished business plan that aims to promises to wow clients, agents and ancillary businesses with a full-service approach to buying, selling and maintaining a home.

“People have asked me, why are you opening here and now,” said Schmitt. “This is one of the worst markets and a very difficult community to break into, but it is a huge opportunity for myself, Jill and our associates to truly break into a market that deserves an alternative.”

In a community with longtime, well-recognized realtors, Lawler and Schmitt said their approach would redefine the real estate experience for clients and colleagues alike, focusing on training for the firm’s agents and offering seminars to help homeowners get informed on their needs and their home’s needs.

“With all due respect to our competition, they will not have the level of training, support and services that is needed and that our clients deserve, especially in South County,” said Schmitt, the agency's broker. “Sellers and buyers do not have the representation they deserve because everyone is doing business status quo.”

Casting an eye toward client needs, Schmitt said the firm would rely on South County-based businesses and contractors to help clients and agents better understand the intricacies of home maintenance, as well as provide resources to assist with short sales, foreclosures and bank negotiations. For a full schedule, on Experience Real Estate's seminars and January training schedule, check out the attached PDF file.

“We want Experience (Real Estate) to be a pillar of the community,” said Lawler. “We are looking at all ways that we can work together, refer out, and help the economy in our community.”

Although Experience Real Estate is still pulling details together in time before its grand opening after the holidays, the office, which is licensed in Rhode Island and Connecticut, is already open Monday through Friday, and agents are often available on weekends too. Call Lawler at 401-556-1847 or Schmitt at 401-286-8011 for more information or to make an appointment.

The emerging agency has already signed eight agents, from East Greenwich to Westerly, who are slated to start in January. For added convenience, the firm also plans to host lawyer James Iacoi, who specializes in real estate law.