Keller Williams Realty of Greater Cleveland
Where are you based?
I reside in Lake County, Ohio, in a suburb of Cleveland. I work primarily in Lake and Cuyahoga counties, but due to COVID-19, many of our buyers move farther south or east for more land.
What is your market like now?
We have a lot of people who are relocating with major employers like the Cleveland Clinic, the University Hospitals, Lincoln Electric and Sherwin Williams. It’s been very trying for our buyers right now because we have a very low inventory. As a result, a lot of our agents are putting houses into “coming soon” status up to two weeks ahead of time. We have all the information about the house out there, including the photos of the home, and a lot of agents withhold the interior photos to build up that anticipation. We let the public know about the house coming on the market and the price. There might only be six hours of actual showing time the day it goes live. So as the agent, you have to be quick to make sure you’re one of the first ones scheduled for showings on the first day because the houses aren’t making it to the second day.
How do you set expectations with buyers?
You hit the nail on the head. I’ve always been an educator in my business. I love the education process, and I’m a lifelong learner myself. After almost 16 years in the business now, I’ve educated both buyers and sellers. At our first meeting, I try to tell them, “This is what to expect. This is how we handle all situations if they arise.” I’m a realist, and I believe that the more information I give to you now, the fewer questions you’re going to have later. And then when something actually happens in the transaction, you’re going to know how to respond to it—because it’s the unknown that causes the fear, which causes people to walk away. I want to help everyone avoid a lot of emotion that doesn’t need to be there. I’d rather handle it from the start.
Beyond your own RRC courses, how do you interact with RRC education?
I would like to apply to be an RRC educator or trainer. Years ago, when I was taking my CRS coursework with Michael Subasio, it stuck in my mind that I wanted to do what he’s doing—and at his level. Once I had my CRS designation and I started receiving information about being on a committee, I signed up to be part of one. Michael and I were on the same committee for two years, and it was fun because we were reviewing and approving coursework written by other RRC instructors for their courses.
Are you active in your community?
Yes, my sister and I actually run a nonprofit organization in honor of my nephew who passed away at age 15 from cancer. All the fundraising that we do goes back into Cuyahoga and Lake counties. Every month—before the pandemic—we’ve partnered with Cleveland Clinic and University Hospitals to take sick children to Build-a-Bear Workshop. We make sure the mall is closed so it can be sanitized and cleaned, because the kids all have some form of immune deficiency. The kids and their families get to enjoy being a kid for a while. It’s sad because some of these children have maybe a year left, but it brings you joy to see a child smiling at Build-a-Bear Workshop. It’s one of those things that just makes you feel grounded.
Are there other activities you pursue outside of work?
I do leadership summits for youth about empowerment and self-love. I also run vision board workshops; I help children create their dream boards so they can build up their confidence.
I run these as free events at local libraries or college campuses. It’s great to mentor them and to open up their eyes a bit more to what social media bullying looks like and how to stand up for themselves.
Wendy Kunash, CRS, achieved CRS Designation in 2011. She can be reached at wkunash@gmail.com or 440-231-8530.
Photo: Angela D Photography
