Nima Schierloh joins Commonwealth Real Estate Your Way as virtual assistant. Her expert skills as an administrator as well as a Realtor makes her the perfect fit the newly created position. Nima will support Commonwealth agents in their entirely paperless office including the use of virtual contracts, listings, tours, and more.

For the past 13 years, Nima Schierloh has been in the real estate business both as a REALTOR as well as an administrator in the general business and marketing functions. This new position as virtual assistant will combine her expertise in real estate and her business acumen and allow her to work within a paperless environment for the benefit of Commonwealth staff and clients. Commonwealth agents work from anywhere using virtual technology and so will Nima providing buyers and sellers with exceptional response times and service.

Her background in administration will also support day-to-day operations at Commonwealth Real Estate. In fact, she worked with Commonwealth Real Estate Your Way broker, Vickie Brockelman, at the Coldwell Banker franchise in Monroe County for more than 5 years as a REALTOR assistant and office coordinator.

In addition, Schierloh specializes in residential properties, both primary and vacation, new home construction and land sales. She is an e-marketing expert as well as a negotiation specialist. She has additional expertise in Pennsylvania Title and Theory and she is an Accredited Buyer Representative. Her expertise in e-listings as well as her vast knowledge of the Pocono Mountains and surrounding counties will not only benefit her clients, but also the entire Commonwealth agency in her administrative role.

Here’s what excellent real estate professionals possess that others do not…..

EXCELLENT REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS:
Know their market; Know the market – these two factors are tied together, yet very different.
Knowing their market means being a comprehensive resource about the community in which they do business in order to help buyers and sellers truly understand the marketplace. They must appreciate the many demographic and socio-economic qualities of their community and be able to articulate how and where to get information on school systems and the educational climate as well as cultural and entertainment outlets.
Knowing the market considers that a real estate sales associate knows what type of situation a buyer or a seller is in. They must be able to communicate the situation to customers and be able to develop a plan to help the customer reach their real estate goal.
Have Buckets of Integrity – This is a “no brainer.” Work with people who have a long history in the field, who have been acknowledged for their work, who are professional and have the customer as their focus, not themselves.

Know what they are doing – Real estate is not easy. Whether developing marketing strategies to sell a home or pulling out all of their best negotiating skills when representing a buyer interested in a home, real estate sales associates need to know the entire process from initial contract to popping open the champagne bottle.

Listen to their customers – The cornerstone of our business philosophy at Commonwealth Real Estate Your Way is following the Platinum Rule – of treating people the way they wish to be treated and accommodates the feelings of others. That process starts with LISTENING first.

Have exceptional communication skills – This doesn’t mean they are slick and can “talk a good game.” Having exceptional communications skills means
1) saying what you will do and doing what you say
2) being able to clearly tell a client what to expect in the process
3) staying in touch with the client and keep them up to date
4) taking responsibility for what has been said

Ability to change and adapt – Sales associates who get into the profession in the “good” times often find themselves hurting in the leaner, more difficult times. Why? Because they got in for the wrong reasons. Exceptional sales associates are in it for the customer and are in it for the long haul. The exceptional agent is able to adjust their efforts during different cycles of the real estate process and help their customers regardless of the market situation.

Has an interest in continuous improvement and enhancement of skills – take a look at the credentials a prospective agent has as part of their resume. If they got their license and stopped educating themselves, best move on to another agent. You want to work with an agent who has continued to improve their skills, has gained certifications in specialty areas and who is active in their local REALTOR association. Those are the agents that know all the trends and the newest technologies and strategies to help you with your real estate needs.

Is a Professional – This is right up there with integrity. It’s a “no brainer.” You want to work with an someone that looks professional, acts professionally on your behalf, represents their agency well and represents any of their affiliations like the Association of REALTORS well. No one wants to do business with a sloppy, inexperienced or lazy waiter, accountant, or teacher – why do business with an unprofessional real estateprofessional?
Are REALTORS
You wouldn’t go to a doctor that isn’t backed by the American Medical Association (AMA) – would you? Then why work with a real estate agent that is not a REALTOR? REALTORS adhere to a strict code of ethics, they are constantly updating their skills, they understand the marketplace and use specialized tools to help properly price a house, they are experts in preparing a home for sale and already know active buyers that can be matched with sellers. REALTORS have taken the extra step to ensure you are getting the best of the best.

Ranch home, needs lot of work. 4 Bedrooms, 1.5 Baths, Fireplace, 1 Car Garage. Call Connie Foland 570-972-0140 and ask about MLS# 10-2724.

View the Virtual Tour:

That statement alone is the key indicator of how much Connie wants to help you. Her natural desire to help her customers shows just how well she fits in with the Commonwealth Real Estate Your Way model of doing business with the Platinum Rule.

Connie is a long time resident of the Poconos and prior to that she lived in New Jersey. She is a licensed agent in both states. She is bi-lingual, both English and Spanish, and can serve a wide variety of customers. In fact, she uses her command of both languages to help customers understand more fully the procedures involved in the real estate buying and selling process.

Connie has been a small business owner, operating a full service nail salon. Not only did that ownership prepare her for the multitude of activities necessary for a demanding real estate career, it also gave her a strong foundation and sense of commitment to her customers. She gets to know her real estate customers personally and can, therefore, serve their needs more precisely.

Connie understands the strong pull many people have to move to the beauty of the Poconos, whether as a primary home or a vacation home. That pull called her here nine years ago. Connie welcomes the chance to help customers reach their real estate goals.

She has experience in all areas of real estate including helping buyers and sellers and is a member of the National Association of REALTORS, the Pocono Mountains Association of REALTORS and the Morris County (NJ) Association of REALTORS

9:00 to 5:00
Stroudsmoor Inn Towne –
Offers samples of holiday baked goods available for gift giving
10:00 to 7:00
Village Common Gift Shop – Unique Holiday Gifts
10:00 to 1:30
Tree Lighting Brunch at The Main Inn
Reservations Required for Brunch 570-421-6431, Ext. 410
Visited by the Toyland Elves at 10:30
11:30 to 2:00
Toyland at Terraview
Stroudsmoor and Commonwealth Real Estate Your Way are proud to sponsor the US Marines“Toys for Tots”Program
Photos with Mrs. Santa Claus, the Elves and the US Marines – Children who bring a new unwrapped toy for “Toys for Tots” receive a gift from the Marines and Stroudsmoor
11:45 and 12:30
Reading with Mrs. Santa Claus “for children of all ages”
presented by the Eastern Monroe Public Library at Terraview
1:00 to 4:00
Art Reception at Auradell Gallery
Artists Susan Bernadette
sponsored by Commonwealth Real Estate Your Way
Works by Artist Nancy Bossert also featured
1:00 to 5:00
Refreshments at Lawnhaven – Compliments of the innkeepers
1:00 to 4:00
Horse-drawn Carriage Rides sponsored by Commonwealth Real Estate Your Way
3:00 to 5:30
Blackhorse Farms – brings us a Petting Zoo sponsored by Stroudsmoor
Pony Rides Sponsored by Commonwealth Real Estate Your Way
5:00 to 7:30
SBG Live at Lawnhaven – 5 Tree Lighting Attendees will qualify for the “Bill Free in December” drawing
3:00 to 8:00
Tree Lighting Grand Buffet at The Main Inn
7:00 to 7:30
Pictures with Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus and the U.S. Marines at Terraview
Pocono Choral Society – continues caroling in the Main Inn Lounge where guests sip holiday cocktails and select hors d’oeuvres from the
Inn’s new Gastro-Pub Menu. Don’t forget . . . The Tree Lighting Grand Buffet is served in the main dining room.
Terraview
7:00
Pocono Vocal Arts – continues caroling at Terraview

McShane holds her associate broker license in two states and has been in area real estate for more than 16 years. Prior to joining Commonwealth, McShane was an associate broker and manager of the Coldwell Banker Phyllis Rubin Real Estate Stroudsburg and Brodheadsville offices before the firm was sold more than 18 months ago.  During her time with the residential firm, McShane was a multi-million dollar sales producer and earned recognition in the Sterling and International Diamond societies, sales levels achieved by small percentages of the more than 126,000 sales associates worldwide in the CB system. As a manager, her office received awards and distinctions such as the Premier Office Award from the Coldwell Banker franchise given only to those offices that achieve outstanding per person production.

McShane has completed extensive coursework in commercial and residential real estate including property management and new construction. In addition to her associate broker’s licensees, she also holds a broker appraiser license and certifications in negotiations, e-marketing, new homes specialist and she earned certification in Nevada for Property management. Currently, she serves as property manager for Coldwell Banker Commercial, Pennco Real Estate in Stroudsburg and offers comprehensive property and assessment management to owners throughout the region with services including reporting and accounting, property inspections, facility management, rent collection and eviction coordination.

Since opening their doors in February, this new and innovative style of real estate agency has hired 12 area REALTOR agents each with a specialty area in residential or commercial real estate and all who are considered at the top of their profession.

“These are the most sought after agents in the area and they are all housed here under the Commonwealth umbrella,” said Commonwealth Real Estate Your Way, LLC broker/owner Brockelman. “This wouldn’t work without these individuals. Our mission is to provide innovative, customized services in the area real estate market by applying the Platinum Rule, of treating others the way they want to be treated, in all of our transactions. It’s a whole new way of thinking and of applying the rules of our profession.”

Top performing Commonwealth Real Estate Your Way REALTORS have transacted more than $2 million in closed business and under contract business during the first 100 days.

“We couldn’t be more pleased. Clearly we are giving the customer what they want and probably have wanted for a very long time,” said Brockelman. “It would appear that the newest name in town is fast becoming the people’s choice.”

According to Brockelman, some noteworthy numbers from Commonwealth Real Estate Your Way include: more than 60 listings secured in 100 days with 6 closings and 10 additional properties currently under contract. The company also launched a customer friendly Web site about a month after opening. Reports indicate that in the less than 70 days since going live, the web site has secured nearly 10,000 page loads, with more than 5,000 unique and new visitors combined, which according to the web company managing the site for Commonwealth is an uncommon success.

For more information, visit the Commonwealth Real Estate Your Way, LLC, Web site at www.creYourWay.com, or call 570-839-0411 or toll free at 1-888-333-0464.

Surrounded by the agents of commonwealth Real Estate Your Way (to her left seated), Vickie Brockelman, (left holding knife) prepares to cut the cake signifying the opeing of Commonwealth Real Estate Your Way’s new office in Mt. Pocono on Friday, April 17, 2009. Also in photo – Beverly Hay, association executive of The Pocono Mountains Association of REALTORS. Representative Mario Scavello of the 176th District. Nearly 100 individuals including other area brokers, REALTORS, members of PMAR, representatives of the Greater Pocono Mountain Chamber of Commerce and community members were on hand to help celebrate.

According to the broker/owner of Commonwealth Real Estate Your Way, LLC., Vickie Brockelman, some of this influx of agents was fueled by the recent combining of two area real estate companies with many of the region’s most award-winning agents deciding to continue their careers with Commonwealth Real Estate Your Way, LLC. In fact, all eight had worked for Brokelman when she was owner of Coldwell Banker Phyllis Rubin Real Estate and either left the organization following Brockelman’s sale, when Brockelman reentered the marketplace, or after the recent closing of all of the Coldwell Banker offices.

Smith has been a REALTOR for 6 years. She is a Pennsylvania native and has been a resident of the Pocono Mountains region for more than 30 years. Prior to joining Commonwealth Real Estate Your Way, LLC, Bobbie was an agent with Coldwell Banker Phyllis Rubin Real Estate’s Mt. Pocono office. Smith holds the Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) designation, a highly prestigious designation from the National Association of REALTORS earned by the best residential real estate seller agents in the country who have proven they have the experience, training and commitment to be among the best in the profession.

Penna joins Commonwealth with more than 13 years as a real estate agent and manager. She is a graduate of the REALTOR Institute and holds the GRI, the mark of a real estate professional who, according to the National Association of REALTORS, has made the commitment to provide a high level of professional services by securing a strong educational foundation allowing them to better serve and protect their clients. Before joining Commonwealth, Penna served an agent and office manager with Coldwell Banker Phyllis Rubin Real Estate. She earned her associate brokers license in 2000 and received the Coldwell Banker Office Manager Award of Excellence and Million Dollar Office Award. She was named into the Coldwell Banker Sterling and International Diamond societies, sales levels achieved by only the top 18 and 13 percent, respectively, of the more than 126,000 sales associates worldwide in the system.

Hackman spent most of his life in the hospitality industry having served as maitre d’ at the world-renown Mount Airy Lodge in Mount Pocono, Pa., in charge of all food operation services as well as a similar position with Skytop Lodge in Skytop, Pa. In 2002, he earned his real estate license and began working for Coldwell Banker Phyllis Rubin Real Estate in the Pocono region where he was named Rookie of the Year after only six months in the business. Since then, he has earned many awards in real estate including awards for top listing and selling agent, multi-million dollar, president’s circle and premier office awards recognizing sales volume. He earned his bachelor’s degree in communications and foreign language from Mansfield University.

Kephart has been a licensed real estate agent in the Pocono Mountains region for more than 30 years. She specializes in residential real estate and is a Certified Buyer’s Agent, and holds the ABR and e-pro certified designations. In addition, she holds the GRI, the mark of a real estate professional who, according to the National Association of REALTORS, has made the commitment to provide a high level of professional services by securing a strong educational foundation allowing them to better serve and protect their clients. Prior to joining Commonwealth Real Estate Your Way, LLC, Kephart earned many real estate awards as an agent with Coldwell Banker Phyllis Rubin Real Estate including their Multi-Million Dollar Award for reaching two million or more in dollars in listings sold and buyer controlled volume. She also was named into a national group for individuals achieving a minimum $145,000 closed adjusted gross commission income or 32 closed units. In addition, she was also recognized by for highest company totals for buyer controlled sales by volume and was top 10 among other agents in listings taken, listings sold by volume, listings sold by units and buyer controlled sales by units.

Foland is a certified buyer’s agent and e-marketing specialist. She specializes in relocation, corporate and foreclosure properties. Foland earned her real estate license in 1986 and moved to the Poconos in 1988. She has worked for some of the top names in Pocono real estate and for the past 12 years, she was an agent with Coldwell Banker Phyllis Rubin Real Estate. She is a committed professional who has earned numerous awards and accolades in her career including membership in Coldwell Banker’s International President’s Elite, the International President’s Circle, the Six-Million Dollar Club, and the Diamond Society. In addition, she has been recognized for highest company totals for listings taken, listings sold by volume and also by units and buyer controlled sales by units and she was presented with the Positive Income Growth Award recognizing outstanding production increases.
An award-winning agent, Collis puts customer needs first with the goal of providing professional service for life. Her calm demeanor and in-depth knowledge of real estate as well as her care and concern make her an exceptional buyer rep. She holds the Accredited Buyer Representative (ABR) designation from the National Association of REALTORS. Prior to joining Commonwealth Real Estate Your Way, she was an agent with Coldwell Banker Phyllis Rubin Real Estate. Prior to her work in real estate, Kris developed and implemented financial services training programs for branch offices of Merrill Lynch Trust Company nationally. In addition, she designed online delivery and management assessment programs for Merrill Lynch International Training.

Wagner has been marketing residential real estate in the Pocono region since 1995. She is an award-winning, full-time realtor whose specialties include e-marketing and new construction. Prior to joining Commonwealth Real Estate Your Way, she was an agent with Coldwell Banker Phyllis Rubin Real Estate. Her customer focus includes first-time and single home buyers and older adults. Karen is originally from Indianapolis, Indiana, where she graduated from Indiana University-Purdue University of Indianapolis. She and her family moved to Pennsylvania from Pensacola, Florida. Prior to real estate, Karen had a successful career in advertising and marketing.

Peterson has been a Pocono resident for 14 years. A member of the US Marine Corps for four years, Jeff later earned his real estate license in 1989 and worked for several area agencies. For several years he managed his own construction company where he remodeled and completed home improvements. In 2005, he returned to real estate. Immediately prior to joining Commonwealth Real Estate Your Way, LLC, Peterson was an agent with Coldwell Banker Phyllis Rubin Real Estate. During that brief time, he earned designation into the Multi-Million Dollar Club and the Sterling Society, a club honoring those individuals who achieve $110,000 closed adjusted gross commission income or 25 closed units. The distinction was achieved by only 18 percent of sales associates worldwide in the franchise group’s system. In addition, Peterson earned “Company Best” honors for listings sold by volume, for listings sold by units, for listings taken, for buyer controlled sales by volume and for buyer controlled sales by unit. He was also Rookie of the Year in his first year of being an agent and received the Keith Gilpin Spirit Award recognizing his excellence, team spirit, creativity, professionalism, positive attitude, and willingness to serve the community and the customer.

All eight agents are members of the Pocono Mountains Association of REALTORS, the Pennsylvania Association of REALTORS and the National Association of REALTORS.

They join this fast growing, innovative style of real estate agency with one office in Mt. Pocono owned by former area broker, past president of the Pocono Mountains Association of REALTORS® and past director of the Pennsylvania Association of REALTORS®, Vickie Brockelman.

Commonwealth Real Estate Your Way, LLC., offers flexible options to buyers and sellers in terms of marketing plans, commission structures and levels of support.

For more information, visit the Commonwealth Real Estate Your Way, LLC, Web site at www.creYourWay.com, or call local at 570-839-0411 or toll free at 1-888-333-0464.