South Haven Tribune Press Release - March 2009

In South Haven’s competitive real estate market Coldwell Banker Weber-Seiler Realtors remains a favorite with area residents, according to the Best of South Haven survey.

It doesn’t come as too much of a surprise considering the company’s track record.

In the past 10 years, Coldwell Banker has sold twice as many homes as its nearest competitor, according to statistics from the Southwestern Michigan Association of Realtors.

“We’re very proud of the reputation that we’ve established over the years,” said Ted Weber, co-owner of the local Coldwell Banker office, along with Ron Seiler.

Even in the tough economic climate that the real estate market is facing, both in South Haven and throughout the nation, Coldwell Banker is still holding its own, according to Seiler.

“So far this year, we have a 28 percent market share of the homes sold in the South Haven school district,” Seiler said. “We’ve sold 57 homes, compared to our nearest competitor which has sold 21.”

With 20 real estate companies in the South Haven market, as well as outside competitors, Coldwell Banker is faced with a difficult task of staying No. 1.

But, the real estate firm’s 11 agents take their job seriously, according to Weber and Seiler.

“It comes down to our agents,” Seiler said. “A lot of real estate businesses have only part-time Realtors. All of ours are full-time,” Seiler said. “Our agents are committed to their profession.”

“We are what we are because of all of us working together,” Weber added.

Weber and Seiler first joined together in 1990 when Blue Star Realty joined with ERA Seiler Real Estate.

In 1994 the company decided to become a Coldwell Banker affiliate. “About 50 percent of our home sales are to second homeowners,” Seiler said. “That’s one of the reasons we affiliated with Coldwell Banker. They are a nationally recognized real estate company with a strong presence in Chicago.”

As a real estate firm, Coldwell markets its properties through a variety of media, including newspapers, radio, cable television and several websites.

“We have enhanced presence on realtor.com with additional photos, virtual tours, phone numbers and logos,” Seiler said.

But aside from aggressive marketing, it’s their agents strong reputations that bring in customers.

“Much of what we do is by referral,” Seiler said.