Conventional sales principles may be based on the ABCs of “Always Be Closing,” but the real estate team of Debbie and Robert Marvin, of Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate in New Tampa, opt for what might be termed the “ABHs,” or “Always Be Helping,” approach to doing business.
With 54 years of real estate experience between them, the married couple have built their business reputations and raised their profiles in the local real estate industry by working hard for their clients who are investing their money and lives in a home. Debbie says they know selling or buying a home can be an emotional time for people, and proceed accordingly.
“It’s always stressful when buying or selling a home, so we try to keep that to a minimum,” she says.
Robert adds that relationships form the foundation of a successful real estate deal.
“From the first meeting, you have to develop a sense of comfort and trust that things will come out the way you want them to,” he says.
After getting acquainted, the Marvins say the hard work begins of making sure a buyer ultimately moves into a house they’ll be happy to call home, or a seller receives the maximum financial return possible.
And, Debbie says, being there, and on time, for the client, whatever the hour, is part of their routine.
“Real estate doesn’t work 9 to 5, and it works weekends, too,” says Debbie. “We’ve gotten calls at 2 a.m.”
Robert adds that there are a lot of occasions when it’s important for the real estate agent to be present, to ensure a deal goes smoothly.
“Every transaction has a life of its own and we’re hands-on from start to finish,” Robert says. “Besides showings, you’ve got to show up for appraisals, inspections and when vendors come to make repairs.”
The Marvins say they each have their strong points and interests. They combine them to meet client needs and expectations.
“We do work as a team, and we each have our strengths,” says Debbie, who moved to Tampa from Maryland in 1990. “I love the listings and marketing side, interacting with the agents and telling them about the house.”
Robert, who lived in Ohio before coming to Tampa in 1974, says keeping an eye on the details is what he focuses on.
“Understanding the contract and negotiating from start to finish (is paramount),” he says. “There are times you have to negotiate repairs at closing time.”
The goal, Robert adds, is for everyone to leave the closing table feeling satisfied with the deal. “It has to be a win-win situation where the buyer, seller and the agent all feel good.”
He also notes that getting to the closing table requires flexibility.
“You have to go wherever the fire is,” he says. “Sometimes you have the day all planned and something comes up.”
However, Debbie says that’s not necessarily a bad situation.
“It’s what keeps it exciting, and that’s the good thing about having the both of us working together,” she says.
Repeat business from satisfied customers is one indicator of success in any business and the Marvins have their share of clients who call upon them as their go-to real estate team.
Reinaldo and Cassandra Jara of Wesley Chapel have sold three homes and purchased two using the Marvins as their agents and are in the midst of another house-hunting venture with them.
Reinaldo summarizes his reasons for doing business with them in three words: “Reliable, professional and caring,” he says, adding that Robert, “is a straight shooter who works hard for his client and is always available. He listens and lends his expertise.”
Debbie says that the couple has even worked with succeeding generations of families, as some of their clients’ children also have used them to buy or sell a home.
“We’ve sold to their kids, grandkids, cousins and business partners,” she says.
The Marvins, who live in Wesley Chapel, are members of the National Association of Realtors and are now affiliated with Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate, located in the Publix-anchored New Tampa Center shopping plaza at the intersection of New Tampa Blvd. and Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd.
They are designated Luxury Home Specialists with Coldwell Banker but, as Debbie says, they work for clients throughout the housing spectrum. “From the low 100s to over a million dollars,” Debbie says, “with room for horses, on the water…we list it all.”
Managing Broker Karen Krotki says the Marvins are vital assets to Coldwell Banker’s New Tampa office.
“We’re proud to have them here,” Krotki says. “They’re a top-selling and top-listing team that provides a high level of service to their clients.”
As part of the Coldwell Banker organization, the Marvins are able to list homes to a global audience of potential buyers and can likewise access homes for sale from New Tampa to the United Arab Emirates and most everywhere in between. Coldwell Banker also has resources such as mortgage, title and closing services available to clients.
And, while the firm’s reach is global, Coldwell Banker and the Marvins also have a commitment to doing good things locally.
The Marvins hosted the Tampa Bay CaresWalk 2017 through its charitable foundation, Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate Cares.
Tampa Bay CaresWalk 2017, held in April, benefitted the Gramatica (as in former Tampa Bay Bucs kicker Martin and his brothers) Family Foundation, which partners with builders and developers to provide mortgage-free housing and other assistance to disabled military veterans.
The Marvins have each been working in real estate for more than two decades — Robert for 30 years and Debbie for 24 — all in the New Tampa area.
When each of them began their careers in the business, BBD had more deer crossings than traffic signals. It was the City of Tampa’s Frontier Land, but they saw the potential and became involved in the New Tampa housing market from the beginning, going with the flow of brokerage openings, closings and mergers before signing on with Coldwell Banker in December.
Debbie attributes the growth of the New Tampa and Wesley Chapel areas to a mixture of location and investment.
“We’ve got it all here,” she says. “It’s convenient to downtown and the airport and we have a lot of restaurants and businesses that attract people.”
Not surprisingly, technology used by real estate agents also has changed during their careers. Debbie says that today, her cell phone is one of her favorite tools.
“My phone is always with me, so I’m always accessible,” she says. “Whatever they need, such as a copy of a contract, I’ve got it with me.”
The Marvins also have a website, DebbieSellsTampa.com, and a Facebook page, (search “Debbie Sells Tampa”) that offer real estate tips as well as current listings.
Even with all of the advantages that technology offers to work more efficiently, the Marvins stay connected to what they say really matters in their business.
“You still have to have that personal interaction,” says Robert. “You have to have that voice conversation.”
Debbie concurs. “You need to be hands-on with people and have a relationship with them…not just a Tweet.”
To find out how Debbie and Robert Marvin can help with your real estate needs, call them directly at (813) 892-3917, or at the New Tampa Coldwell Banker office at 19026 BBD Blvd. by calling (813) 977-3500.
