By Maegan Carrasquillo, Staff Writer
Mark Bettinson, Broker/Owner of EXIT Premier Real Estate in Burlington, MA, the longest standing EXIT office in Massachusetts, has learned a thing or two over his past 20 years with the company. While some are lessons from teachable moments, most came from the company he kept.
Mark started out as an office of one and quickly expanded, implementing a system of four team leaders in the office so that each team is free to develop their business in their own style and there is always someone available if anyone should need assistance. This strong team approach where agents each fulfill their specific roles to best serve the consumer is also helpful for newer agents coming into the business who are free to grow into their own capacities as leaders and movers. Over the years some agents have come and gone, but many of the 15 currently serving the greater Boston area at his office have been with him for over 10 years.
“We truly like each other in our office. We hope for successes along the way for one another and celebrate an individual agent’s success as if it were our own. We rise by lifting others,” says Sonia Rollins, a sales representative and team leader who has been with the office since 2002. She remembers meeting Mark in October 2001 before joining real estate and challenged him by suggesting there were already enough REALTORS® in the world. His answer has stuck with her ever since.
“He said, ‘There are plenty of REALTORS® in the world, but there are not that many who do it very well. The goal is to do it well,’” Sonia recalls. She got licensed three months later, has never worked for another office or brand, and it is clear that she never intends to.
Mark learned early on that a clear vision will manifest success. He teaches agents, both old and new, that this business is about what you put into it. That was one of the reasons he was drawn to EXIT.
“At EXIT they offer a model of success that starts with personal accountability and vision, and the tools to develop that vision. With the desire and motivation in place, the business of real estate is available for anyone to learn,” he explains, and he is proud of his office’s accomplishments.
His office is modest but mighty and always in the top 10% of the Massachusetts marketplace because the Burlington consumer has grown to realize EXIT Premier Real Estate agents bring a personalized touch to the challenges of life as people move through the process of buying or selling.
“Our responsibility is first and foremost to our clients’ needs. Yes, we get paid in the end, but that consideration must always take a back seat to the needs of our clients as we guide them through the negotiation process. We want them more than satisfied at the closing table,“ he says. “We all need a means to serve others. I’ve had the good fortune to surround myself with immensely capable and caring people for 20 years now as they make their own unique contributions to other people’s happiness and success. Life is good.”
