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LAH at the Beach b y M a r y We l c h
Lake. Reba Myer, who has been with LAH Real Estate for more than eight years, is the qualifying broker. Criswell was hired as sales manager in December 2018 and is working towards his broker’s license. “‘I’m going to be transparent. The office at the end of last year had some challenges, but that is why I was brought in to give it a fresh start.” And he has. Criswell has brought in seven agents and the real estate activity in the office has been steadily gaining momentum. “I told the folks in Birmingham it may take a couple of years to turn the office around, but it’s happening a lot quicker than we originally thought,” he says. “We have quality agents who understand that real estate is a 24/7 business and that communication with their clients is the key. A great work environment has been created to support our agents with everything they need to be successful.” Due to LAH’s strong presence in Birmingham, the 30-A office benefits from referrals from the 200-plus Alabama agents that work for LAH Real Estate and is starting to get local listings. “We have a relocation department that is dedicated to helping business professionals with their move to the beach,” he says. “We just assisted three doctors who were interviewing at Sacred Heart Hospital. We gave their families a tour of the area and really helped them envision living here. We want to make it a seamless process for them and if we have to hold their hands a little bit; well that’s just part of our Southern hospitality.” The market, Criswell says, is in a good place. “People want to maximize their investment, so I think potential buyers are waiting to see if prices drop in the near future. Investment properties are highly sought after due to the short-term rental market and are showing no signs of slowing down. Our buyers are looking for the right opportunity that will give them the highest return on their investment,” he says. “When you can buy a million-dollar beach house, enjoy it a few times a year, and not even make money but break even, and you’ve got the money to do it, why not? When our clients truly understand the returns and costs associated with owning a rental property. It can be eye-opening for them.” Another advantage that LAH offers its clients is the professional experience throughout the entire process of
purchasing or selling property. “Relationships have been made with the local experts in our industry. Whether it’s questions regarding insurance, mortgage, title, etc. our clients are given the best advice possible. They really make us look like rock stars and have contributed to a lot of our early success.” Criswell understands the relocation clients and their desire to move to the beach permanently. A native of Dallas and graduate of Texas A&M, he sold software in Houston until he came to Grayton Beach and decided to make it his home. He moved to the area in 2003 and was a golf professional at Camp Creek Golf Club for several years before taking on a sales and marketing position. A lot of my clients are people that I gave golf lessons to — even after all these years,” he says. “There were great friendships made then and they’re still in place today. It’s great to have supporters who want me to succeed. It reminds me of how lucky I am to have these relationships and be a part of this awesome community.” The one downside, however, is his golf game. With real estate taking up most — if not all — of his time, his game has suffered a little. A member of Santa Rosa Golf & Beach Club, he admits his handicap has gone up. That, however, is a sacrifice he’s willing to make as he is determined to make LAH at the Beach a huge success. “It truly is a blessing to work for such a great company and share our beach lifestyle with folks who love this area as much as I do.” We have a relocation department that is dedicated to helping business professionals with their move to the beach.
Charley Criswell
C harley Criswell has no problem being a cheerleader for his team at LAH Real Estate. “I really am a cheerleader,” he says. “We all work well together and it’s a quality group. The culture of LAH is that of a family and I’ve never worked with such a special group of people.” Founded in 1992, LAH Real Estate is a Birmingham, AL-based company with residential and commercial real estate offices in Mountain Brook, Homewood, and Hoover. LAH at the Beach was established in 2013 with an office on 30-A near Draper
LAH at the Beach is located at 3648 W. County Highway 30A, Santa Rosa Beach, FL. 32459. Call (850) 517-9898 or go to www.lahrealestate.com.
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