April Black
Colorado Springs,CO
Summary
Accomplished real estate professional with over 20 years of demonstrated success driving multimillion-dollar revenue growth in highly competitive markets with award-winning results.
Highly-skilled, results-driven team player with extensive and diverse industry knowledge from direct experience in multiple fields. Proven track record of successfully exceeding goals and
projected revenue, obtaining new business and customer loyalty, providing the highest level of customer satisfaction, and developing strong relationships within the real estate industry.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Sabbatical - Planned Career Break
Freelance And Self Development
02.2023 - 04.2024
- Planned sabbatical to assess potential relocation, develop personal and professional skills, explore adjacent career fields, and freelance consulting opportunities.
- Advised investors and other industry professionals on short-term investment strategies.
- Consulted real estate investment professionals through the logistical acquisition of land, aligning construction, and effective marketing, resulting in six successful, above average income producing short-term rental investment properties.
- Maintained industry trends, connections, and educational requirements.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations through extensive self-development research, seminars, and training.
New Home Sales Consultant
Oakwood Homes
02.2018 - 12.2022
- Increased community AVID scores 28% - 39% as the liaison between homebuyers, customers, lenders, appraisers, and all company departments for 5 communities between 2018 - 2022.
- Top 5% of AVID scores for sales counselors 2018 - 2022. Provided exceptional customer service by consistently going above and beyond, while promoting a collaborative and team-focused environment.
- Successfully opened 3 new communities and 7 new floor plan collections between 2018 - 2021.
- Proven track record of exceeding sales projections
and community goals. - Accomplished community closeout 5 months ahead of projection. Additionally, solely managed the close out of 4 different collections of floor plans between
2019 - 2021, quickly resolving any issues or obstacles to avoid delays, while ensuring the highest level of customer service was maintained. - Scheduled, organized, and led weekly community meetings with construction, warranty, sales, design center, preferred lender, and closing departments.
- Executed, managed, and closed 500+ contracts for clients, property owners, and investors, resulting in exceeding set goals and projections and continually ranking in the top 5% of sales.
- Populated, updated, and tracked marketing and follow-up efforts through CRMs, reports, and other systems.
- Advisor for potential, under-contract, and previous homeowners. Oversaw the selection of floor plans, selection of structural and interior features, researching and confirming lot/homesite selection with accuracy for appropriate foundation grade and permitting requirements, and projected completion of projects.
- Updated and maintained complex lot matrix system ensuring compliance with city and township codes.
- Drafted and submitted purchase agreements to the developer, management, lenders, city, clients, realtors, and attorneys.
- Calculated, accepted, and managed the process of earnest money.
- Tracked the market and competition to provide accurate appraisals and other reports.
- Walked under construction properties weekly to confirm inspections, codes, permitting, materials and other related building processes and procedures were accurate.
Real Estate Broker
Hoff And Leigh Commercial Brokerage
07.2017 - 01.2018
- Managed expansion into the Denver market, and conducted market research on demographics, target customers, and competition to ensure a successful location for the brokerage office.
- Specialized in all commercial real estate brokerage aspects, including lead generation, market analysis, property valuation, contract negotiation, escrow management, proformas for investor clients, and overseeing several development projects.
- Co-managed recruitment and onboarding of agents, developed the strategy of creating and implementing branding, developing the marketing strategy promoting the new branch, resulting in a 43% higher ROI on initial projected marketing.
- Secured significant market share through successful transactions within the B & C building areas of focus, resulting in over 76,000 SF and $3.5MM in gross closed transactions within the first 60 days of branch opening.
- Negotiated purchase contracts and lease agreements to establish maximum value for clients.
- Monitored contract execution to verify complete fulfillment of terms.
- Built a strong reputation for integrity, professionalism, and dedication to client success.
- Business development through networking and research. Resulting in 80% of business generated from referrals and repeat business.
- Secured long-term connections with local political officials, developers, city planners, and business owners.
- Advised clients through research, proformas, market projections, and future residential and commercial development opportunities to optimize ROI.
- Created customized marketing strategies for individual properties, resulting in increased visibility and interest among prospective buyers or tenants.
- Negotiated purchasing, selling, and leasing agreements, establishing the maximum value within clients' financial planning.
- Identified and resolved all transaction problems, monitored processes, and achieved timely and effective closed transactions consistent with the client's goals.
- Verified sales compliance with local governmental regulations, environmental standards, and industry good practices.
- Managed client portfolios by routinely assessing property performance metrics against market benchmarks.
- Compiled comprehensive property reports that included financial analysis data such as rent rolls, operating expenses, cash flow projections for investor clientele.
Research and Sales Consultant (Contract)
FirePoint
07.2016 - 09.2017
- CRM feature consultant, researcher, and sales associate for a startup real estate-focused CRM developer.
- Established expansive and diverse client base through existing connections, continual networking, events, outreach, and referrals to populate the ground-up database consisting of residential and commercial realtors, architectural firms, custom and production home builders, investors, and brokerages.
- Successfully obtained 300+ potential clients resulting in 150+ yearly subscribers within the first 90 days.
- Researched all available online marketing and advertising software tools, applications, and programs to track
features, technology, analytic capability, and the company claims against actuality. - Researched and tested current and upcoming online content creation automation, tracking and analytics, SMS, A/B testing, lead generation, influence marketing, social media management, email content creation, targeting programs, and similar marketing management company systems.
- Scheduled and directed company meetings with developers, sales staff, and client care representatives.
- Designated by the CEO as the direct contact for all B2B potential customers and sales. Secured 28 long-term B2B contracts within the first 6 months of opening, over 65f% established with firms, businesses, companies, or brokerages with over 500 employees.
- Evaluated client needs and expectations, establishing clear goals for each consulting engagement.
- Provided ongoing support to clients post-implementation, ensuring long-term success of implemented solutions.
- Conducted regular competitor analysis to stay informed about market trends, adjusting pricing strategies accordingly for optimal results.
- Developed new client relationships by actively engaging with potential customers and highlighting the benefits of our product offerings.
- Achieved monthly sales targets consistently by implementing effective sales strategies and maintaining a high level of product knowledge.
- Assisted in training new staff members on company policies, product information, and sales techniques for a seamless onboarding experience.
- Represented company at several large-scale events, throughout multiple states.
New Home Sales Consultant
MDC Holdings
03.2014 - 08.2016
- Designated to regulate and close out one of the most challenging communities with a projected cancellation rate of over 30%. Implemented and led new communication objectives and expectations with the recently closed U/C clients, sales staff, and construction, resulting in less than 1%
cancellation. - Generated and successfully closed over $28MM in new home sales in 2015 - 2016.
- Developed and implemented marketing strategies to maximize sales and attract new clients resulting in an increase of 31% in community sales in
2015, and 28% in 2016. - Managed the entire new construction buying process from initial greeting, showcasing available home sites and floor plans, selecting structural features, securing financing, executing sales agreements, scheduled meetings, inspections, and appraisals, providing weekly
updates, to providing final documentation for the closing. - Conducted regular follow-ups with prospective buyers, maintaining interest levels and fostering long-term relationships.
- Worked closely with internal team members such as mortgage officers, title agents, construction project managers for seamless transaction coordination.
- Managed client expectations throughout the home buying process, ensuring smooth transactions and positive experiences.
- Utilized CRM software to track buyer information and preferences, tailoring communication efforts for maximum effectiveness.
- Handled objections from potential buyers effectively addressing concerns related to pricing location or design features enhancing chances of a successful sale.
- Delivered engaging presentations to showcase home features and benefits, resulting in higher conversion rates.
- Maintained detailed knowledge of local real estate market trends ensuring accurate advice regarding property values and investment opportunities.
- Collaborated with builders and designers to ensure timely completion of quality homes for client satisfaction.
- Generated leads by participating in industry events, networking opportunities, and utilizing social media marketing techniques.
- Leveraged market knowledge and analysis to provide guidance and advice on best options for clients.
- Reviewed and executed confidential documents, contracts and disclosures.
- Generated leads for sales and rental properties through cold calls and referrals.
Broker Associate
@Properties
09.2008 - 02.2014
- Dedicated member of a well-recognized, six-person team that continually ranked in the top 1% of Brokers in Chicago with over $350MM in closed transactions.
- Represented buyers and sellers in the downtown Chicago real estate market with a diverse field of Real Estate transactions.
- Created customized marketing strategies, including during the financial crisis, for property sellers, buyers, lessors, lessees, and investors resulting in 34 successfully closed transactions within the first year.
- Presented properties to potential, buyers, investors, and other Brokers at open houses and by appointment.
- Generated sales and rental listings through personal branding and marketing, securing 100% closed buyer and listing signed agreements.
- Managed properties collecting rent, security deposits and coordinating maintenance and rehab projects.
- Generated $10MM in sales, and over $60K in rental agreements in 2013.
- Created all client base through personal branding and marketing, research, and networking.
- Maintained detailed databases of recent sales and on-market listings for easy analysis and reporting.
- Evaluated property values using comparative market analysis techniques to advise clients on pricing strategies.
- Managed a diverse portfolio of properties, optimizing returns for both buyers and sellers.
- Ensured accuracy of all documentation, reducing errors and expediting the closing process.
- Advised clients on risk management strategies, helping them make informed decisions about their investments.
- Expanded network of contacts within the industry through active participation in local real estate associations.
- Built strong relationships with clients, resulting in a high rate of referrals and repeat business.
- Negotiated complex real estate transactions for successful closings, ensuring a positive experience for all parties involved.
- Arranged for inspections and surveys of sold properties.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration
Southern Illinois University
Carbondale, ILSkills
- Appraisal Procedures
- Financing Requirements
- Market Monitoring
- Database Maintenance
- Customer Service
- Leadership
- Purchase Contracts
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Organization and Time Management
- New Construction
- Strong negotiation skills
- Technological proficiency
Accomplishments
2019 - Oakwood Homes Community of the Year Award for Reunion
2020 - Home Builder's Association Top Producer Award
2021 - Home Builder's Association Top Producer Award
2021 - Oakwood Homes Community Collection of the Year Award for Vista Point, Green Valley Ranch
2021 - Oakwood Homes Energizer Team Member Award
2009 - Chicago Association of REALTORS® Top 1% Producing Team
2011 - Chicago Association of REALTORS® Top 1% Producing Team
2013 - Chicago Association of REALTORS® Top 1% Producing Team
2012 -Chicago Association of REALTORS® Top 1% Producing Team
Awards
- Top Producer 09/2020
- Top Producer 09/2021
- Community of the Year 09/2019
- Community of the Year 09/2021
- Rookie of the Year Chicagoland 12/2008
- Top Producer Team Chicagoland 12/2009
- Top Producer Team Chicagoland 12/2013
- Top Producer Team Chicagoland 12/2012
Timeline
Sabbatical - Planned Career Break
Freelance And Self Development
02.2023 - 04.2024
New Home Sales Consultant
Oakwood Homes
02.2018 - 12.2022
Real Estate Broker
Hoff And Leigh Commercial Brokerage
07.2017 - 01.2018
Research and Sales Consultant (Contract)
FirePoint
07.2016 - 09.2017
New Home Sales Consultant
MDC Holdings
03.2014 - 08.2016
Broker Associate
@Properties
09.2008 - 02.2014
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration
Southern Illinois University