Bill Hurme, TeamBuilder's fearless leader, captain of funny, and antagonist of the politically correct sat still for as long as Hurme'ly possible to share his story and offer insights into the region's real estate market.

Question:
How did you get started in real estate?

B. Hurme:
Pretty much how everyone gets started. I went to the University of Washington on a piano scholarship and am a classically trained pianist. I was a professional studio musician until I was 25 years old. Isn't that how every real estate agent gets their foot in the door?

I segued way out of music into advertising for six years and then went to work for a client. That was 35 plus years ago - I've been in real estate ever since.

Question:
What is it about real estate that you like?

B. Hurme:
(Deadpans) The money. Actually, I like that my personality fits the personality of builders and developers. I like seeing a project develop from start to finish. And honestly, selling homes is just plain fun and the pay is pretty good.

Question:
Why do you think you've been so successful in such a competitive market?

B. Hurme:
It's hard to be objective about your own business, so I seldom try. Instead, I rely on what other people in the field say. Our last half a dozen clients have been builders who visited our sales offices and then called me asking how they can get a sales staff like ours. People recognize the difference with our agents and can appreciate their professionalism. So, first and foremost, we're successful because I have a terrific staff both in the field and in the office.

We also have great clients - our builders and developers really do give a rip. As far as I'm concerned the product is 80 percent of a community's success. The homes are the stars, we're just the supporting cast, and we never forget that.

Question:
A number of similar firms have popped up recently - what sets you apart from the competition?

B. Hurme:
Right off the bat I'd have to say longevity. I've been doing this through up and down markets for more than three decades, so I know how to get things done. Our experience helps us to come up with some pretty creative marketing strategies outside of the typical newspaper advertising to drive traffic to sales offices.

Also, we represent builders and developers, period. Their success is our success. I'm pretty convinced that so called "Buyer's Agents" are a communist conspiracy.

Question:
What is your management style?

B. Hurme:
I don't manage, I lead. We all come to work with the goal of doing what we do a little bit better each and every day. We're hard working, but we have fun in the process. I'm thinking of getting a clause written into all contracts -If you don't laugh here at least once a day, you're fired.

Question:
How would your staff describe you?

B. Hurme:
I think they'd say that I'm a motivator and that I care about them, which I do. They'd also probably say that I'm pretty politically incorrect. I'm to the right of Attila the Hun - I think the government should just leave everyone alone.

Question:
So when you're not working, where can we find you?

B. Hurme:
One of the few purchases my bride of 40 years approved was a 7 foot Steinway, so you may find me playing some jazz at home. Or you may find me cheering on my beloved Arsenal (an English soccer team). Family is always number one, of course. My wife and I have four adult children and they all still talk to us, so we consider that a pretty good sign.

email BillHurme(at)TeamBuilderJLS.com | office 425.458.6752 | fax 425.641.5572