New RE/Max franchise opens

Tracey Donley is sharing her vision of "excellence" in the real estate industry by opening her own RE/Max franchise.

Donley, who wants to create a professional atmosphere that considers the needs of the agents, as well as those of the clients, is putting the finishing touches on her new office, RE/Max Excellence, in the southwestern valley.

"It (the company's name) epitomizes my values and will be the core essence of what my company is all about. If you are going to do something, do it to the best of your ability or don't try," she said.

The 8,000-square-foot building is located on Buffalo Drive, just south of Flamingo Road. It once housed a travel agency, but is being completely remodeled to accommodate Donley, her team, and 60 to 70 sales agents. There will be private offices, conference rooms, and a small workout facility with showers.

Donley also plans to make sure each office is wired into RE/Max's educational network, so agents can remain up-to-date on industry trends, as well as take available continuing education courses.

"You need to create quality surroundings to attract quality people," she said.

Opening her own franchise is a vision Donley has had for most of her career. She said she is striving to avoid mistakes she's seen in other real estate companies.

"Underneath it all is the complete belief that you can have a group of real estate agents and brokers who can co-exist in a professional atmosphere and be secure in knowing there is consistent management backing them."

Donley also hopes to create a "one-stop shop," including escrow, title and mortgage services. Having the services necessary to complete a real estate transaction in one location makes it easier on clients, especially those new to the area, and saves the agents time.

"She's heading for great success," Larry Oberly, vice president and regional director for RE/Max's southwestern region, said. "She's been successful with everything she's done."

Oberly described Donley as one of the company's "pioneers," and credits her with helping the company "get us where we are today." She is "among the top echelon of our associates," he said.

As regional director, Oberly supervises about 110 offices and 2,800 sales associates in Nevada, Arizona and New Mexico.

He said Donley's interaction with clients, as well as how she directs her team members, is key to her success.

"Tracey very much serves as a role model for others joining RE/Max. She does so many important things so right. She's very customer-service oriented."

Donley credits her honesty for her success. Although she admits that her clients don't always like to hear what she has to say, they do appreciate and trust her advice.

Donley will remain focused on her clients' best interests despite the distractions that come with owning a franchise. She hopes that in six months she can hire a broker to manage the day-to-day operations and offer assistance in a noncompetitive atmosphere.

"Professionals hire assistants. It gives them time to concentrate. That's why I want to hire a managing broker. I don't want to be half right. I want to be 150 percent right. And if someone can suggest a way to be 250 percent right, I'll listen," she said.

Before becoming a Realtor, Donley worked in the Eurobond industry in the United Kingdom, where she was born and raised. She moved to Las Vegas in 1982, following in the footsteps of her parents. It was in Las Vegas that she met and married Jim Donley, then an F-16 fighter pilot.

They were stationed in Spain and Germany, where their children, Claire and Andrew, 17 and 14 respectively, were born. Donley began her real estate career after returning to the United States.

"I thought it would be great. I could sell homes and be at home with my children, too. Honestly, if you want be successful, that will never happen," she said.

Donley said she spent her first year working all the time.

"I made a lot of mistakes, but that's where you learn."

When not working, Donley enjoys traveling with her family, reading, and cooking "now and again."

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