By L.V. Kegley
Most people engage with real estate during highly stressful and exciting times. Due to this, it is important to have a guide navigating the intricacies of the field. For more than 100 years, Coldwell Banker Traditions has acted as a real estate lighthouse. Operating internationally, the organization has a multitude of offices. One such office has its longstanding roots planted in Newport News.
At the Newport News office, there is a well established culture of community connection, internally and externally. According to Sandra Hood, Newport News managing broker, there is a supportive foundation to the company. Having worked in real estate for several years before joining Coldwell Banker Traditions, Hood found a balance of independence and assistance that contrasts with the restrictive guidelines of some similar places. She says there is a near apprenticeship atmosphere when someone joins.
Nolan Michalov, administrative assistant, elaborates, “The emphasis is put on helping our agents become independent, providing the resources they need.” In this environment, Hood found she was able to have the freedom of independence with the supportive network of a team.
These qualities are what drew Hood to Coldwell Banker Traditions. Outside of work, Hood values going beyond sales volume. In 2017, she joined the Women’s Council of Realtors Coastal Virginia network. This organization’s goals of facilitating and developing leadership skills align with the culture curated within Coldwell Banker Traditions. Hood was president of the Coastal Virginia chapter in 2019, and she remains actively involved.
On a company scale, this sense of support and connection continues outside the office. Hood notes how the company emphasizes a symbiotic relationship with the community. On the widest scale, Coldwell Banker Traditions has a longstanding practice of donating to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. Within the branches, there may also be specific focus on other charitable causes. Each individual realtor engages with the community. As Hood describes, “Community work is on each level. From corporate to branches to individuals, there are resources for helping the community.” This relationship emerged naturally according to Hood. “It’s like a waterwheel, a cycle,” she says. “We always have ways to give resources back.”
Beyond residential real estate, Coldwell Banker Traditions provides services in commercial real estate, property management and homeowners’ association management. While residential real estate remains the most requested service, Hood notes the others hold great value as well. As she describes, “There’s a large need for quality management in these areas, and we provide all of that.” Going forward, there is an emphasis on continuing to grow these lesser used services alongside the Newport News office. Hood says, “I really want to emphasize that we’re growing, come one come all.”
In her free time, Hood enjoys engaging with the community through music, being a member of Flute Frenzy for many years.
TO THE POINT:
Coldwell Banker Traditions
Address: 710 Thimble Shoals, Blvd., Newport News VA 23606
Phone: 757-926-4845
Website: coldwellbankertraditions.com
