Ask the team at Showcase Properties of Central Florida to name the most important thing in real estate and their answer may surprise you.
While it’s commonly said that “location” is the key to real estate success, the agents and brokers at Showcase Properties know differently. Sure, location is important, but “relationship” is the secret to this company’s achievements, and they aren’t afraid to say so.
“We’re really in the people business; we just happen to sell real estate,” says Valerie Dailey, who has been in the Marion County real estate industry since 2005 and became the owner/broker of Showcase Properties in 2013. Since Dailey purchased the brokerage in 2013, overall sales volume has increased 54 percent, agent retention and development has grown from 5 to 29 agents and a full-service marketing team continues to elevate the brand in the marketplace.
OUR CUSTOMERS
Showcase Properties offers comprehensive real estate listings, including residential, commercial, waterfront, vacant land, equestrian properties and veterinary practices. Clients repeatedly say that approachability is one of the main reasons they use Showcase. Whether you visit their comfortable office just south of the Ocala International Airport, or reach out by phone, someone is immediately available to help and answer questions.
“From the minute you contact us, whether through text, email or phone call, we’re with you to the end,” says Dailey. “For us, it’s not about just selling your house or farm; it’s about building a relationship and becoming your neighbors, because we all live here in Marion County.”
“I’ve known members of the Showcase team for a long time and have been a customer for over six years,” notes Cathy Gonzales of Ocala, who has worked closely with Valerie Dailey and Cindy Wojciechowski. “From being a farm owner here to becoming a successful income property investor, they have represented me on both ends of transactions. There are very few businesses that demonstrate that level of commitment, professionalism, integrity and knowledge of the market.”
OUR TEAM
Because Showcase Properties is a multi-agent brokerage, there’s a tremendous amount of diversity represented. Among the 29 agents, there are U.S. military veterans, a certified drone photographer and a number of people who have specialties, including banking and insurance. Over half the agents have been or are currently involved in the equine industry, riding, training and breeding amongst all breeds and disciplines.
Many agents sit on various city and county boards in Marion County, which means they’re on top of what’s happening, when it’s happening. An educated agent understands how certain developments or changes may affect a particular property, and can better explain the situation to clients.
Several agents grew up in the county, so their roots in the area run deep. Sales often come through repeat business or referrals from previous clients, some of whom span multiple generations of family members who have bought and/or sold properties through the brokerage.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
This sense of connection extends to Marion County’s business community. Showcase Properties routinely partners strategically with local businesses who have the same commitment to make our county a better place to live. They support and work with such organizations and groups as the Marion Cultural Alliance, Ocala Culinary Festival, Coastal Conservation Association, Marion County 4-H Foundation, Florida Thoroughbred Charities, Southeastern Youth Fair and many others.
Not only does Showcase Properties sponsor equestrian venues on an international level including HITS OCALA Winter Circuit and the Ocala Jockey Club International Three Day Event, but equally important are the local, smaller venues like Marion Saddle Club and the Sparr United Methodist horse shows. Showcase knows the importance of supporting local, homegrown talent and often uses many local riders and farms throughout their marketing campaigns.
“We live in this community, and we support it. We love where we live, so we want you to love where you live as well,” says Dailey, who has called Ocala home since 1992 and is active in the horse industry as a breeder of thoroughbreds. Her daughter participated in 4-H programs and the Southeastern Youth Fair, so the agriculture lifestyle is a real way of life for their family.
OCALA EXPERTS
Showcase agents understand that real estate is about more than handling the immediate transaction. It’s about knowing the property itself but also the neighborhood, surrounding areas and the entire county. This is especially important when someone is relocating to Ocala and not familiar with many of the aspects that make it unique.
“Our team has extensive knowledge of permitting and local laws. We really know our county right down to the soil and which areas are best for pasture grass,” says Sally Lewis, a fourth-generation resident of Marion County who is a marketing consultant for Showcase Properties.
“The idea is to enrich our community and the lives of the people living here,” says Dailey. “It’s not how can Showcase Properties be better but about how we can help our community be better, whether it’s in the area of the equine industry, the arts or just Ocala being a better place to live. We have big ideas, but believe in small town relationships.”
To learn how Showcase Properties can assist with your next real estate purchase or sale, contact their office today.
SHOWCASE PROPERTIES OF CENTRAL FLORIDA
5780 SW 20th Street, Ocala
(352) 351-4718
