Auctions and Hunting With Travis Hamele

Relatable Oklahoma Realtor

We start by discussing the state of the real estate market, noting the low inventory levels and stable prices.

There is a strong demand for properties with land in rural areas, while bidding wars and online property viewings are common in urban areas.

I then introduce Travis Hamele, who shares his experience in the real estate industry. Travis talks about how his father started an auction company and how he eventually joined the business after pursuing a career in sales.

He explains the decision to add real estate to their services and their partnership with United Country. We also touch on the shift from live auctions to online auctions, which have become more convenient and less intrusive on properties. Travis mentions that they hold auctions frequently, usually once a week. They have recently auctioned off various items such as old equipment from a golf course, brand-new building materials, and UTVs and equipment from a property. Online auctions have allowed them to expand and thrive.

We then discuss the importance of hard work and persistence for new agents. Travis emphasizes the need for engagement, building connections, and seeking guidance from mentors. They have a strong support system in place with experienced brokers and auctioneers.

Moving on, we talk about their focus on marketing and promoting their hunting properties division. They started using the hunting properties concept internally in 2012 and saw great success in marketing and competing with other companies in the hunting industry. They realized that the hunting community values professionals who understand their lifestyle, and they began marketing this division, receiving positive feedback and increased traction.

Currently, they are in the process of completely rebuilding their website and are actively pushing their hunting properties division through various channels, including social media and trade shows. They have partnered with the National Deer Association and Midwest Whitetail to showcase their properties and provide exposure for their agents.

We discuss their collaborations and partnerships in the hunting industry, such as with the National Turkey Federation and the Wisconsin Waterfowl Association. They work with landowners to maintain wildlife and waterfall habitats and offer to bring in film crews to create a storyline that generates more listings and clients.

The conversation shifts to the effectiveness of billboards as an advertising strategy and the importance of exposure through various marketing channels. We explore the challenges of measuring the return on investment for billboards, particularly in rural areas where agriculture is the primary focus. They also use targeted mailers to reach potential sellers and highlight the value of their property.

There is some skepticism about the value of mailers but acknowledge that they do work based on personal experience. We then discuss the importance of consistency in marketing efforts and the long-term benefits that result from it.

One of their realtors shares a personal success story about receiving a call and making a sale almost a year after sending out a letter to out-of-state landowners. This highlights the potential high commissions that can result from consistent marketing efforts. We then discuss the benefits of a class for agents in the hunting properties industry. Understanding the language and specific features of hunting properties is crucial in appealing to the right buyers. We draw a parallel between specialized knowledge in hunting properties and other specialties like residential and commercial properties.

We conclude the conversation by emphasizing the importance of actually visiting and exploring the properties they list. Providing detailed and firsthand information about the property is essential for buyers, especially in the case of hunting properties. Agents who rely solely on pictures may struggle to answer important questions and risk losing clients to more knowledgeable agents.

As we wrap up, we discuss the tension that arises when a property doesn't sell while neighboring properties do. We stress the importance of being truthful with sellers and not taking listings solely for potential commission. Building a trusted relationship with sellers upfront avoids future complications. We also highlight the need to provide value to sellers and not just lower commissions. Building a strong digital footprint is essential for running a successful real estate business. We provide contact information for those interested in reaching out or learning more about their services.

• 00:00:07 Introduction to the Relatable Oklahoma Realtors podcast
• 00:02:22 Introducing Travis Omley and his real estate expertise
• 00:03:52 Transitioning from selling cars to selling real estate
• 00:06:12 Live auctions vs. online auctions: changing market trends
• 00:08:29 Different auction formats for different types of properties
• 00:10:25 United Country's culture of helpfulness and support
• 00:14:18 New agents are not alone, they have a supportive staff
• 00:17:30 Marketing Success and Google Analytics Buzz
• 00:22:06 Successful Partnerships in Real Estate and Hunting Industries
• 00:24:40 Collaborating with Wisconsin Waterfall Association for conservation efforts
• 00:27:26 The Effectiveness of Billboards in Advertising
• 00:31:50 Recognizing the Value of Hunting Land
• 00:37:45 The Power of Effective Property Marketing
• 00:43:23 Exploring the Highest and Best Use of Land
• 00:44:59 Seller's Disapproval of Alternate Use Discussions
• 00:45:23 Hunting Property vs Recreational Property
• 00:51:01 Don't Lower Commissions Without Providing Value