By Ruth Paarmann
Thanks to their experience, attention to detail and problem solving, Skogman Homes and Skogman Commercial Group have been recognized as leaders in residential real estate development and commercial real estate sales in this year’s Best of the Corridor voting.
“Skogman Homes has been the largest home building company in the area for 60 years, and Skogman Realty is the largest real estate company,” said Skogman Homes President Kyle Skogman. “There is a strong benefit that results from the synergies between these companies.”
Mr. Skogman said they are able to address the diverse market through the wide variety of housing they develop, from entry-level to upscale single-family homes and condominiums. Homebuyers also welcome their thoughtful planning.
“Oftentimes, our developments are close to walking trails. Our neighborhoods that are geared towards families are close to grade schools, parks, pools and businesses like drug stores,” Mr. Skogman noted.
For example, the Bowman Woods development in Cedar Rapids, established in 1960, offers trails, a swim and tennis club, churches, restaurants, retailers and more. “It’s a self-sustained neighborhood,” he said.
Mr. Skogman added that their team plans streets for a pleasant winding effect that also improves safety. “We also do a better job of grading sites so houses fit better on lots and have very few drainage problems.”
The end result: “Our neighborhoods have the reputation of being a good investment. Owners see more appreciation than average and their homes sell quicker than those in other areas,” Mr. Skogman said.
The company is well known in Cedar Rapids and Marion, but they also entered the Cedar Falls market about 10 years ago. According to Mr. Skogman, they are currently eyeing developments in North Liberty, Coralville and Solon.
On the commercial side, Skogman Commercial Group Vice President Al Weaver, CCIM, said that both buyers and sellers benefit from the company’s large network.
“Our group has a very experienced cadre of 24 agents, many of whom have been in the business over 20 years, and even some with over 35 years’ experience,” said Mr. Weaver. “This experience contributes to strong problem-solving capabilities.”
According to Mr. Weaver, the culture of the group is such that everyone participates in cross-training and civic organizations. All are willing to help others when challenges arise.
“When an agent has a large project or difficult issue, we get a team together. We always try to select team members who can apply the right expertise to the issue at hand,” he noted.
The marketing reach of Skogman Commercial Group’s publications, emails and community networking also differentiates them from others in the area. A print publication is mailed to 25,000 individuals twice a year.
“We do everything we can to expose our clients’ projects to the public and shorten the selling time,” Mr. Weaver said.
In addition to their marketing efforts, referrals comprise a significant portion of their business.
“Approximately 60 to 70 percent of our business comes from referrals or past clients,” Mr. Weaver noted. “That’s an A+ grade — they keep choosing to come back. That’s the result of our culture, our size, our expertise and the services we can provide.”
TIMES ON LIST:
1 Time Best Commercial Real Estate Firm
2 Times Best Real Estate Developer
