LIFESTYLE REALTY KEEPS BUSINESS LOCAL
Though a relatively young business, Lifestyle Realty in Centralia has earned its reputation as a reliable brokerage dedicated to serving its home community.
“The key is knowing the people in the area,” said managing broker Adam Smith. “What I’ve found is that you could sell houses for free with no commission and probably not increase business much. People are going to go with what they know. That’s why having good agents is so important. They know you won’t steer them in the wrong direction.”
Serving the four-county region of Clinton, Jefferson, Marion, and Washington, with a focus on Marion County, the business was founded by Smith and wife and fellow broker, Gina Smith, who opened the business in 2021.
“I worked for Coldwell Banker for a few years and determined that I would like to have my own brokerage, so I would have more control over transactions,” Smith advised. “We have three agents: my wife, Gina, Chrissy McDonal, and Lacie Koester. Mandy Hardy was one of our agents, and she passed away a couple of months ago, which was a major loss. She was an awesome person.”
Smith said business was steady in the business’s early goings, but note it was only a matter of time before the unpredictability of the housing market made its presence known.
“Success depends on the market. If the market is hot, then everybody could make money. When the interest rates are high, people don’t want to sell,” Smith explained. “Business began very steadily. Then, when interest rates started going up to the 8 percent rates, nothing happened. It all happened so fast no one could afford to buy a house.”
Despite the market’s fluctuations, Smith and company have continued cementing their name as a reliable source for local homebuyers.
“Things are going well now, though,” Smith said. “We’ve gone from doing not a whole lot to doing plenty. The ebbs and flows of the market can be pretty drastic.”
When asked if he would consider implementing future locations communities outside of its present reach, Smith said he plans to keep business close to home for the foreseeable future.
“I imagine we will continue to stay local,” he said. “If you’re not familiar with the area you’re working in, you can’t answer every question. We know our surroundings here very well.”
In addition to owning Lifestyle Reality, the Smiths also own Schwartz Orchard and are very committed to serving its community, as members of the Centralia Chamber of Commerce and as a major sponsor for the Centralia Balloon Fest for the last two years.
“Balloon Fest is obviously a great event, spanning several counties. We decided to become a major sponsor because it’s a great event that brings a lot of people into the community,” said Smith. “We also try do some of the downtown Centralia events and the Salem Applefest. We’re open to all of it.”
Lifestyle Realty
418 S. Poplar, Centralia, Illinois
618-918-3777
