" alt="Hillman Real Estate Group" />While 2020 certainly tried its best to throw us for a loop (thanks, coronavirus), thanks to each and every one of you, we were able to stay on our feet and keep chugging right along with our heads held high as we look forward to 2021. As we near the end of this interesting-to-say-the-least year, we would like to reflect on all the positive things that happened along the way—what we’ve accomplished, how we’ve grown, and the impact we’ve had on all of our clients and business partners. We truly would not be here without all of you, and we couldn’t be more appreciative of everyone who trusted us with your real estate projects along the road that 2020 paved for us.
Read on for some of our favorite moments from this past year—and please, share your favorites with us, too! We can’t wait to see pictures of your holiday moments shared in places you call home this year… wherever that may be.
We Made the Leap to eXp 🦘
Since moving our team to eXp Realty back in January, we’re proud to already be a top-five team in the area and top one percent nationally; we’ve gotten to work with top trainers from all over the country and obtain access to over 50 hours per week of available resources and training, helping our team to produce at higher levels.
And Welcomed a New Team Member, Too! 👋
In the midst of the pandemic, we never thought we’d hire someone without actually seeing them in person, but that’s what we did when we added Laura to our team. In fact, we didn’t spend any IRL face time with her until August when our team got together for the first time for a socially-distant team picnic lunch! But we’re so glad to have her on our team and it just goes to show you, there’s a first time for everything.
Team Building Got a New Look 📸
After we emerged from our “Zoom Cocoons”, it was time to head outdoors for a little team building at Deep River Sporting Clays where we set our sights on a strong finish to 2020 and excitement for 2021. (See what we did there? 😉) Whether you’re a first-timer or have played the course many times, it’s always a fun outing just south of Raleigh and a good way to get some extra steps in your day while enjoying being outside away from the hustle and bustle of “city life”.
Did We Mention, “Zoom”? 🤔
Yep, we were one of those businesses that hopped on Zoom each week to talk shop with each other! Nevermind the technical difficulties, we enjoyed getting to see each other’s faces regularly and catch up on what was going on in our work and personal lives.
Real CoverGirl Material Right Here… 😍
Hey look Ma, we made it! We were so proud to have our team leader, Renée, featured on the cover of Triangle Real Producers Magazine’s September issue alongside Tina Caul, Sharon Evans, Marti Hampton, and April Stephens of the Freedom Builders Network. Read more about our feature here.
Crushing That Undies Goal 🙌
In November, we set the goal high for our Fourth Annual Undies Drive benefitting our friends at Note in the Pocket and you all helped us hit it right of the park. We wanted to donate 4,000 pairs of undies and we were instead able to donate a whopping 5,714 pairs! Read more about this year’s event here.
Racking Up Virtual Particpation Points 🏆
HREG’s Renée Hillman was featured on Raleigh’s Retirement Coach with Brian Raleigh and Radon Stancil and Murs Tariq’s Secure Your Retirement podcast. We also participated in a super fun virtual cooking class with Rocky Top Hospitality’s Dean Ogan where we learned how to make a tasty paella dish!
Building More than Sales Goals with the REALTOR® Foundation, CASA, Angel Tree, the Food Bank, and More 💪
Just before COVID-19 shut down a lot of our in-person efforts, we helped furnish a well-equipped apartment for Isaiah, a formerly homeless veteran through the REALTOR® Foundation and CASA, a nonprofit affordable housing developer and property manager combating homelessness in Raleigh.
Once COVID-19 arrived, we didn’t let that slow down our community giving. We continued to do more virtual fundraising for the REALTOR® Foundation of Wake County, which partners with nonprofits to provide stable housing and healthy living services to families in need. Since 2007, they’ve donated over $500,000 towards community outreach initiatives. This year, Renée even went the extra step to secure the Top Producer Council’s charitable contribution!
The spirit of giving doesn’t live solely within our home office walls, either – this year was our first time participating in the eXp Realty Community Day in which we collected canned goods from throughout the community for the Food Bank of Eastern and Central NC. The drive was held in October when many charities were hurting as the demand and need for food far surpassed what the food bank could offer. We hope our donations helped make a difference!
Once we started thinking about Christmas, we knew we wouldn’t miss participating in the Salvation Army of Wake County‘s Angel Tree Program in which you can adopt an angel, contribute to the program online, or purchase clothing items for children in need. We supplied gifts on our own while also supporting other local agents hosting drives, too.
It wasn’t all about shopping for a good cause, either. We donated close to $12,000 in cash donations this year to the above-mentioned nonprofit groups, as well as additional nonprofits in the area, in an attempt to give back to the community during such a stressful time. One of the unique programs we want to mention is the Hope Center at Pullen Park, which “connects young people aging out of foster care in Wake County with the resources and support they need for a successful transition to adulthood”. We were so honored to have been able to help sponsor a community grant for the program in order to support teens in our community!
💯 (Well, 140+) Closings
What a number! Our team is standing tall this year as we’re able to celebrate closing close to 140 homes representing buyers, sellers, and investors. Here’s hoping we can surpass that number next year. Who’s thinking about buying or selling in 2021? Call us… we’re ready!
Did Someone Say, “Cake”? 🍰
We got a lot of opportunities to celebrate our team members this year. 2020 was Rebecca’s third anniversary, Kayla’s first, Jonathan’s second, and Robin’s fourth (and now close to fifth!). Let’s hear it for these incredible coworkers that we get to call friends!
Looking back, 2020 is certainly one for the books for oh so many reasons. We have so much to be thankful for, including every single one of our clients, team members, business partners, and anyone who threw a referral our way. Thank YOU for playing a part in making this such an impactful year for us all. We can’t wait to see what wonderful things 2021 brings!