In Their Own Words: McColly Real Estate Agents Tell All

McColly Real Estate has been earning loyal and happy customers since 1974. From the farthest corners of Northwest Indiana to the southern reaches of Chicagoland, McColly agents know their real estate, and they know what their clients are searching for.

A local’s perspective and wealth of knowledge make for helpful advantages when real estate agents sell their properties; even more so are the tools that McColly provides for their agents to go above and beyond. From their own mouths, here are some specific reasons McColly agents love what they do.

Katie Wietbrock is a full-time agent with McColly Real Estate, as well as the office manager for McColly’s DeMotte location. She described McColly as a “one-stop-shop,” a full service real estate agency that has everything agents need to make both agents’ and clients’ lives more blissful. Wietbrock cited the large team at the corporate office as one of the many reasons working with McColly rocks.

“We have hard-working office administrators that help us daily, so that we can focus on our jobs and not just all the behind-the-scenes details,” Wietbrock said.

For instance, Wietbrock explained how the marketing team provides its agents with pre-generated fliers, signage, and excellent branding to help their agents stress less on presentation and focus more on client relationships. Also on hand is a full-time legal attorney, administrators who ensure agents are always up-to-date on legal and technical updates, and Ron McColly himself, who always sees to his agents’ training, support, and compensation plans.

“With the education [McColly] gives us, we know a lot more than other agents, because we’re always on top of changes,” Wietbrock said. “And Ron is very generous with his agents.”

Michael Siwietz, a commercial real estate consultant whose office is based in Valparaiso, referenced the same factors as Wietbrock, from the in-house legal counsel to the professional brand marketing.

“Interestingly enough, the McColly colors—blue letters, framed in red and white—have become synonymous with Northwest Indiana,” Siewietz said. “We’re a big believer in billboards and signage to build brand, and those colors stand out in the Region.”

From a commercial property stand-point, Siwietz explained how McColly has the benefit of providing everything: from both buyer and seller representation, to tenant and landlord represeantation, to consulting services. He also emphasized how, unlike specialists in Chicago, McColly agents are able to help buyers in the Chicago south-lands by finding locations that are more affordable and tax-friendly. They also procure all of the specific details surrounding the property.

“We speak a different language than a residential agent,” Siwietz said. “But what always holds true is the relationships we build with people. McColly has a wide sphere of influence; everyone knows someone. We have a great referral system.”

Siwietz continued, “What I’ve noticed about Northwest Indiana is there’s a great cooperation between competing commercial brokers. There’s an extremely friendly environment, despite the competition.”

Though Siwietz’s office is based out of Valparaiso, he praised McColly’s remote access capabilities.

“The nice thing about McColly is that we have access to all of their offices through the use of electronic keypads, so we can work out of just about any office,” Siwietz explained. “It’s very progressive. We’re always up to date on the latest and greatest technology!”

Jan Thomas, a McColly agent based in Chesterton, seconded the technology praise.

“McColly has always been on the cutting edge of technology in what they offer to their brokers,” Thomas said. “The company has had a state-of-the art website for over 20 years and continues to offer the latest online tools, which streamline how we interact with our clients.”

Thomas also reinforced the fact that McColly’s marketing team serve as a real leg-up for McColly brokers.

“An in-house marketing department is an amazing benefit in a business where visibility is key to success,” Thomas illustrated. “The marketing team is always just a phone call away to assist with all kinds of promotion.”

Echoing Wietbrock’s earlier thoughts, Thomas expressed gratitude for McColly’s consideration of its agents in terms of present and future compensation plans.

“I am so grateful for the company’s Deferred Compensation Program that is helping me save for retirement,” Thomas said. “I don’t know of any other company that cares enough about their independent contractors to offer a contribution match helping them plan for their future.”

Thomas especially loves how, despite its growing notoriety and influence, McColly is a family-operated business headquartered right here in the Region.

“McColly truly cares about the success of their brokers on a professional and personal level,” Thomas emphasized. “They are fully involved within the community and actively work for the betterment and progress of the area.”

Siwietz marvelled at the education he has and continues to receive through McColly.

“I learn something new each and every day,” Siwietz said. “Everyday, you’re learning something new here. And you’ll never know it all!”

While Wietbrock loves working as an office manager, she said she doesn’t think she could ever quit selling houses to work in management full-time. She provided a simple and heartfelt reason for her dedication to McColly and her career.

“Selling is my passion,” Wietbrock stressed. “I have a pretty great job! Helping my clients realize their dreams—whether it’s buying or selling or moving to their next house—is probably my favorite part. Seeing the look on their face when they finally get to achieve their goal of homeownership…It’s kind of the American dream, you know?”