North Carolina’s Steven Norris Joined eXp for Its Innovation, Resources and Support

As a human resources director for a corporation in the Raleigh, North Carolina area, Steven Norris never aspired to work in real estate. 

But after investing in some rental properties and speaking to his neighbor, who was a real estate agent, he decided to pursue real estate as a full-time career. 

“We were sitting at a table complaining about the experience of purchasing rental properties,” Norris said. “I didn’t want to ask her to do extra work and she said, ‘You should get a real estate license for yourself.’”

After earning a license and getting settled as a Realtor, he joined the National Association of Realtors, the North Carolina Association of Realtors, the Raleigh Regional Association of Realtors and the Women’s Council of Realtors’ Raleigh chapter.

“I helped make policy changes so the real estate industry was more client-centric, more transparent with bylaws, ethics training and other stuff,” Norris said. “My neighbor had been going to the Women’s Council of Realtors meetings, and I said, ‘Do men go?’ She said, ‘Smart ones do.’ So, of course I accepted the challenge, I am smart after all and that was how I was getting involved and making a difference.”

He also co-wrote a book in 2018, “Winning Real Estate: 9 Secrets to Success from Leading Pros.”

Norris Likes How eXp Stays Ahead of a Changing Industry

In January 2019, he joined eXp Realty, where he was designated managing broker for North Carolina and founder and Chief Vision Officer of The Norris Team, whose trademark is “keeping it real in real estate” and whose vision statement is “being the face of innovation and change within modern day real estate.”

“We value transparency, open communication, engagement and innovative change,” he said. “We stay ahead of the curve. Since the industry is always changing, and eXp is a very innovative company, it was a natural fit for my team and our brand.

“eXp is one global company — that glue that holds everyone together, and it provides the opportunity for networking via eXp World and the many other ways for real-time communication across global boundaries. With eXp, you bring folks on, sponsor them and help them see the value that eXp brings to all of us. You are personally invested in their success for the life of that person. It inspires loyalty, support and camaraderie, which is a rare find in this industry.”

All in the Family: Norris’ Husband Joined eXp’s Staff

Two months later, in March 2019, Norris’ husband, Dale Hemrick, joined eXp Realty’s staff as a product manager for eXp brokerage operations.

He appreciates eXp’s commitment to building a culture of inclusion and solidarity through ONE eXp and the eXp Pride Network. 

“Having diversity is not just about gender or color, and eXp is doing a good job realizing that it is an issue and trying to make it a priority,” he said. “eXp is continuously growing that and valuing inclusiveness and diversity.” 

Learn more about Steven Norris:

Years in real estate: 9 years

Number of people on team: 8

Main territory: Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina

Gross sales and transactions in 2020: $42,368,000 on 149 transactions

Brokerage history:

• eXp Realty (Jan. 2019-present)
• Century 21 (May 2015-Jan. 2019)

Accolades, accomplishments & awards:

• Co-author of “Winning Real Estate: 9 Secrets to Success from Leading Pros”
• North Carolina Leadership Academy Commissioner
• North Carolina Association of Realtors’ Board of Directors 
• Women’s Council of Realtors’ State Governor
• National Association of Realtors’ President’s Circle
• Inman Ambassador 
• Raleigh Regional Association of Realtors’ (RRAR) Most Innovative Realtor for 2018
• RRAR Rising Star for 2014
• RRAR Board of Directors

When and why did you join eXp?

“I loved the ownership piece and ability to grow to and past your own imagination.” 

What makes eXp special to you?  

“It has allowed me to have financial freedom and true retirement opportunity outside other means that I had in place. I realized that this opportunity — up until eXp — didn’t exist, unless you wanted to start your own firm or buy into a franchise and deal with the headache of all of that.” 

Is there a significant experience you can share since you joined eXp?

“My very first revenue share payout was really exciting. It was nice to see that it actually worked the way that I was told it would.” 

What is one thing about eXp that surprised you?

“The tools really are easy to use and work well together. They are very agent-centric.” 

What kind of collaboration have you experienced at eXp?

“I have created and set up quite a bit. Before COVID-19, I hosted several meet and greets. I have worked with ONE eXp and the National Association of Gay and Lesbian Real Estate Professionals for cooperative efforts.” 

Best tip to share with other agents:

“Remember, in real estate, every day when we wake up, we are unemployed. We need to wake up ready to ask for a job and to have our tools in place to get it done! Oh …. and ALWAYS answer your phone. You never know when someone is calling you to “hire” you!”

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