Martha Chrisman – or Marty, as she is fondly known – has been in love with the Texas Hill Country since she was a child. The rolling hills, scrub oak and clear waters of Canyon Lake and the Guadalupe River are her favorites.
She made the decision to move there in 2001, and then got her real estate license so she could share the love of living in the Canyon Lake area with other homebuyers.
“Since 2006, when I began practicing real estate full time, I have dedicated myself to knowing the local real estate market and to serve the community I live in,’’ Marty said.
She ran her own boutique brokerage, and was happy doing so, when she suffered the loss of her life partner in 2018. A year later, a former colleague suggested she check out moving to eXp Realty.
“It didn’t make sense to make a change at that time. So my answer was, ‘not no, but not now.’ My life partner of 31 years had died just one year prior and I was still adjusting to life as a survivor. Running my own boutique brokerage was familiar and comfortable. The last thing I was thinking about was more change,’’ Marty said.
Marty’s Switch to eXp Started as a Managing Broker
But the lure of eXp Realty would not go away.
“A few months later, the same person approached me again. This time one of the managing brokers joined us. Coincidentally, a managing broker position was open and we talked about how maybe I should apply. We discussed training and support opportunities. They showed me eXp World and I was hooked. Before the day was over, I submitted my resume. I started as a managing broker on July 1, 2019 – just one month later,’’ Marty said.
For a seasoned agent who loves helping people, the job was a perfect fit.
“Being a managing broker for eXp is challenging and requires quick thinking, good judgment, a ‘service’ mindset. Also needed is a thorough understanding of eXp policies and procedures, Realtor ethics, commission rules, contracts and real estate practice. Helping agents see their way through a crisis and finding ways to enjoy a laugh or two was my reward,’’ she said.
As eXp continues to see explosive growth, the role of a managing broker gets even more substantial. Marty was glad to do her part to help scale eXp’s growing worldwide contingent of agents. But this May, the love of servicing her clients led Marty back to selling real estate.
“It is great to talk to agents virtually, but I am a ‘high relationship’ sort of person.’ I missed people, and missed getting out in my community,’’ Marty said, adding: “I am a mentor and I support new agents on the Michael Team currently. Otherwise, I’m back serving clients. So my ‘agent success obsession’ now applies to the work I do: Being a success obsessed agent and serving my clients,’’ she said.
Marty’s move to eXp Realty has come with a few good twists and turns, but the water is running clear – just like the lakes and rivers of Marty Chrisman’s beloved Texas Hill Country. Her time at eXp has proved successful – and refreshing.
Learn More About Marty Chrisman:
Years in real estate: Licensed as sales agent in 2002. Licensed as a broker since 2012.
Brokerage history:
- eXp Realty (July 1, 2019 – current) On staff until May 28, 2022.
- River Canyon Realty (Jan. 2017 – June 2019)
- Limestone Country Properties – (Jan. 2015 – Dec. 2016)
- Chrisman Realty Group (June 2012 – Dec. 2015)
- Keller Williams – Hill Country (2002- 2012)
Main territory: Canyon Lake – New Braunfels, TX
Main focus: Single-family homes, Second homes
Accolades, accomplishments & awards:
- Texas Realtors – Regional Vice President 2021-2022
- RPAC President’s Circle – 2020, 2021, 2022
- Four Rivers Association President of Realtors 2018
- Four Rivers Association Community Leader Award 2019
- Texas Realtors Director 2016-2017
- Women’s Council of Realtors President 2012
- WCR Entrepreneur of the Year 2012
What makes eXp special to you?
“I treasure the relationship I have with so many Texas agents and the Texas Brokerage Operations staff. As an MB I was at various times the MB for Central, West, the Rio Grande Valley and East Texas and for our Mega ICON Team. Just as the markets are different, the agents are too. eXp has a deep and wide diversity amongst our agents not just geographically and market-wise, but experience, heritage, and motivation. I love the variety of people and finding ways using only my voice to create genuine relationships. I have many friends at eXp who I’ve seen only once or maybe never!”
What is one thing about eXp that surprised you?
“Avatar etiquette! Agents and staff alike are so polite, they want to “face” you when speaking to you in eXp World. And if you are sitting others will sit. Probably because the agents don’t typically see their brokers, there is the “celebrity” of being in real life. I was blown away by agents wanting to take selfies with me when I saw them IRL.”
Best tip to share with other agents:
“Real estate might as well be called a “real-ationship” profession. Regardless of our process, rules, and technology expertise, creating relationships with clients, our community, business partners, and our Realtor colleagues are at the center of who we are and what we do.”
10 Fun Things About Marty Chrisman
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Sailing the British Virgin Islands in a 54-foot Beneteau Monohull boat.
Who is the person you most admire?
Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
One thing you can’t live without?
Peanut butter.
One trait that has led to your success?
Creativity.
What celebrity would play you in a movie or TV show?
Jane Lynch (she would have to gain some weight).
Pet peeve?
Slow drivers who speed up when they come to the passing lane.
Little known fact about yourself?
I was a choir director in public schools and for a Methodist Church.
Song you never tire of?
Beethoven’s 9th Symphony.
Favorite meal?
Beef and cheese enchiladas with a crispy taco and guacamole on the side.
Your epitaph will say:
Always ready with a smile and a hug.
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