By Jamie Swann, Contributing Writer
Adjusting his bowtie, Rodregus McFarland soaked in the last few moments of silence before his visitors arrived.
He knew the next half-hour was going to move fast.
“The bus arrives at 10:25,” began an excited McFarland, a sales counselor with KB Home. “They don’t stay very long, so we have to be prepared.”
On that hot September day, nearly 55 real estate agents were on a charter bus for the Northeast Florida Builders Association’s Sales and Marketing Council Tram Tour, or SAM Tram.
The group’s next stop was McFarland’s model in Heritage Oaks.
If McFarland was nervous about the whirlwind that would soon take place, it didn’t show.
The seasoned agent was prepared with snacks, drinks and folders filled with information about the community.
As the bus pulled on to the street, McFarland covered a few last-minute details with his partner.
“I’ll step on the bus, welcome them and give them some details about the house,” he said.
With those parting words, the doors swung open and cheers erupted as McFarland stepped on to the crowded bus.
“Rodregus!,” shouted the agents, excited to see a familiar face. McFarland also is a member of the Sales and Marketing Council.
After a brief speech from McFarland, the agents poured off the bus and into the model home.
Examining details throughout the house, the agents took notes and made comments on their likes and dislikes. Starting at $290,990, the 3,052-square-foot Maston model is located off Russell Sampson Road.
“I love how open the first floor is,” said Catherine Tappouni of Berkshire Hathway HomeServices Florida Network Realty. “It flows so nicely from room to room.”
After indulging in some sweet treats and sipping on beverages, the agents piled back onto the bus. Within 15 minutes, the agents had come and gone, off to view the next house.
The tour may seem fast-paced, but it’s necessary with 13 stops to make.
“It’s a great way for agents to see a lot of homes in a little time,” said SMC Director Palmer Kuder. “We feel builders love the SAM Tram Tours as well because they bring so many agents to their models.”
Hosting six tours a year, Kuder knows efficiency is key for each of them.
Planning begins with selecting a geographic area to showcase new homes and communities.
The September tour focused on the growing County Road 210 corridor in St. Johns County, with models ranging from $295,990 to $714,000.
Agents board the bus, armed with a stack of business cards and loaded with energy, ready to tour each home. They used every minute they could.
AV Homes’ Seton model at Stone Creek had agents peeking into every doorway of the 4,426-square-foot home, which starts at $460,990.
“I love the sliding barn doors to the loft area. You can close off your mess when you have guests,” said Melissa Futch Revels, Coldwell Banker Premier Properties.
“They don’t take up the space a normal door would, it’s an updated version of a pocket door,” she added.
Though the loft interested many agents, the master bathroom stood out for others.
Features like a his-and-hers water closet, a separate dressing vanity and a freestanding bathtub had agents lingering in the large room.
“This bathroom is every woman’s dream,” exclaimed Jennifer Hull, Berkshire Hathway HomeServices Florida Network Realty. “I think some of us don’t ever want to leave.”
Adding to the excitement of the day, many of the stops hosted drawings for door prizes, while some early stops offered Bloody Marys and mimosas.
The success of the SAM Tram has grown over time. Builders get the opportunity to host dozens of agents, who are able to effortlessly tour multiple new home communities in half-a-day.
The next tour will be Nov. 4 in Nocatee. For more information, contact Kuder at [email protected].