For realtor Terri Coleman, the focus on outstanding customer service started with her first home sale in 1988. Her clients were moving to Kingwood from California during the holiday season, and the mother had expressed concern for her special needs child. Moving was a big transition, especially during the holidays. While closing was underway, Terri and her husband drove over to the home and set up decor and a Christmas tree with gifts to make it warm and bright for their arrival. It was a defining moment for the type of customer care Terri would provide for years to come. That service has been the fiber of her business for 33 years and continues to motivate her.
Today, Terri is a member of the Wendy + Zonia Team at Coldwell Banker in Willis as a commercial and residential agent. She’s been named Who’s Who in the Real Estate Industry for 2024 and has been a seven-star broker/agent for the past three years. She is very optimistic about the future of real estate in this area and her business, Terri Coleman Real Estate. Her extensive experience and knowledge have been gained over the years in the industry (and even as a child growing up in Pasadena, Texas with a dad in insurance and mom who was also a realtor). “Watching my mom, she was always very customer-oriented. She would go the extra mile for her customers,” Terri said.
After high school, Terri attended and graduated from Sam Houston State University in 1984 with a degree in business administration. She went to work for Dinerstien Management Company (DMC), a company that specializes in multifamily residences, in their marketing department. This was her launching point into real estate.
Terri and her husband Max were married in 1987 and began their family in Huntsville. She decided to get into real estate working for her mother’s company in order to be a stay-at-home mom. In the early 90s, she went to work for Homeland Properties, where she continued to build her business. She later went to work at RE/MAX® in The Woodlands. At that time, Walker and Montgomery Counties were under different listing systems, so making that change allowed Terri to be on both boards. This also gave her the ability to do business between both counties. In addition to her work in real estate, she was able to fulfill her dream of being involved in the activities of her young sons, Kyle and Kody.
“I think it was one of the best decisions I ever made. It allowed me to do exactly what I wanted to do, which was to be at every school party, field trip, and all their games,” she said.
In 2003, Terri was in a serious car accident, which placed her in a coma for a month. The recovery was long and hard for her and for her family. It also placed her career on hold for ten years. While it was a very difficult time, the Colemans are sure her survival and recovery are nothing short of a miracle. When Terri returned to real estate, a lot had changed. Walker and Montgomery County had merged to one listing system, and technology had taken the place of pen and paper contracts being driven from office to office. These changes didn’t stop Terri, though. Her resilience, intelligence, and experience pushed her forward to reenter the world of real estate, and her success today is a testament to that.
She joined the team at Coldwell Banker in 2018. Terri and her team have worked hard to earn many awards, including the International President’s Circle award in 2018 and 2019. In 2020, 2022 and 2023, they received the International Diamond Society award. In 2021, they received the International Sterling Society award. This year, Terri achieved Global Luxury Designation.
“I have a really great team. We work well together,” said Terri.
She works hard to be her clients’ one stop shop for their real estate journey. When it comes to buying or renting a home, property, or a location for a business, it’s helpful to have someone in your corner who knows the area well, according to Terri. “Having a local realtor is a big value. We know the subdivisions, the properties, the trends of the neighborhoods,” she said. “We’ve been here forever. We know the people; we know the city. We’re hometown.”
While the national real estate market has been on a bit of a roller coaster ride over the last few years, Terri has seen an uptick in the local market in the last three months. In this area, there’s been an increase despite the national trends. “Walker County has a lot to offer,” said Terri. “We’re growing, and it’s easier to commute now. We still have that hometown atmosphere of knowing and helping your neighbor. I think that’s important. In a few years, Interstate 14 is coming through the area. Sam Houston State is predicted to have 30,000 more students by the year 2030. Also, their academics and athletic departments are getting better and better. The whole area is changing. Now is a great time to invest in Huntsville, whether it’s commercial or residential, rent houses, or your personal home.”
For those that are thinking about selling their home, Terri has a bit of advice. “Put your house on the market. Call me! Price it at a fair price. We’re no longer in the days of ten contracts within 24 hours; we’re not there anymore,” she said. “That was a fleeting time. We’re back to regular real estate. Make sure the house is clean, well kept, decluttered, and has some curb appeal. Have your agent do an open house.”
On the flip side, Terri also encourages buyers to consider purchasing. “Don’t be afraid of the interest rates. We’ve had steady rates over the last year or so at 6 to 7 percent. They would dip down to five and then back up. Those are solid interest rates. You may not be able to afford the big house currently because of those interest rates, but get something you can afford. When interest rates drop, you can refinance. Don’t miss out on having your asset because of the interest rate,” said Terri.
In addition to helping her clients buy and sell properties, the Colemans have also built and sold spec homes in the past and currently host a short-term rental locally. Terri’s experience touches many areas of real estate, which has broadened her expertise over time. After many years in the business, there’s one thing that has helped her remain fervent in her work—her clients.
“Seeing the success of my clients, getting to be a part of their success, and helping them achieve and get the property that they want—that’s my favorite part,” Terri said. “It could be their dream home, their ‘stepping up’ home, their first home, their family home that is being downsized, whatever their need is—I enjoy helping them meet that need. I’m able to make people happy through this gift of real estate.”
Direct: (936) 581-4434
Office: (936) 228-0000
License: 396442 TX
terricolemanrealestate@gmail.com
www.myrealtorterri.com
Postcards Magazine
936-293-1188
PO Box 690
Huntsville, TX 77342
