Baker named Michigan Realtor of the Year

Mark Baker, owner/broker of Foundation Realty, travels to New Orleans this weekend to attend the convention for the National Association of Realtors. Not just another attendee, Baker will be recognized for his selection as Realtor of the Year for the state of Michigan.His journey to New Orleans began locally. “I was the Lenawee County Realtor of the Year,” Baker said. That the honor continued at the state level was a big surprise to Baker. His career began while Baker was a senior in high school.“It was a great honor to be named Realtor of the Year by Michigan Realtors,” he said. “It was a very humbling experience to be nominated with so many deserving professionals locally and across the state. I am grateful to be associated with many great professionals.”The state award of Realtor of the Year is given to recognize leadership and service on three levels. A candidate must exhibit leadership and service within the Association of Realtors, as well as in the community and in the real estate industry.Baker was chosen by his peers for the state honor. Along with the other nominees, he was evaluated for his community service, education, business accomplishments and service to the Realtor organization at the local, state and national levels.“I’ve been a realtor for 15 years,” said Baker. “I started doing open houses with Hartung Realty when I was in high school. Doug Hartung was my mentor and got me started in the business.”Buildings have been in Baker’s blood his whole life. Construction was the family business.“I really like working with people,” Baker said. “I liked the sales aspect of getting people into houses. I always wanted to open my own brokerage and have agents.”It’s been 15 years since Baker earned his realtor’s license, and 12 years since he started his company, Foundation Realty. The realtors who came to work for Baker were the age of his parents and grandparents.“Age is always a challenge, coming into the business,” he said. Yet, Baker’s dedication and focus proved age does not always matter.Success for Baker came from being a part of the Michigan Realtors association, and being active in real estate beyond just Foundation Realty. “It’s nice to be able to connect with other brokers to share ideas and thoughts about what works,” said Baker.Michigan Realtors is a trade association with more than 24,450 members. There are 42 local realtor associations that are part of Michigan Realtors and follow a code of ethics established by the National Association of Realtors.Baker believes the downturn is starting to become an upturn. “Home sales are definitely increasing. We’ve seen a steady increase since 2013. Construction has started to increase in 2014. Prices are getting high enough for builders to build a house and make a profit.”Like other realtors, Baker sees the real estate industry becoming more technology driven. People have more information available before they start their home buying search.“Things are definitely changing in real estate with the mobile market and technology playing a bigger role,” Baker said. “If you’re looking to sell, the market is very good. Interest rates are at an historic low. Homes are still very affordable. It’s also a great time to buy.”Locally, Baker notes interest in different types of housing. “We definitely are seeing interest in projects in renovations of second floor living space in downtown Adrian and Tecumseh,” he said. “All real estate is local. It’s the only item that you purchase that is unique.”Baker’s advice to anyone interested in becoming a realtor is to focus on future benefits.“Don’t think about the immediate return of this year or next year,” Baker said. “Real estate is not a short-term quick career, it’s a long-term career to choose.”