Since Karie Milford founded the firm that bears her name as a highly attentive “boutique” alternative to other businesses in the metro real estate space eight years ago, Milford Real Estate has taken great care to onboard quality administrative professionals to support its Realtors, while also building out a range of services that include its unique Milford Select.
“We invested in a high caliber administrative team that takes care of everything on the back end, so that our agents can focus on our No. 1 priority, our clients,” Milford said of the former differentiator. “Everything at Milford is done with the client in mind, and it has been built that way — intentionally.”
From its “home base” at 1815 N. 169th Plaza in Omaha, Milford Real Estate provides services for buyers and sellers in the residential market across more than 11 communities, including Omaha, Lincoln, Council Bluffs, Bellevue, Elkhorn, Ashland, Papillion, Gretna, Plattsmouth, Springfield, and Milford. “Milford Real Estate has put together a world-class team of professionals dedicated to ensuring that the client’s real estate experience runs smoothly from start to finish,” said Milford, who doubles as a Realtor. “There is always someone available at Milford Real Estate.”
These qualities harken back to Milford’s objectives when she first launched the firm; to build a brand “synonymous with refinement and quality.”
Milford’s Business Manager, Jennifer Parker, recalled how at the outset the founder was determined to bring an upscale, cohesive, “client-first” approach to the real estate industry.
The team has deepened its ability to serve clients of all kinds and from all walks of life.
“Milford has been growing and expanding both their sales and administrative teams exponentially, with no plan to slow down in sight,” Parker said, adding that Milford’s visionary leadership and tireless work ethic have contributed to the firm’s success over the past decade.
History Informs Growth
In fact, success as the owner of a brokerage has not stood in the way of Milford getting in touch with her roots as a Realtor and helping clients. These roots accompany a new focus: building the business and aiding her team in their professional development and growth.
“One of the most rewarding pieces of my job is helping my team achieve their goals and watching them succeed,” she said. “People come to Milford because they want a better real estate experience.
“Our clients certainly have options when it comes time to decide which brokerage they want to buy and sell with. They choose us because they want to accomplish a goal, and they know we are going to make that happen for them.”
Revolutionizing Homebuying
Within its menu of services, Milford Real Estate leadership noted a new offering: Milford Select.
The offering is described as allowing a selling client to buy a new home — without having to wait for their current home to sell within today’s “rapid-fire real estate market.”
They indicated that clients appreciate the seamless nature of the process. “No fixing up the home, no showings, no listing; just accept the offer, pick a closing day and the home is sold ‘as is’ to Milford Select,” she said. “Once closed, the Milford team goes in, fixes up the home and sells it.”
It was reported that client benefits are two-fold; once the sellers move out, the team matches the house with a buyer and the buyer can select his or her own finishes for the home. The brokerage “holds all construction costs” and contracts all work on the home. In effect, a new home build experience is created for the buyer-client, without the price tag and the “two-year wait” that traditionally accompanies the process.
They stress that clients have a choice. Clients can go the “traditional route” or they can use Milford Select for a hybrid, unique alternative to the conventional home build/buy experience.
Building a “Family”
Milford further emphasized that the ability to serve clients has been shaped by a tight-knit team that operates “like a family,” rather than a brokerage of independent agents who never work together.
“It’s a community, that’s what we’re building here,” she said. Milford is also keenly aware of the communities that surround her “community.” As Parker noted, the leader has been involved with Go Beyond, a local nonprofit dedicated to camping experiences to help youth gain different perspectives via nature. The program aims to challenge youth, helping them gain confidence and build leadership skills. It may be the first opportunity for a child to experience the outdoors — to camp, rock climb, and even whitewater raft.
The cause is particularly near and dear to Milford’s heart, as she is a former attendee and longtime supporter of Camp Confidence (now, Go Beyond Nebraska).
