Agency pays $4 million in commissions

Brodheadsville - As 2005 sets another record for Pocono home sales, Wilkins & Associates Real Estate Inc. reached a milestone by topping $4 million in commissions paid for the first time. Each time Wilkins & Associates pays its realtors another million dollars in commissions, one of the agents is randomly selected to receive an oversized “million dollar” check in the cumulative amount. The award was presented to Pamela Sayer at the company’s year-end sales meeting and Sayer says she was so startled, she could hardly stand to receive the huge $4 million check now on display in her office. President Thomas R. Wilkins declares, “It’s exciting, and just shows that our marketing and training of our agents are really working.” While the number of homes sold in the Poconos in 2005 was about the same as last year, the average price of a home soared to $178,083 in 2005, up from $157,802 in 2004 and $138,739 in 2003, according to Vice President/General Manager Dominick J. Sacci. The December meeting gave the company a chance to review the year and look ahead. Wilkins says that during the summer of 2005 they became concerned when the inventory of homes for sale rose to a three-year high. “But in the last quarter of 2005, we’re seeing that decline,” he notes. “We anticipate that 2006 will be a great year,” with the concentration on buyers over sellers. “We’ve got some unusual marketing ideas for 2006,” he promises, “and some exciting new adventures in store.” Sayer is a full-time agent and her husband, Gordon, a part-time agent at Wilkins & Associates’ West End office in Brodheadsville. On her way back to the office from the sales meeting, she called to tell him about the award. Both graduated from Pocono Real Estate Academy last year when they moved to the Poconos from New York State. Gordon works in contracting in New Jersey during the week, and together with Pam on weekends showing homes. “Working for Wilkins & Associates has been a pleasure and a very positive experience,” Pam says. Wilkens has eight offices serving the Poconos and historic Milford area. Wilkins & Associates is locally owned and family operated. Phone 570-421-8950 or visit www.wilkins1.com. The company handles the sale of homes, estates and land to first and second time buyers, relocation buyers and retirees.