With a passion for giving back, Scott Morris has adopted a purpose-over-profits approach with SRM Real Estate Group. This not only means using flat-fee pricing for sellers and rebates for buyers, but also making donations to his clients’ preferred charities.
SRM adopts a unique purpose-over-profits approach. How does this ultimately benefit clients?
SRM’s purpose is to change lives for a better future, and contribution is one of our core values. This spirit of contribution fuels not only our commitment to charitable causes, but also our commitment to our clients. Our firm uses flat-fee pricing and buyer rebates to save our clients tens of thousands of dollars. Last year, we saved our sellers and buyers $30,000 in fees on average. When clients understand how much they can save while still receiving all the benefits of an experienced, full-service team, they are inspired to learn more about why we made the decision to become a values-based firm. As more and more sellers and buyers have discovered and embraced our firm’s unique business model, our market share has continued to grow so that everyone benefits — our clients, our community, the causes we support and SRM.
How do you incorporate giving back into your business, and how has SRM been able to give back recently?
We believe giving back and positively impacting others is the most important work we can do. In addition to saving our clients money, we have a give-back model wherein we make a donation on behalf of our clients to the charity of their choice. I’ve been moved and enriched by the stories my clients have shared with me about the charities they care about. SRM also makes a donation to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, a cause very close to my heart. Last year, we launched a new community program. In partnership with Thrive in Joy, we built the Student-Athlete Character Workshop Series, which aims to inspire and motivate young athletes to cultivate their character strengths both on and off the field.
What does the real estate market in our area look like today? What trends are you seeing?
The market remains strong and continues to be defined by low inventory, which bodes well for sellers for the foreseeable future. Rising mortgage rates will negatively impact affordability but not enough, in my opinion, to soften demand. Homeownership demand will be supported by rising rents, millennials’ appetite to own homes and real estate’s long track record as a hedge against inflation. With low supply and high demand comes high price. Year-over-year price gains will likely moderate over the next couple of years, but sellers will continue to have the upper hand.
How important is it as a realtor to develop and maintain a relationship with your clients?
Relationships are paramount. We are a values-based firm that puts people and purpose over profits. One of our core values is “connection,” which is rooted in the belief that we are stronger together. Our purpose is to change lives for a better future. Living our purpose and positively impacting others is achieved when we develop and nurture trustworthy relationships.
How would you describe your role in the community, and what are some of your favorite things to do in and around Toluca Lake?
Being a 20-year resident of this wonderful community, I have deep roots in Toluca Lake. I am a past president of the Toluca Lake Homeowners Association (TLHOA) and currently serve as director emeritus on the TLHOA board. Additionally, I am co-chair of Toluca Lake’s annual Turkey Trot and fall festival. My wife, Kelly, and our children, Ryan and Katie, share my love of our community and its day-to-day pleasures. Whether we’re taking a sunset walk through the neighborhood or dining in the Village, we always run into friends and neighbors. These friendly encounters always bring a smile to my face and, to me, embody the true character and spirit of Toluca Lake.