Five Star Awards recognize 13 Ocean Atlantic Sotheby’s Realtors

Local Realtors Brian and Jenn Barrows, Kim Hamer, Mitch Selbiger, Mariya and Dustin Oldfather, Henry Jaffe, Sandi Bisgood, Paul Maltaghati, Carla Scheder, Pat Campbell-White, Lisa Barros and Christina Harvey of Ocean Atlantic Sotheby’s International Realty have each been named as one of Delaware’s 2019 Five Star Professional Real Estate Agents for the past year.

The award recognizes agents who have scored the highest in overall customer satisfaction, with scores derived directly from customer surveys. All Delaware-area residents who purchased a home over $100,000 within an 8- to 36-month period were surveyed by phone or mail to determine the top-scoring agents in 10 different criteria across the state. Most importantly, the 2019 Five Star agents do not pay any type of fee to be included in this research or on the final list, which means this is a true reflection of their clients’ feedback.

Jenn and Brian Barrows love the Delaware beaches and instill their sense of pride in the community with every client they represent. A Beebe baby, Brian was born and raised here. Jenn is a New York native but has been a part of the beach life for over 30 years. They are living their dream of raising their two sons in the community they love. Jenn and Brian have consistently ranked in the top 1 percent of all Realtors in Sussex County. They have 27 years of combined beach real estate experience and have sold over $200 million in sales volume in the last 10 years alone.

Historically, they sell one house per week and still maintain the highest level of client satisfaction. “This award means the most to us because it's based on our clients’ excellent experience buying and selling with us. It speaks volumes to our commitment to developing clients for life," said Jenn. Brian is a member of the Delaware State Golf Association Scholarship Committee. Jenn is a board member for Sussex Strong, the nonprofit fundraising arm for local Realtors. Both volunteer and give to Immanuel Shelter. One of their team members, Christina Harvey, was also named a Five Star Professional Rising Star. A licensed Realtor, Harvey has worked for the team for two years, and is the listing and marketing manager for Barrows and Associates.

After working in computer industry marketing for over 20 years, Mitch Selbiger transitioned to real estate in 2001. Having been named a Five Star Award winner for seven years in a row places him in the top 1/2 of 1 percent of all agents in Delaware. “I enjoy staying in close contact with my clients, and providing them with immediate feedback and action plans,” said Selbiger. “Melding technology and real estate has allowed me to actively participate in two dynamic industries.” An associate broker, Selbiger received his real estate broker’s license in 2007.

Kim Hamer, an OA Sotheby’s team member since 2004, began selling real estate part time in 1998, going full-time in 2005. She is consistently one of the top 10 agents in Sussex County sales volume, yet personally manages each transaction to ensure client satisfaction. From her previous marketing career at MBNA, she brings a fresh, creative perspective to every real estate transaction. Hamer is a native Delawarean with deep local roots. She and her husband Jeff currently own Fins Fish House & Raw Bar, Fins Ale House, Big Oyster Brewery, and Claws Seafood House of Rehoboth.

“I’m thrilled to have made the Five Star real estate agent list for Delaware for the 10th year,” said Hamer. “The real estate market is changing quickly these days, and to be able to successfully help people navigate through a sometimes complicated process means so much to me.” Hamer has sold over $250 million in total sales volume in her career and has been the top-producing individual OASIR agent since 2009.

Sandi Bisgood, a native of Bethesda, Md., was a frequent beach visitor before moving to coastal Delaware full time in 1997. A Five Star agent for her sixth year in a row, she has a deep commitment to giving back to the community and providing excellent client service. She is the Sussex County Association of Realtors incoming president for 2019. She served as president of the Sussex County Women’s Council of Realtors, and has been active on several committees for charitable and political causes. Bisgood loves helping her clients achieve their real estate goals, and has a consultative, low-key, no-pressure style. She specializes in homes and land in The Peninsula, an upscale private country club community, where she has assisted more than 100 buyers and sellers since 2005. She is also an award-winning photographer, a skill she brings to help her clients sell their homes at the best possible terms.

Also from Bethesda is Henry Jaffe, a six-year Five Star Award recipient. He is experienced in all aspects of real estate transactions and the local real estate market, including Bethany Beach, Rehoboth Beach, Lewes and surrounding Delaware beach towns. Having roots in a four-generation, family-run, commercial and residential high-rise construction company, Jaffe has a keen understanding of real estate dynamics. His ability to generate creative solutions assures that the needs of each and every client are met. Henry, his wife Melissa, and their two children enjoy the lifestyle and active communities of coastal Sussex County. Henry is a member of the National Association of Realtors and the Sussex County Association of Realtors. He is licensed in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

Pat Campbell-White has built a successful career based on personal and caring service since she entered the real estate profession in 1974. She holds many professional designations and has served in leadership positions including regional vice president of the National Association of Realtors, and president of the Delaware Association of Realtors and Sussex County Association of Realtors. She has trained real estate professionals locally and nationwide on subjects such as professional standards, new member orientation, leadership training, fair housing, and cultural diversity. She is a very active and recognized member of the Rehoboth Beach community, and one of the most experienced and respected realtors on the Delaware Coast.

Carla Scheder, a Rehoboth Beach native, has been a licensed Realtor since 1996. She worked in resort rentals for 12 years before moving into sales in 2001. As the daughter of an award-winning real estate professional and educator, Scheder learned early lessons on marketing, persuasion, presentation and problem-solving. She understands the importance of service, hard work and sincere enthusiasm. Whether assisting buyers or sellers, delivering a Five Star experience comes naturally from her years of client relationship experience.

Mariya and Dustin Oldfather of the award-winning Oldfather Group once again achieved Five Star Realtor status for 2019. With 35 team members, the Oldfather Group specializes in providing clients with extensive information and guidance in home buying or selling in southern Delaware and Maryland’s coastal communities. Mariya’s strong analytical, financial and organizational background provides clients with an edge in negotiations. Boasting tech-savvy sales methods, a strong internet presence and use of virtual tours, Mariya integrates technology seamlessly into her home buying and selling strategies. Dustin is consistently on the cutting edge of market knowledge and developments in the world of real estate, both locally and globally. The Oldfather Group helped 335 clients buy or sell properties in the local area in 2018, earning them a spot on the Real Trends Top 250 Teams in America.

Paul Maltaghati, a native New Yorker, owned a prestigious business in midtown Manhattan, serving high-profile clients and major Fortune 500 companies with discretion and professionalism for over 25 years. After eight years of buying, renting and selling vacation properties in Rehoboth Beach, he left New York in 2004 and joined the Ocean Atlantic Sotheby’s team in 2005. Paul is an expert at giving his sellers exceptional marketing and exposure; he also works with both buyers and sellers to secure contracts that yield the best possible terms and price. Paul also knows new construction; he has 12 years of experience working in model homes in several local builders’ communities.

Lisa Barros has listed and sold over $50 million in residential properties spanning the Delaware Coast. She joined the OASIR team in 2013 and quickly joined the ranks of the most successful Realtors in Coastal Delaware through a combination of industry knowledge, local expertise, and superb negotiation skills. She now adds the Five Star Realtor designation to her list of accomplishments. Lisa has proven to be an invaluable resource to clients who value personal attention, exceptional communication skills and up-to-the-minute information on real estate markets.

In Delaware, Five Star real estate agents account for fewer than 7 percent of all licensed agents in the state. “The Five Star Award is a true representation of outstanding customer service from an agent,” said Justin Healy, OA Sotheby’s International Realty broker. “We at OA Sotheby’s are so proud to have Brian, Jenn, Kim, Mitch, Mariya, Dustin, Henry, Sandi, Paul, Carla, Pat, Lisa and Christina as part of our team. Their continued hard work and dedication to their clients is truly a great reflection on our company.”