Grand Opening On Dec. 13 Will Introduce New Location And New Name For RE/MAX Office In Rochelle

A grand opening celebration scheduled for Dec. 13 will introduce a new location and new name for the RE/MAX office in Rochelle, Ill. The office has changed its name to RE/MAX Hub City and is moving to a great new location at 361 W. Hwy. 38.

The grand opening will include a ribbon cutting a 4 p.m., refreshments from 4 to 7 p.m. and a live broadcast from 5 to 6 p.m. on WRHL radio.

"We have a lot to celebrate, not only in terms of our own business, but also the many positive things going on in and around Rochelle that benefit so many members of our community,” said John Bearrows, broker/owner of RE/MAX Hub City. Bearrows operates the office in partnership with his wife Dina, who serves as office manager.

"We anticipate that the Rochelle area will continue experiencing significant growth in the decade ahead, and we are now well positioned to be a part of that,” said Bearrows. “Rochelle’s importance as a strategic crossroad for transportation will drive that growth, and it is the major reason we renamed our office RE/MAX Hub City.

He reports that real estate values in the Rochelle area continue to increase.

"The number of properties changing hands is down slightly from last year, but overall the market here is remarkably strong, and I expect it to remain that way in this unique community,” Bearrows said.

The new two-level office, currently home to nine agents and an administrative assistant, has ample room for expansion. It is in a former residence that was completely remodeled over a five-month period. While the original shell remains intact, everything inside, from the wiring to space arrangement is new, and the exterior has new siding and a new roof.

The new office location combines visibility and ease of access, while its interior incorporates all the technological capabilities that are essential in today’s real estate market,” Bearrows said.

Two features of the original structure that were preserved are the backyard deck, which will be used as an open-air conference area in warm weather, and a lower level fireplace that was revealed during the renovation and now highlights one of two conference rooms.

"Our old office downtown was quite large, but the location didn’t offer the level of exposure to vehicular traffic that a real estate office needs,” said Bearrows.

Bearrows opened his first real estate office in Rochelle 12 years ago as a compliment to his Complete Auction Service, which he has operated since 1975. His real estate office became part of the RE/MAX Northern Illinois network in 2003 and was initially known as RE/MAX of Rock Valley East.

Along with its new name and fresh looks, the renovated office is designed to accommodate the changing environment in which real estate professionals work and their clients shop for properties.

"Agents spend less time in the office today because wireless communications let them do more from remote locations, whether that is their vehicle, their home or their client’s property,” said Bearrows. At the same time, agents have to stay abreast of the evolving marketplace and the demands of consumers, so the new facility is designed to make training sessions easier and more productive.