OSC of the Month | Dani Alvarado

Lasso’s OSC of the Month for May is Dani Alvarado, Online Sales Consultant for Hakes Brothers. In this interview, Dani shares her path to becoming an OSC, the best part of working on a team, and how she sees the role evolving.

How long have you been in your role/or working in new home sales?

I have been with Hakes Brothers since December 2019 and have been an Online Sales Consultant since October of 2020. Founded in 2006, Hakes Brothers has grown to become the largest homebuilder based in New Mexico. With recent expansions in Texas, Hakes Brothers is also one of the largest homebuilders in the region, and has helped over 3,000 families enjoy the home that best fits their lifestyle.

What was your career path to becoming an OSC?

I used to live in a different state and was part of the public sector and did mostly administrative and Human Resources work. When I moved to New Mexico, I got the opportunity to work for Hakes Brothers as a Sales Project Coordinator in December of 2019. I was responsible for reviewing and ratifying contracts, working with customers, and assisting the Office Manager. Hakes Brothers created the new Online Sales Team where I was approached and asked to apply for the job. My prior knowledge of handling contracts and Hakes Brothers product knowledge was instrumental to the quick ramp up of the program and have been as OSC since October 2020 Currently I manage anywhere between 250-350 leads.

What’s the best part about working on a team of OSCs?

Currently, I work as part of a 3-person team. I love being able to collaborate and do what I can to help everyone succeed. I love helping the clients navigate through the information in order to make the best decision for them.

How have you seen online home sales change in the last few years?

I got into new home sales a few months before the pandemic hit. Due to the drop in interest rates, the demand for new construction homes has drastically increased.

How do you see your role/or the OSC role evolving over the next few years?

With ever-changing technology, I can only see the OSC role evolving to be more inclusive to our buyer’s needs and wants. I believe online sales will continue to grow and be a major focus in a lot of client’s decision making for this monumental purchase.

What are the most important technology(s)/tool(s) you use in your role?

Having a CRM program that all of the Online Sales Consultants and the Sales Team can access is absolutely essential.

What/Who are your “go-to” resources for training and/or support?

We have developed quick reference guides which allow the OSC to quickly gather needed information. We also have a Marketing Manager that assists the OSC whenever we need resources or additional support.

Do you have a productivity hack you’d like to share?

My Google Calendar/Tasks are at the forefront to keep my day on schedule. It reminds me to call certain buyers, follow up for information, or reach back to clients that were interested in appointments but were still a few months out.

Do you have any specific successes you’d like to highlight?

I was the Online Sales Consultant for Hakes Brothers when we first started this program. We joke that I was the guinea pig for testing out this first of its kind role in the company. Ultimately, I was able to assist in shaping what the program would look like. It was amazing to learn and grow the program for the future success of Hakes Brothers and additional online sales consultants.

What are your favorite activities to do outside of work?

I love to go to thrift stores and flea markets. I also like to go hiking and look for raw minerals.

What are you reading/watching(binging)?

I am currently reading “Atomic Habits” by James Clear. It is a very good book and I highly recommend it.

Where is the first place you’re going when we get back to normal travel?

Back to San Diego to visit friends and family.