The Faris Team helps thousands of families buy and sell homes in Simcoe County.
And now the successful realty firm has been honoured for helping build homes for those who can't afford the dream.
Habitat for Humanity presented a plaque to The Faris Team members on Monday at the company's new Innisfil office for its long-time support of Habitat's Adopt-A-Day Program.
Last fall, 30 members of The Faris Team traded business attire for construction clothes and helped build the first floor of an Anne Street home.
The company's contributions helped pay for the contractors, materials and more.
"Awesome to give back and help somebody that wouldn't have been able to get into home ownership otherwise. It couldn't have gone to a nicer family. We're really blessed to be part of that day," said Mark Faris, Chief Executive Officer and Broker, Royal LePage First Contact Realty The Faris Team, Brokerage.
"We take it for granted, people going and buying homes. There are many people that barely even afford rent let alone own a home and to see the family move in and actually get into home ownership they never would have been able to do is has been awesome for us."
The home recipient Michelle Steele was on hand for the plaque presentation along with future home owners Chelsea and Terry Pagliei and their two sons.
Steele and her two children moved into her Anne Street abode April 1.
"It's been really good. Closer to work. Just having the ability to do whatever I want with this house. We bought a puppy," she said, beaming.
Steele worked alongside The Faris Team members and now has many happy reminders when she sees the firm's for sale signs.
"I think 'oh they helped me build my house.' It's heartwarming. Thank you to The Faris Team."
The Pagliei's build starts in August and the Faris Team will lend a hand.
"I think it's wonderful," said Terry. "Especially seeing the other homeowner's excitement and gratitude for what the Faris Team does."
Habitat for Humanity Family and Volunteer Services Coordinator Jennifer Berry presented the plaque of thanks and noted the 'hugely skilled' Faris Team members completed the first floor of the home in one day, instead of the two that were scheduled.
"To see such a successful realtors, doing so much all over, and then giving back in a way by helping our families get a home by building that home is just amazing," said Berry.
The Faris Team has ranked number one in Simcoe County for sales productivity for six consecutive years.
In 2015 and again in 2016, the team achieved a major goal by becoming the number one sales team in Canada out of nearly 20,000 Realtors at Royal LePage.
For CEO Faris, the plaque from Habitat for Humanity is an important symbol.
"It's a token that we were part of the build. To me, this is bigger than the plaque. It means we were able to help a family get into home ownership that otherwise couldn't get into it."
