Ozarks Profile: Faunlee Harle

Tell us about your company.

"The Springfield franchise of Coldwell Banker was started in 1984. Twenty agents went together and decided we liked Coldwell Banker's reputation and programs. The company seemed to mirror what we believed in and practiced already. There are six of the original 20 agents left and only four are still working in real estate. I enjoy the international connection that Coldwell Banker allows us. I have toured homes through the Previews Program in Canada, Texas, Arizona and Florida. It is great to have contacts nationally and internationally."

How did you become involved in real estate as a career?

"I had been a high school art teacher and upon returning to Springfield in 1981, I found no jobs available as a teacher. I had had a flower and gift shop, tried a bit of decorating homes and decided to try real estate."

What education/training prepared you for your job?

"I attended college at SMSU and graduated with a degree in art. My art degree taught me design, color, etc. Through building four of our own homes, I learned a lot about home construction. I believe being raised in a small town helped me learn how to appreciate the closeness of family and the importance of community."

What's the biggest challenge you face in your work?

"To make sure that every detail is completed to the best of my ability (and) to meet and exceed the expectations of my customers by their standards and mine."

Describe the best part of your job?

"I enjoy meeting people from here as well as all across the country. But, the best part of my job is seeing the smile on the faces of your customers when they have found the home they want to make theirs, followed by a sincere Thank You.' "

Tell us about your family.

"My husband of 33 years is Fred Harle and he is a State Farm agent. I have one daughter, Brittnee, who is married to Matthew Mayse. She is a teacher with the gifted program here in Springfield. Matthew is of the Mayse automobile group. My parents are retired and live in Gainesville, (Fla.) My brother, Mike Breeding, is also a State Farm agent. He is married to Judy Breeding, a CPA with (BKD), and they have two sons."

What are your favorite spare-time pursuits?

"I love the lake, art galleries, traveling, reading, hiking, horseback riding and seeing homes where ever they are."

How would you describe the real estate market these days?

"It is exciting! No day is ever the same. It changes hourly, as do the interest rates. We have beautiful, affordable homes in this area. Springfield is a wonderful place to live."