The SOGO difference

When Aaron Peterson founded SOGO Homes, a new real estate brokerage in Northeast Ohio, he was on a mission to not only help homeowners, but also people in the community. 

SOGO Homes—an acronym for Sell One, Give One—donates a portion of the real estate commission for each house sold to help single moms in Northeast Ohio achieve their dream of home ownership. Partnering with a local nonprofit, the company’s goal is to bring hope to vulnerable children and families by helping single moms get back on their feet. 

SOGO Homes also helps homeowners keep more of their profits when selling their homes with its $4,800 flat-rate fee, instead of charging the customary percentage of commission. So it is a win-win proposition for all.

As SOGO Homes, along with its sister company Marvel Developments which specializes in rehabbing homes, keeps growing, so does the staff.

SOGO Homes’ newest real estate agent is Tom Dungan. Familiar with the real estate industry while working as Marvel Developments’ director of operations, Tom was inspired to get his real estate license so he could meld his sales background with his construction know-how.

“I wanted to find more purpose in my work,” Tom says. “I grew up in a single-parent household with a mother who struggled, so I know firsthand how getting help from others can make difference in your life. I am thrilled to be a part of SOGO Homes and being able to give back.”

“Before joining Marvel Developments and SOGO Homes I had a high-paying sales job, but took a leap of faith by joining this start-up company because I have confidence in what they do and how they do it,” says Tom, who grew up in North Canton. “I am experienced in framing houses and landscape design, so when someone is listing their home with me I can walk through the house and guide them on how to prepare their home to get optimal price when selling.”

Though Tom takes his job seriously, he also likes to have some fun as you may see him grilling at an open house and sharing his love of cooking, whether its his rib rub recipe or famous beer can chicken. And you can see his engaging personality in the social media videos he and Aaron like to post.

Like all of the staff members, Tom’s work ethic and trustworthiness mirror that of Aaron, who views everyone as partners.

“I have built my companies with employees looking to further their careers and are not just here for a paycheck,” Aaron says. “I want to help my employees grow and succeed.”

Profit More From Your Home Sale

“Since we founded our company, we have saved homeowners anywhere from $2,000 up to $35,000 in real estate commissions,” says Aaron. 

Instead of paying a percentage of the sale in commission, homeowners who list with SOGO Homes pay a $4,800 flat fee that includes everything from helping them set the most attractive listing price to negotiating the final deal. 

SOGO Homes also has helped homeowners garner higher offers on their homes by helping them spruce up their interior or exterior before hitting the market. Its sister company, Marvel Developments, with more than a dozen skilled tradesmen on staff, has the expertise to put your home in the best light, from painting walls to fixing leaky faucets to installing new flooring.

“Oftentimes, if you spend a little money on home improvements before listing your home, you will profit even more,” Aaron says, noting that with a team of both real estate agents and remodelers the company has more to offer than traditional brokerages. “We also offer cash offers for those homeowners who don’t have the time or patience to go through the home listing process.”

To list your house or for more information, call 330-984-0909 or visit GoWithSOGO.com.