Since the 2008 housing crash, many real estate companies have either disappeared or seen a large decrease in business.

The Department of California Real Estate reports the number of agents who were licensed went from 544,962 in April 2008 to 489,946 just two years later. 

But one San Luis Obispo company has used its unique and creative approach to grow and flourish during this economic downturn. With over 65 years of combined experience, The Davies Company Real Estate team took the economic downturn as an opportunity to stand out and offer more than your average real estate services.

"Rather than seeing the demise of the marketplace, we saw opportunity. We dedicated our resources to reach out to our friends and community through non-traditional ways," said Dawna Davies, owner and broker of the Davies Company.

Unlike many real estate companies, the Davies Company is a single "side" agency. By working with only the seller or only the buyer, the company ensures to achieve the best terms for their clients.

The Davies Company also counsels clients on strategy, offers market condition perspectives, and shares creative approaches to real estate problems. It consults with clients about for-sale-by-owner transactions, pre-foreclosure assistance, transaction strategy and estate building.  

The Davies Company has also reached out to customers through social media. In addition to updating her website, Davies regularly updates her Facebook and Twitter pages to stay in contact with past, present, and prospective clients. 

With the company's new location, new website, new services and social media outreach, it has continued to grow in spite of the economy.

"By reaching out to our clients through social media, we have been able to connect with them on a more personal level. You would never think to have a personal relationship with a real estate company, but that makes us different from all the rest," said Davies.

According to the National Association of Realtors, home sales have continued to rise over the past three months. In San Luis Obispo there have been 143 homes sales from January to May, compared to 98 sales in 2009.

Despite the positive turnaround, real estate agencies continue to find new ways to grow and stand out among the competition by offering new services and unique marketing approaches.

For more information on the Davies Company Real Estate, visit www.daviesco.com.