NEW WASHINGTON, OH (CRAWFORD COUNTY NOW)—A longtime real estate agency in Crawford County isn’t “selling out” even though new owners have taken over the business.
Garberick Realty LLC, 441 E. Main Street, is now owned and operated by third-generation realtor Stephen “Steve” Garberick, who is carrying on the family legacy started by his late grandfather, Richard Garberick, nearly 80 years ago.
“I’m excited, most definitely,” said Garberick, who officially took over operations on October 1, 2023. “This is something I’ve always wanted to do. The opportunity came a little earlier than I expected so I went ahead and did it.”
Garberick, 51, succeeds his father, John Garberick, who decided to retire after more than 40 years in the business. He has had a real estate license since 2004 and his broker’s license since 2013. He’s also one of a few realtors in Ohio to be an insurance agent.
A Bucyrus native, Garberick grew up around the business as a youngster. “I remember as a little kid going to showings with my dad and my grandfather. Sometimes I would just tag along.” In high school, he often put up signs in yards and then picked them up.
The company was founded in 1945, and Richard Garberick was the first president of the Bucyrus Board of Realtors. His son took over in 1985, continuing their commitment to providing professional real estate and auction services to Crawford County area residents.
Steve’s wife, Annette, also works at the agency. She earned her real estate license in 2015 and manages the office.
Garberick said their goal moving forward is to hire five more agents and focus on aggressively marketing Garberick Realty in an ever-changing real estate market. And he hopes that one day their sons, Avery and Hunter, decide to follow in their footsteps.
“We’re still going to carry on the traditions my grandfather and father laid down and continue to serve Crawford County for another 79 years. Nothing warms my heart better than getting repeat customers coming back. That’s telling you that you’re doing something right.”