Founded in 1975, Irongate Inc., Realtors® is Dayton, Ohio’s largest locally-owned independent brokerage, offering full-service support for both agents and clients. When Rhonda Chambal bought Irongate Inc., Realtors® in 2021, she stepped into the role of broker-owner with a clear mission: modernize without losing the personal, full-service feel the company was known for.

“I wanted to provide the same level of service I had at a franchise company,” Rhonda explains, “but without the franchise fees and transaction fees for our agents.”

At the time, Irongate’s operations were still paper-heavy. Transactions relied on physical file folders, checks, and even colored info sheets. “It was very check-based,” Rhonda says. “We’d have to dig up wiring instructions if a client wanted to wire funds, and it just wasn’t streamlined.”

As a top-producing agent who had already spent over a decade at a franchise brokerage, Rhonda focused on equipping agents with tools that would make their jobs easier and give clients a smooth, modern transaction process from start to finish. For Irongate’s large number of military buyers — about 60% of Rhonda’s own transactions — the need was even more pressing. Many purchase homes sight-unseen while still stationed elsewhere, meaning an in-person check drop-off wasn’t realistic.

Around late 2020, Irongate rolled out two major changes: dotloop as the transaction management platform, and Earnnest for digital earnest money deposits. For Rhonda, the Dotloop–Earnnest integration was a perfect fit.

“I use Earnnest right inside dotloop. I send the link, the buyer pays, I get the receipt instantly, and it drops right into the loop for compliance. It’s very easy from the agent side.”

The rollout was met with enthusiasm from agents looking for a simpler process. For clients, the change was immediate: no more checks, driving across town, or dealing with mail delays. Military buyers in particular embraced the speed and convenience.

“Many military buyers never even come to town before buying,” Rhonda says. “With Earnnest, they can deposit earnest money within minutes, from anywhere. They never question it.”

In just 12 months, Irongate Inc., Realtors® more than doubled its quarterly Earnnest usage, making digital earnest money deposits the new norm for its agents. Even better — Earnnest hasn’t created extra work for the brokerage’s staff.

“We don’t get calls from agents with problems,” Rhonda says. “It’s been low-key and problem-free, which is exactly what I want from a tool we use every day.”

The tool has also helped shape the brokerage’s culture for new hires. Irongate brings on about 50 new agents each year, and Rhonda sees Earnnest as part of setting modern expectations from day one.

Rhonda’s approach to technology is deliberate and discerning. “We’re not a brokerage that jumps on every new thing. If it’s not something I would use in my own business, we don’t implement it.” That careful approach ensures tools like Earnnest truly enhance the agent and client experience, while keeping the brokerage efficient and competitive.

For Rhonda and Irongate Inc., Realtors®, modernization isn’t just about adopting new tools — it’s about creating a culture where agents can focus on serving clients, not chasing paperwork. With Earnnest and dotloop fully integrated into everyday workflows, the brokerage has simplified transactions, set clear expectations for new agents, and positioned itself for continued growth.

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