Before Real Estate, and being in the dental laboratory industry for 11 years, with CAD systems becoming more popular, and I knew my position would be a thing of the past. I decided to get my real estate license.
I have always wanted to have my own business and still interested in Real Estate. As a real estate agent, I didn't want to put others' needs before my own.
Boy was I in for a rude awaking; only after being the business for three months, I found out the perception of real estate agents was no better than used car salespeople. Agents are always trying to close people to sell a home. Many agents were very unprofessional, egotistical, and self-centered. The perception was a reality, and I couldn't change it.
I decided I wanted to build my business based on referrals and take care of my clients the best I can to earn their business from their friends, family, and coworkers. I made it my mission to learn everything about Real Estate.
I learned the areas, previewed homes every day to discover floor plans and inventory. I was holding an open house every weekend, meeting a lot of different people learning about the consumers. Attended various seminars, Certified Distressed Property Expert, and Master Certified Negotiator to name a few.
Keeping up with the changes in the market, I was able to survive the real estate market crash, while other agents were losing business or getting out of it totally, I was increasing mine. Knowing that we to adapt and adjust to the changing market has kept me in business.
After 14 years in the business, my core beliefs are still the same. It boils down to five things, gratitude, understanding your client, market knowledge, negotiation, and having a proven process.
I am fortunate to be a recipient of the Five Star Real Estate Agent Award from Orange Coast Magazine for seven years. The award based on surveys of the people I have worked with in the past twelve months, with only 4% of Realtors earning this award.
I would have never taken a chance in Real Estate if I did not buy my house in 1993. I am also thankful for my support network of clients past and present, working at the largest Real Company in the world.
Grateful for having an understanding wife of 18 years and my 11-year old daughter. Without them, I could not be doing what I do.