Working with my brothers in our family business taught me one fundamental truth: a customer can go anywhere for your product. So, what makes them come back to you? It's not just about the product - it's about how you treat people. Your relationship with clients has to go far beyond the transaction. It's about building trust, delivering value, and creating an experience that makes them feel seen and appreciated.
Being the youngest of seven, I quickly learned that everyone has a role to perform, and it takes a team working in sync to make things happen. In a family business, you don't clock out when the time card says so - you finish when the job is done. Looking back, I remember complaining about those long hours and endless tasks. At a young age, I didn't fully understand the value of hard work and perseverance. Yet, today, it's everything I am grateful for. Those long hours taught me discipline, commitment, and the importance of follow-through - principles I carry with me every day in real estate.
One of the most profound lessons I learned about real estate came from my father. When he was searching for a house, the real estate agent asked him the usual questions: 'How many bedrooms are you looking for? How many square feet?' My father paused and replied, 'I want a house that, when I'm happy, I can go home to, and when I'm stressed, I can go home to.' That answer stuck with me because it was about more than just walls and square footage - it was about feeling, comfort, and belonging.
To truly help someone find the right home, you have to dig deeper than surface-level questions. It's not just about ticking boxes; it's about understanding who they are and what makes them feel at peace. It's about discovering what 'home' really means to them. My father's words serve as a reminder that real estate is far more than transactions - it's about helping people find a place where they can truly feel at home, no matter what life brings their way.
