"I have always been searching for and testing new ways to stand out as a broker and an investor.
From the time I first started my real estate journey as an appraiser, I developed a habit to keep a giant notepad so I would be prepared to write down everything as I was on the job.
Just as a I did when I was a broker and in my appraisal life, that detailed practice became part of my investor journey.
But there was a problem: I ended each day with more admin work than anything, and it robbed me of time away from my family, friends & loved ones.
It wasn’t until one year, I was struggling to balance work and life with as a husband with two young boys, that I had an epiphany.
At that time it seems that no matter how hard I tried to be prepared, I was missing something when it came time to close the deals, meeting with the seller.
Often, the gap was easily identified: whether it was a credibility piece, a testimonial, info about my team, not having the right contract ready to be signed, proof of funds, comps, a net sheet...
I got into this business because it was a family business, and I carry on the legacy for two reasons: It's what sustains my family, and I make a living actually helping people.
However, not being prepared hindered both.
I was finding myself in situations where either I would leave the appointment seeing another investor or realtor come in behind me to win the contract with them after having poured myself into creating a solution for their real estate situation - or often having the homeowner ghost me, not knowing what I did wrong...
One evening in particular I remember losing a transaction because I didn't have the short sale documents I needed...
I missed dinner, and I tucking my boys into bed, and came home to my wife, worried, upset, and waiting on me...