Josh Lioce is the broker/owner of Lioce Properties.

Boston Agent (BA): How did you get started in the real estate business? What do you find to be the most difficult aspect of your job?

Josh Lioce (JL): After leaving another field, I went back to work at my father’s company. I desired to do something different, so I worked toward getting my builder’s license and my real estate license. I was 20 years old. I wanted to build homes; my grandfather had been a builder back in the 1970s. I did not realize that you needed money to build homes,  so I looked into real estate. I started part-time at a Prudential office in Franklin MA, and after some time, I got the fever for the industry. Two years later, after I worked toward obtaining my broker’s license, the office was closing and so I started trying to find a new home in my hometown of Milford. Nobody would return my call or wanted to hire me, so I made the decision with my then fianceé to open up my own office. In 2003, that’s what I did and Lioce Properties Inc. was stated.

The most difficult aspect of my job, for me, is the balance of managing my office vs. managing my team vs. managing my personal production. Having an awesome team of agents and administrative staff is a huge benefit because it allows me to bring high levels of service to our clients. Wearing many hats is always a challenge.

BA: What do you enjoy the most about your job?

JL: I think the best part is the creation of a relationship with a client. It’s a process that starts on the first meeting. Over time, if you are true to your word and are able to earn their trust and confidence, you have a stronger desire to make sure the process goes as smoothly as possible. Then, it is the conversation before or after the closing when the client says that are so glad they chose us to represent them and you feel their appreciation and see their happiness through the smiles and hugs. That’s the absolute best part.

BA: How has the Greater Boston market changed since you started working in real estate?

JL: In what I call the “Greater Milford” market – which is west of the 495 area around Milford and creeps into the Blackstone Valley – there has been more and more people from the east of 495 heading into our area. Milford itself is a great market where the values hold better than most despite the downturn. Milford has seen great sustainability and growth during the good times.

BA: What advice would you give for young professionals getting started in real estate?

JL: You need to view this career as starting your own business. If you fail to do so, and take the approach that your office, brokerage or manager should provide you opportunities and leads, you will never be truly successful in this business. You are the best asset your real estate business will ever have. Invest in yourself through high quality coaching and become systematic with your approach to the business and the process. If you can do that, you will have the right foundation. Also, you must remember that you are a lead generator first and a Realtor second.

Josh Lioce is the broker/owner of Lioce Properties. He is also a regular contributor for “Real Estate Radio Boston,” a show on WBZ 1030 hosted by Rick Scherer and Ali Alavi.