What was your most interesting job before going into real estate? It has to be working at some of the top Boston nightclubs (Venu, Icon, Cure, The Grand). I wish I could express in words how different a sober working perspective is when you see people clubbing haha. I’ve seen things and cleaned things no one should ever see. It was an extremely fun job and I got to meet a lot of awesome celebrities and artists.
Where did you grow up? I was born and raised in a small Colombian town called Santa Rosa de Osos, Antioquia Colombia. I immigrated to this country when I was seven years old so I was raised in two completely different cultures giving me the social mobility I have today.
Growing up, what did you want to be? Growing up I dreamed of one day flying a fighter jet for a living but I’m not too worried. I know I won’t end up doing it for a living but I will definitely do it for fun one day!
What do you do to relax when you’re stressed? When I’m stressed the first thing I do is throw my phone in the crevice between the car seat making it impossible to grab. Then I either wash my car, go to the driving range, hang out with non-stressed friends, go out for a drink and remind myself to not take life so seriously. Which can be easily remembered with this acronym: Stop/Taking/Real/Estate/So/Seriously.
If you could meet any well-known figure (living or not), who would it be and why? Julia Haart because after watching her family’s show I would love to hear how he achieved everything she achieved starting at age 40. SO many youngins in Boston hit 25 and think their lives are over. I would love to spread her message and make sure people know, it’s never too late to chase your dreams.
What is Boston’s best-kept secret? Boston’s best kept secret has to be the weather because people keep moving into Boston with no freaking idea how moody, nasty and unforgiving Boston’s weather can be.
What do you love most about the industry? I’d have to say the ability to win and serve as either a foundation or catalyst for success. When my family started our brokerage in the early 2000’s we had just moved from Colombia, eight of us lived in a one-bedroom apartment on Main Street in Everett and did not have any direction as to how to “make it.” Now here we are with more than we could ever ask for, and I’m thankful to have lived both extremes. Now I appreciate and pass all the knowledge forward to younger people I have met and continue to meet.
How do you distinguish yourself from the crowd of agents? A bright red Subaru BRZ with a company wrap usually does it but if not I’d have to say my humor, charisma and lack of fear of being judged for doing things a little differently sometimes. Also speaking my native tongue with a perfect Colombian Accent usually throws people off since I don’t appear to be Colombian.
What is the most difficult aspect of your job? Reading and answering all the texts/emails/calls I get on a daily basis. Giving each and every client the attention I want to because it usually turns out to be impossible and some things I love to do with them during the homebuying process sometimes have to be delegated.
What’s your best advice for generating new leads? People, we live in the 21st century, use the technology available and don’t be cheap, invest in yourself.
What has been your greatest accomplishment? Beating the odds as a first gen immigrant.
What are you binge-watching/reading/listening to lately? The Chase
What’s your favorite meal in Boston? Hot Pot Buffet in Chinatown
Architecturally speaking, what is your favorite building in Boston? The Great Hall in Faneuil Hall. This place screams Boston.
What’s the weirdest thing that’s ever happened to you on the job? Discovering that my listing had a sub basement that was used as part of the Underground Railroad and later finding out that the person telling me this was Malcolm X’s nephew.
What’s one thing people are surprised to learn about you? That they haven’t met me before!
What is your favorite vacation spot and why? So far I’d have to say Barcelona, Spain but I always come back a lazier person. I call it the Spain Effect.
In 10 words or less, what is your advice for someone new to the industry? Find a mentor, learn everything they do, and then do it.
What’s your favorite real estate iPhone/Android app? Homesnap
Who are your favorite people to follow on social media? Karina Mejia, Keeping Current Matters, BiggerPockets, Alexa Find My Home, EVO, ELEVATED and Boston Agent Magazine