My plans were interrupted under the most unfortunate of circumstances. However, the values instilled by my parents set me on a course to a career that has enriched my community as well as my own life.
I wasn’t planning on taking over the family business, though I did want to follow in my father’s footsteps. One of my first loves was flying, which I got from him. He would take my mom, my brother and me up in his plane. My dad used his license for business flights (quicker than a long drive), but I wanted to fly commercially for airlines.
Even though I had mapped out my career, I decided to go to college to earn a business degree. I knew enough about the world to anticipate that my plans may have to change. I wanted to have a backup in case something happened. And sure enough, something did.
Three months before I was meant to be accepting my diploma, my dad was diagnosed with aggressive and fast-acting cancer. He passed away two weeks before my graduation.
All of my original plans immediately fell by the wayside. My dad’s company needed someone to step up. I became that person, taking on the role of manufacturer representative. The job never felt like the right fit for me, and I knew it couldn’t last forever, but I felt it was where I needed to be at that time.
My parents also passed down their interest in investment properties to me. They had a few of their own, and I’d been intrigued by real estate for as long as I can remember. I didn’t think I’d work full-time in the industry, but I hoped to own some properties for myself. It was that hope that led to me getting my license. I had worked closely with my real estate agent through the first purchase, so I had a better understanding of what the profession was like. Still, I didn’t anticipate how huge a role it would play in my life!
My client base grew organically. My first ever listing was my brother’s friend who was looking to sell his home. People who were closest to me knew I had my license and knew they could trust me, so I began to help them with their purchases and listings. Through my own experiences in buying and selling houses and my commitment to being an advisor, educator, and guardian, I developed a positive reputation. Business exploded through referrals. I became Rookie of the Year at my brokerage.
23 years later, I’ve learned what a personal business this is. I surround myself with the most incredible people, and I treat everyone equally, regardless of their price point. I’ve met a lot of those people through being active in the community. For instance, I've been a member of my golf club since I was a kid due to my parents' involvement.
My wife, who I adore, is an entrepreneur in her own right. I've been supporting her in her latest endeavor - opening music studios and karaoke party venues. My three kids also continue to amaze me on a daily basis.
Of course, I still love flying. The plane my dad had owned was a 1968 Cessna Skylane. He had sold it right before he died. In 2014, I did some digging and tracked down the owner. I made them a very generous offer and managed to buy my dad’s airplane back. My son just checked out to fly his grandfather’s Skylane for himself.
I’m committed to building up my community and doing what’s best for my clients, even if that means advising them against a sale. The transaction is always about what’s best for the client. Regardless of your situation, I look forward to the opportunity of welcoming you into your new home.
What sets me apart from other agents is my creativity. I’ve learned what does and doesn't work from my own investment properties. One transaction stands out in my mind from when I was helping a first-time homebuyer.
I knew we wouldn’t be the highest bidder, so we had to find another way to get the seller's attention. In this market, we needed to make an offer above the asking price. I suggested offering them non-refundable earnest money in cash and not asking for an inspection. We talked about an amount they were comfortable depositing, and they went ahead with my plan. I knew it wasn’t the highest price, but it was the best terms. The seller’s agent even said they had never seen anything like it before. That’s the way you need to think in these difficult markets.
On the other side of things, the organic connections I’ve had the honor of cultivating have led me to unique opportunities to work with some upscale properties. One of those connections being Troy Nunes and his amazing wife, Meghan, who have become wonderful friends of ours. Troy referred me to Ryan Shazier and James Conner, who are both now clients of mine. Whatever your scenario, I have the experience to bring you what you need.
Sincerely,
Geoff Smathers
REALTOR®