If the real estate profession had an inbox and outbox the past five years, the latter would be stuffed and the former practically empty because of the housing downturn. National statistics show that the number of Realtors at the end of 2011 was down 25 percent from the peak figure of July 2007.
So with all the gloom and doom scenarios, who in their right mind would want to get their real estate license and join the ranks? Eddie Gleason, for one. The new agent in the Maryland suburbs of Washington, D.C., didn’t get in the business this year to “make money,” he said, but to make a difference.
“It was based on my experience in December 2011 when I purchased what I consider to be my dream home,” said Gleason, who also works as a political staffer. “I enjoyed the whole process of going through things with my Realtor and I learned so much from him that I got attracted to the industry. Things didn’t always go smoothly, and the process took about six months because of contract snags and other delays but my agent was always positive and kept me in the loop. When we got the deal done, it felt so great.”
Now Gleason wants his clients to feel the same emotions.
“I like taking people into houses and looking at their faces and the wow factor, where they actually start to believe that they can own something as nice as this,” he said. “I see this as an industry where people need help and we can provide it.”
Offering a helping hand comes naturally to Gleason, who has a master’s degree in communications and is a member of two neighborhood associations, his local real estate association and PTA and a mentor for troubled young males.
“It’s very important to be involved in the community,” Gleason said. “I want to be able to answer every client’s question about schooling, transportation, what the community is like, the crime rate, how family-oriented it is, where the recreation spots are and those types of things. If someone’s new to the area or thinking about moving in, a Realtor could be their first source for help and information. I can answer those types of questions because I have two children and am active in a lot of community activities.”
In his first four months Gleason had one closed contract, another about to close and two listings that are strong possibilities. The second closing was because of a referral from his first customer, proving that a positive attitude and a good experience can pay off.
“I’m enjoying it,” Gleason said about his new gig. “I’m sticking with it; so far, so good.”
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