Jason Gonzalez

ers of the community who are always seeking opportunities to better themselves by maintaining continuous improvement and building strong relationships throughout the community. I am very approachable, yet I stay focused on the task at hand. Always being a believer in true teamwork is a hallmark and having an experienced contributing demeanor with follow agents and staying knowledgeable of real estate and activity occurring within your community is paramount in order to be first in mind with your sphere of influence and audiences market to market. What do you enjoy about the work you do? Career bliss released its list of jobs with the highest and lowest happiness index. It analyzed reviews from more than 65,000 employees in 2012. Then, Forbes turned it into a handy little slider of the happiest and unhappiest jobs in America. Of the 10 unhappiest jobs in the united states, associate attorney is number one, with the low bliss score of 2.06. Real estate agent with a bliss score of 4.46. While we aren’t surprised, we wanted to know exactly what it is that makes real estate agents so happy in their chosen profession. Why does one become a real estate agent? This career allows you to set your own course and road to success and we find that this attracts many to the industry. The possibilities are endless; however we also discovered that some agents are satisfied with selling just 4 homes a year while others are content with selling hundreds a year. This is also why, in part, that agents who are serious about the business tend to stay in the profession for 20 plus years and report that the industry is flexible, family friendly and "I’m my own boss!" If an agent is not happy with the brand they are affiliated with, a change is simply to make as long as the agent has built their business in a way that can easily be adjusted with little loss in momentum; Ask us how? Why do you like being a real estate agent? It's a thrill to help the agents I mentor, especially when they experience a breakthrough and begin to successfully grow their business in a method they can measure and numerically track while improving their livelihood in small successes and key wins, but the true key from the very start of our relationship has always been to demonstrate the importance of working smarter, not harder by being in the trenches with the agent and not managing with only theory but also real world efforts and tangible results that lead to production (the sale). In assisting families and buyers or owners in achieving their dreams, it brings me a feeling of fulfillment especially when I take into account that real estate is going to be the most expensive investment clients will make in their lives. When the magic happens and I'm able to find buyers a dream home, that's what motivates me to continue on a day to day regiment. Even more so, when I'm able to negotiate an amazing deal, simply because I took the time to investigate the motivation of the sale. Achieving the goals of both sides of a transaction and reaching a common ground is the art of negotiation. At times this business can be a game of hurry up and wait, like in my beloved United States Marine Corps, or follow me at my supersonic speed that varies based on time and place while you realize that no deal is the same, because as we know, there are no two properties that are exactly the same nor are the individuals being represented by both sides. The challenges of listings and putting our in-house marketing staff coupled with our syndication of hundreds of websites is ultimately what still wow's me till the present day coupled with the creativity that our brokerage offers in marketing homes which I believe is what, in part, separates us from any possible levels of competition; as we actually use our resources so the client wins... I also find joy and I am humbled by all my clients who keep me first in mind and call me back when they’re making a decision or have a friend or family member in need. They do this, in part, because I like to believe that they have found value and trust in our relationship. What are some of the main challenges of being a real estate agent? The challenge is usually having to deal with unrealistic expectations or the emotions involved in the residential sale not typically seen as much on the commercial side of the business. At times, sellers and buyers will have challenges in finding a common ground which, if left unchecked, can at times compromise a deal; Hopefully if the market has a backup buyer or gives the buyer a second chance, success is usually achieved the second time around for those who were stubborn at in their first attempt and then see the light in round two. The concern is that in some cases, there may not be a second chance to make a first impression... both for the client and the agent. What are the downsides of being a real estate agent? No matter how great of a job we believe we have done with negotiating the terms of a deal, ultimately it is the buyer or seller who solidify and make the decisions. When a deal does not come together for whatever the reason, it can be devastating when one considers the amount of time and money that was consumed to get to this point... Every buyer is not selected on any one given property. Agents are always working 24/7 & seven says a week. It becomes a lifestyle and clients expect you to answer or, at least, reply via text message at all times of the day and night, which we should in most situations or have a method of coverage... I know that clients are depending on me to lead them down the victorious path. It can be difficult to take time off unless you have an accountability partner who can help when you are out of town. What are the best parts of the job? The relationships that are created after having completed the journey of real estate with a client; these relationships would have never been established otherwise. Why do you think some agents never succeed or excel? To be successful in this line of work, an agent needs to be able to function professionally with little supervision, maintain a level of consistency and have to possess a strong self-driven characteristic and personality. We've also realized how important it is to keep relationships fresh and staying relevant with the folks in your sphere of influence. What advice would you give someone thinking about starting a career in real estate? I don't give advice, however, I might offer up suggestions. If you do not have any preexisting experience in real estate, find a mentor who can help you through and develop a unique business plan who can hold you accountable to your goals and dreams. As a member of the executive team, branch management and our corporate recruitment team for our multiple offices throughout southern California, I can assist you with the education requirements per the State of California's Bureau of Real Estate and also with finding your way down our shared path to a successful career during your journey in Real Estate. Also, you should have at least three to six months of savings to sustain yourself as you prospect for that first deal and develop enough traction to where you can transition and fully sustain yourself on real estate business income; Do Not Quit Your Day Job without a plan in place! If you figure that most escrow periods are 30 to 45 days out and you were successful to procure a client and get to acceptance today, it's going to take you, at least, this long for an escrow to close and to see a paycheck. For whom is real estate not right? Someone who enjoys a nine to five schedule and does not like to be bothered on the weekends and is not a people person. The timid who have very little to say and are not known to facilitate in professional and social gatherings that involve bringing people from all walks of life together. For further information, feel free to reach out to me today to reserve your spot at our next career night either in person or virtually. If you are simply interested in buying or selling a home in Southern California? Feel free to call on us for information whenever you are ready. If you are considering to relocate to another state or out of the country, know that we can assist you both locally and globally as we can place a referral on your behalf for individuals, companies, or corporations of any size. Semper Fidelis...