Just Another Real Estate Podcast - S1E14 - Paul Nicoletti with RETSY
Website: https://paulnicoletti.chime.me/
Instagram: @p.a.nicoletti
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/paul.nicoletti
Paul Nicoletti, with Retsy and partnered with Forbes Global Properties.
I originally got into the business as an 'acquisition manager' for an infill lot developer/home builder in the Arcadia area in 2016. I had spent the previous 15 years in Fixed Operations with Penske Automotive, ie Acura, Lexus, Mercedes Benz, Maybach, Smart Car and Sprinter Vans.
As for hobbies, I love things that go fast...snowboarding, off-roading, boats, the lake. Newest hobby, doing cool shit with my four year old son, Lennon.
When did you know you wanted to be a _______ ? There was no shining moment when I wanted to be a Realtor...it was more of an 'out of left field' opportunity. (But) I did know that I wanted more freedom...and yes, I do know that's lucrative in real estate. I wanted the ability to make time for 'a kid' if and when I ever had one, go to a soccer practice, baseball game, etc etc. Working 7-7 at a dealer in Chandler just wasn't going to afford me that opportunity.
What are the most helpful resources that have helped you along the way? The most helpful resources became friends I made in the industry...and I'm not sure if this is necessarily a resource, but my ability to just learn by baptism by fire.
What is the biggest misconception people have about your field of expertise? I believe the biggest misconception is one's ability to become a market expert or neighborhood specialist immediately getting your license. Don't get me wrong, one can be great at networking, knowing people of a neighborhood (which will get you far), but knowing intricacies, schools, why taxes are specifically high in one area but not another can be an entirely different ball game.
Did you have a mentor when starting? How did you discover a mentor relationship and has that aided in success? What's the best advice a mentor ever gave you about the industry? I don't know if I necessarily had a mentor, but I definitely had someone pushing me, demanding I did better, always asking me the questions I didn't get answers to...knowing more than me and pushing me to make sure I had those answers the next time. Best advice I've received in this industry...NO ONE CARES, WORK HARDER.
Given the current market conditions, how are you advising and/or helping your clients to win? Loaded question for sure, and I could go either way. My first answer would be, 'you need to know what your clients core reasoning is in their desire to buy, sell or invest'. From there you devise what the win will be, and formulate a game plan to execute.
How do you build successful client relationships? This could be good or bad, but I try to relate to my clients...on whatever level that is, ie kids, interests, information.
What are some key elements that you attribute to your success in this business? Relationships with other agents.
How do you differentiate yourself in a crowded market? I know a crap ton about the general Phoenix area...I was born and raised in Phoenix! Went to high school at St Marys in downtown Phoenix, graduated from ASU...and I've lived in the northwest Valley, central Phoenix, Tempe, Scottsdale...and now just outside PV.
Who do you talk to when you feel stuck or unmotivated? My business partner, Nathan Anderson w Rebuild The Block.
What are common things people struggle with in your field? Time management, time blocking, crm management, overly optimistic.
What is your morning routine? Typically I like to get up around 6, get coffee/my breakfast going, turn on some music, then start hacking away at my arch nemesis, emails. Around 7:15, I make sure Lennon is up, get him all dialed in for his school day, make his lunch, play super heros, get him dressed and then drop off at Little Big Minds.
As a buyer agent, what do you like most and the least about home inspections/inspectors? I love that it gives our client a 'health check' of their future home. A couple things I loathe about home inspections: 1) people/buyers try to use it as a negotiation tool, to maybe get the price down to where their original offer came in, or threaten to cancel if they know they have the seller by the _____. 2) when inspectors will tell me that there are no real big items, then when the client shows, the world start crumbling.
As a listing agent, what do you like the least about home inspections/inspectors? Sort of the same as above. In my opinion, the home inspection is get an overall idea of the health of the home...see if there are any major items one can or can't live without, and potentially see if the seller is willing to repair some not so pleasant things, or offer a credit to do the repairs themselves.
What are some things that you have learned working with Home Inspectors? That 99% of homes don't have the proper drain doohicky for the dishwasher, and that not all home inspection companies are the same.
I hope this is enough to get us rolling...