The Path to a Dream Home: Expert Tips from Top Agent Tony Orlando
On this episode of The Closing Table, we sat down with Tony Orlando!
To watch the full episode, check it out on YouTube below. In the meantime, here’s a summary of the conversation…
Here’s what you missed from Tony Orlando…
Tony Orlando, a real estate agent from metro Detroit, shares insights from his career and experiences working with buyers in the current challenging market. The discussion begins with Tony’s career transition, moving from sports marketing and sales to real estate. He explains that the political environment and long hours in his previous role motivated him to make a change. Drawn by the entrepreneurial spirit of real estate, Tony embraced the opportunity to build something from the ground up, despite the hurdles of obtaining a license and learning the ropes.
As Tony reflects on his early days in real estate, he recalls the challenges of the licensing process, particularly how state exams fail to prepare new agents for real-world scenarios. He emphasizes that each transaction is different, bringing its own set of surprises, which makes practical experience crucial for success. Building strong client relationships has been central to Tony’s approach, and he credits mentorship for much of his career growth. Communication, he asserts, is key. From the very first meeting, Tony focuses on relationship building, guiding clients through each step, whether they are pre-approved or just beginning their home search.
Tony goes on to discuss the new National Association of Realtors (NAR) rules regarding buyer agency agreements, which require buyers to sign before seeing a home. While he acknowledges these changes, his focus remains on creating a strong rapport with clients from the outset. He shares how he navigates initial conversations by asking questions that engage potential buyers and help build trust.
Throughout the interview, Tony highlights the importance of trust in relationships, particularly when recommending lenders or providing market advice. He also touches on the ongoing challenges in the real estate profession, noting that today’s market conditions make it harder for many agents to survive. High demand, low inventory, and the rise of bidding wars have created obstacles for first-time homebuyers, leading to frustration and difficulty in finding affordable options.
Following that, Tony shares memorable stories, including working with a young couple in the Arbor-Chelsea area who faced multiple challenges during their home search. He recounts the difficulties with an Orangeburg sewer line inspection but ultimately helped them negotiate a concession, ensuring a positive outcome. For Tony, such experiences underscore the importance of guiding clients through potential risks while maintaining open communication.
He also addresses misconceptions about Realtors, particularly the stereotype that agents are akin to used car salespeople. Tony believes that genuine engagement and transparency are essential in overcoming these negative perceptions. Clients, he says, can sense when an agent is invested in their job, and maintaining a balance between professionalism and relatability is key.
Looking toward the future of the housing market, Tony acknowledges the need for more diverse housing options, including townhomes and smaller, more affordable homes. Builders, he says, need to adapt to the evolving demands of buyers, particularly as the cost of new construction continues to rise.
The conversation concluded with Tony sharing his personal philosophy on goal-setting, emphasizing that success in real estate comes from a place of care and help rather than focusing on arbitrary deal counts. This entrepreneurial mindset has guided him through his career, allowing him to maintain integrity and a positive outlook, even in a competitive market.
Check out Tony Orlando:
https://www.facebook.com/tonezone2/
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