Did You Say There Were Urinals In The Living Room? – Doug Worsley
On this episode of The Closing Table, we sat down with Doug Worsley!
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 Doug Worsley…
The conversation began with a word association on home equity loans, amortization, and more. Doug introduces himself as a down-to-earth individual who values his family and embraces outdoor activities. He has been happily married to his high school sweetheart for an impressive 32 years and is the proud father of two daughters. Additionally, he cherishes his role as a grandfather to a little boy. Doug’s love for the outdoors is evident, as he enjoys pursuits such as hunting, fishing, boating, camping, hiking, and anything that involves being in nature.
To understand Doug’s current market, we need to examine its geographic and economic aspects. Primarily focusing on Wayne and Oakland counties, Doug is based in Canton, with his office located in Novi and Northville. While most of his business originates from these areas, he has also ventured as far west as Jackson and as far north as Gladwin. Doug’s passion for helping people is what drove him into the real estate industry. He believes in providing the best assistance to his clients, and if he can ensure their satisfaction, he will gladly lend a hand. However, if an inquiry falls outside his expertise or knowledge of a specific area, he maintains a network of agents he can refer clients to.
Prior to embarking on his real estate career, Doug worked for an automotive company. Since starting in January 2021, he has successfully closed 62 deals. The average closing price for these transactions is approximately $240,000, with a notable balance between listings and buyer representation, favoring the former at 60%. Impressively, Doug’s average time on market is a mere six days, showcasing his ability to facilitate swift and efficient transactions.
Doug Worsley’s previous occupation at Yazaki North America, where he served as a quality manager and engineer for 28 years, equipped him with valuable skills and knowledge that he now leverages as a realtor. Working in the field of quality management emphasized the importance of facts, investigation, and attention to detail. These qualities have greatly contributed to Doug’s success in negotiating various aspects of real estate transactions. His background in quality management facilitated an easy transition into the real estate business, as he already possessed negotiation skills and a keen eye for detail.
This background also enables him to analyze and interpret data, allowing him to run comparisons (comps) effectively, which serves as a strong starting point in his real estate endeavors. Furthermore, Doug’s experience with renovations, including roofing, drywall, painting, and plumbing, has provided him with the ability to identify potential issues and offer suggestions and reassurance to his clients. These combined skills, along with his personality traits, have played a significant role in the flourishing of his real estate business.
Although most of Doug’s clients typically obtain pre-approval for mortgages, there are instances where clients approach him when they are unsure or not in a position to be pre-approved. In such cases, Doug takes a proactive approach to guide them based on his knowledge, but he is mindful of not stepping outside his area of expertise. To ensure that his clients receive the best assistance, he aligns himself with various mortgage brokers and companies. Doug maintains relationships with three different mortgage brokers, each with their own areas of expertise.
When a client is in need of guidance, he sits down with them, taking the time to understand their financial situation and overall needs. Based on this information, he recommends a mortgage broker whom he believes is best suited to serve the client’s specific requirements. By partnering with knowledgeable professionals in the mortgage industry, Doug ensures that his clients receive the support they need to position themselves for mortgage pre-approval, even if they were initially uncertain or unprepared.
Doug then recounts an amusing story from a colleague’s listing, which showcased a true bachelor pad. The property, a ranch house, featured a basketball court. However, the most intriguing aspect was the living room, where a bar stretched across the space and two urinals were present. The bathroom boasted a beer tap, and even the shower had a television. This unique property stood out as an eccentric and memorable find. In addition, Doug mentions the prevalence of sophisticated marijuana grow rooms he has encountered in Michigan, particularly in regular single-family homes, thanks to the state’s marijuana safe zone laws.
Doug firmly believes that any obstacle can be surmounted by dedicating time and effort to finding a solution, without succumbing to stress. He shares an experience where he encountered an unexpected obstacle during a transaction. He was representing the listing side, working with a buyer who happened to be using one of his mortgage brokers—an advantageous situation. As they approached the closing date, they discovered that the buyer had filed for bankruptcy the previous year, which jeopardized the entire deal. This realization came as a shock and wasted 30 days of progress.
To resolve the issue, Doug exerted pressure on the mortgage company and personally contacted the owner. They discovered that the bankruptcy had actually occurred three years ago, which was within an acceptable timeframe. However, the buyer had only filed their taxes a year ago, which had initially gone unnoticed. While the mortgage company had followed standard protocols, the underwriting process detected this hiccup, nearly derailing the deal. Fortunately, after a two-day postponement, they were able to successfully close the transaction. This experience highlights Doug’s resourcefulness and determination in overcoming unexpected obstacles for the benefit of his clients.
When it comes to giving gifts to clients who have closed on their properties, Doug believes in providing thoughtful and valuable presents. While he acknowledges the need to maintain a sustainable income, he also enjoys giving back to people. One popular gift choice he often selects is the Ring doorbell or Nest thermostat, which offer practical benefits to homeowners. Throughout the year, Doug also organizes giveaways, such as a black stone grill with an air fryer. Interestingly, he recalls a client who had tried to win the grill in one of the giveaways but was unsuccessful. Coincidentally, this client happened to be closing on a property just two weeks later, so Doug decided to purchase the same grill as a special gift for them, ensuring they didn’t miss out.
For Doug, developing rewarding interactions and relationships with his clients is a priority. He strives to treat every client as a friend throughout their real estate journey. This approach has led to meaningful connections where he is invited to his clients’ homes for various activities such as grilling, boating, and even birthday celebrations. It brings him joy to know that he has fostered a strong enough bond for his clients to want him to be part of their personal lives. Additionally, Doug actively seeks opportunities to extend his hospitality to clients. He recently organized a neighborhood event where he treated the community by hiring an ice cream truck, further strengthening the sense of camaraderie and appreciation. These experiences highlight Doug’s commitment to building lasting relationships and creating memorable moments beyond the transactional aspects of real estate.
One volunteer event that holds a personal attachment for Doug is Keller Williams’ annual event called Red Day. This day serves as an opportunity for the company to give back to the community by shutting down all business operations and focusing solely on community service. Red Day holds special significance for Doug because this year, they chose to support the cancer foundation of Michigan, a cause that hits close to home for him. Having been diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and given a prognosis that initially left him uncertain about his future, Doug has surpassed expectations and is now doing well. Being able to contribute to a foundation that supports cancer patients resonated deeply with him, making his involvement in Red Day even more meaningful.
The conversation wraps up with Doug reflecting on what he knows now and considering today’s resources, and the approach he would take to become a homeowner. Recognizing the current challenges of the real estate market, such as low inventory and high demand, he emphasizes the importance of aligning oneself with the right realtor. Having a dedicated realtor who will work tirelessly on behalf of the buyer is crucial, particularly for first-time homebuyers navigating a competitive market. In addition to finding the right realtor, Doug advises seeking the right mortgage options. Rather than relying solely on larger banks, he suggests exploring mortgage brokers or companies that can offer a wider range of programs and options. It is also crucial to shop around and compare rates and fees from different lenders.
Saving up for a down payment is essential, as it plays a significant role in the homebuying process. Doug strongly recommends never skipping a home inspection and emphasizes the importance of seeking guidance from knowledgeable professionals rather than relying solely on advice from family members who may have bought homes in a different market era. By aligning oneself with the right people and resources, individuals can navigate the challenges of the current real estate landscape and increase their chances of successfully owning a home.
Check out Doug Worsley:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/doug.worsley.1
Facebook Business Page: https://www.facebook.com/dougworsleyrealestate
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dougworsleyrealestate/
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