Don’t Stop Believing In Cleveland Real Estate – April Loconti
On this episode of The Closing Table, we sat down with April Loconti!
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 April Loconti…
The conversation began with a word association icebreaker on capital gains, home warranty, and more. April reveals her multifaceted identity beyond her real estate profession. She kick-started her entrepreneurial journey at the young age of 24 as a hairdresser, establishing her first salon in her hometown. After three successful years, she ventured into a second salon, strategically located near her residence. Her dedication and business acumen have enabled her to maintain and grow these two salons while also embracing the role of a devoted mother to two children and a loving wife. With this diverse background, April embodies the essence of a business owner, a mother, and a spouse.
April’s real estate services cater to the Northeast Ohio region, encompassing downtown Cleveland, Ohio City, Euclid, East Lake, and their surrounding areas. She vividly depicts the current market as exceptionally vibrant and fast-paced. Properties are selling quickly, often within a day of being listed, with most transactions exceeding the asking price. As a buyer’s agent, navigating the market poses significant challenges due to its competitiveness. The average time properties spend on the market is a mere seven days, reflecting the high demand for homes in the area. Additionally, while official data might indicate an average price range of $115,000 to $200,000 in Ohio, April notes that the actual prices currently range between $200,000 and $300,000.
Next, April shares a remarkable experience where she acquired a client through an unexpected turn of events. During one of her property listings, she encountered an investor who displayed genuine interest in her professional approach and expertise. Despite the client’s keenness to work with April, she maintained a professional stance and refrained from taking advantage of the situation. The investor persistently reached out to April for six to eight months, seeking her services, but April politely declined, understanding the importance of adhering to proper industry etiquette. However, fate had other plans, and after a long wait, April eventually agreed to work with the investor, solidifying a successful collaboration. This intriguing tale highlights the value of integrity and maintaining ethical standards in the real estate business.
April’s commitment to education and understanding her clients’ needs has been instrumental in achieving successful real estate outcomes. One such instance occurred during her early days in the real estate business when the market was hot due to the impact of COVID-19. She embarked on her first deal, which involved a vacant lot, an investment many might overlook, especially if it’s priced under $30,000. However, April delved deep into the client’s requirements and aspirations. The client sought a lot in Geneva, situated near the lake and spanning a few acres, and their excitement was evident.
Initially, the listing indicated the lot’s location at a particular crossroads, but upon reviewing the survey report and personally inspecting the property lines, April discovered a critical error—the lot was not the one listed. Realizing that the client was about to enter a contract for the wrong property, April immediately sprang into action. Drawing from her prior experience in real estate investing, she knew how to handle the situation and resolve the issue. Thanks to her extensive footwork and expertise, April ensured her client obtained the correct lot, securing a positive outcome for their investment.
April’s strong connection to the community shines through her active involvement in the local chamber of commerce and board of directors. One impactful initiative involved working with Cleveland’s Big Brother Big Sister program during Christmas. They organized a large networking luncheon where attendees brought an abundance of toys and raised funds. The event attracted the participation of local law enforcement, who collected the toys and distributed them to children in the neighborhoods, spreading joy and holiday cheer. Through her participation in this initiative, April demonstrated her dedication to giving back to the community, showcasing a positive impact on both the community itself and her clients, who likely appreciate her commitment to meaningful causes.
Handling difficult or demanding clients is an inevitable part of the real estate profession, and April has faced such situations with professionalism and forthrightness. Her upfront and candid nature allows clients to know exactly what to expect from the beginning of their interactions. While she maintains a professional demeanor, she does not hesitate to be real with her clients, ensuring that boundaries and expectations are clear from the start. When faced with clients who may push the limits, April remains calm and composed. She reiterates the basics, reminding them of the legal and proper etiquette standards, ultimately steering the situation towards a positive resolution.
Balancing a thriving career in real estate with the demands of family life is a daily struggle for April, but she has developed effective strategies to manage her responsibilities. She emphasizes the importance of time blocking and maintains a solid morning routine, dedicating a couple of focused hours to address emails and client needs before her children wake up. By being honest and transparent with her clients when unexpected situations arise, April ensures that both her professional and personal commitments are handled with care.
April firmly believes that all money is not good money. She acknowledges that her role as a woman and a mother is an integral part of who she is, and if she encounters clients who do not respect or appreciate her for that, she is willing to walk away from such partnerships. By prioritizing her values and boundaries, April ensures that she can maintain a healthy work-life balance while also delivering the best service to her clients who respect and value her as both a real estate professional and a dedicated mom and wife.
She then shared that a particularly rewarding experience for her was the close relationship she developed with one client and their family throughout their real estate journey. Over time, they became more than just business partners – they became like family. This meaningful connection led to a deeper level of trust and rapport, and now April serves as the agent for the entire family. Their interactions extend beyond real estate matters, with the clients seeking advice and guidance in various aspects of life. This rewarding relationship highlights the positive impact real estate professionals can have on their clients’ lives, transcending the transactional aspect to create lasting bonds built on trust and friendship.
The conversation wraps up with April sharing valuable insights and knowledge having experienced the journey to becoming a homeowner herself. Today, she has a checklist of considerations and resources that she wishes she had known before. She advises aspiring homeowners not to rush into decisions out of desperation to own a home. It’s crucial not to make sacrifices that may lead to financial strain in the future. April encourages potential buyers to avoid overstretching their budget and only make offers they can comfortably afford. Patience is key in the search for the perfect home, and she advises clients to see multiple properties until they find the right fit that aligns with their needs and financial situation.
Check out April Loconti:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aprilloconti
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