How Do You Go From Restaurant Server To Real Estate? – Geoff Leach
On this episode of The Closing Table, we sat down with Geoff Leach!
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 Geoff Leach…
The conversation began with a this or that icebreaker on foreclosures, capital gains, and more. Geoff then introduces himself as just a regular guy who enjoys spending time in his yard, going camping, and playing with his dog. Geographically and Economically, Geoff works as an agent, manager, and trainer at Century 21. He is based in the West Bloomfield office, which serves several areas including the lakes area, Bloomfield, Waterford, Northville, Nova, and more. These locations are known for their notable landmarks and attractions. In terms of the real estate market, Geoff shares that the average sales price currently stands at $403,000. Additionally, the inventory is at an all-time low, resulting in houses selling rapidly and often above the asking price.
Geoff has been in real estate since 1994, but prior to that, he had two main occupations that equipped him with valuable skills. He worked full-time as a server at Red Lobster for three years, which honed his customer service skills. Additionally, he spent time as an orderly in a hospital in Pontiac, where he learned patience through interactions with patients. Geoff also has a year of college education in architecture, providing him with an architectural background. Furthermore, his uncles, who are builders, and his college education contributed to his knowledge and experience in the field. Geoff’s journey into real estate began when he accompanied a server from Red Lobster on house tours. This experience sparked his interest and led him to pursue a career in real estate upon the advice of a coworker from the hospital.
Geoff thenrecounts a particularly rewarding interaction he had with a client throughout their real estate journey. The client was very specific about her requirements and preferred to review pictures of houses and drive by them before committing to viewings. However, life circumstances, such as her temporarily leaving town and getting pregnant, caused delays in the search process. Despite the extended timeline and challenges, Geoff and the client maintained contact and worked together for two years until they found the perfect home. Eventually, they decided on a new build in an old subdivision, fulfilling the client’s desire for a red brick house, which was her husband’s only request. This positive experience created a close bond between Geoff and the client’s family. They now invite him to events and refer clients to him. Geoff considers this relationship a rewarding one, as the client appreciated his dedication throughout the extended search process, even though she expressed concerns about wasting his time. He emphasizes this story to new agents as a reminder to maintain connections with clients, as it can lead to fruitful relationships and opportunities.
Furthermore, Geoff shares another story that underscores the importance of staying committed to clients. He once received a call from clients who were initially considering renting due to their mortgage ineligibility. Instead of dismissing them, Geoff advised them to wait until they qualified for a mortgage. He connected them with a mortgage representative, and after six months, they purchased a home. Over the years, Geoff continued to assist them, selling two more homes and subsequently helping their friends and family with real estate transactions. This one connection resulted in over $7 million in transactions. Geoff highlights this story to emphasize the significance of maintaining connections and not dismissing opportunities based on immediate returns, as lasting relationships can yield substantial benefits in the long run.
Kevin then asked Geoff if he has done any untraditional way in which he obtained a client or a lead. Geoff recalls an incident where he decided to go for a pedicure, even though he initially had reservations as he considered it an unusual activity for men. However, he wore his name tag during the visit. Coincidentally, the person sitting next to him noticed his name tag and recognized him as a real estate agent. This sparked a conversation between them, and as they talked, Geoff ended up listing the individual’s home for an impressive price of $745,000. This unexpected encounter serves as a reminder that opportunities can arise in unexpected places, and being open to them can lead to fruitful business connections.
When talking about volunteer work, Geoff shares that his involvement in volunteer work is not related to community service, as he admits to being a shy individual. Instead, he has dedicated his time to volunteer work within the real estate industry. For many years, he has actively participated in his local board and Multiple Listing Service (MLS). His volunteer journey began on the tech and education committee of the local board, eventually leading to him becoming a director, a position he held for 16 years. Geoff emphasizes that his work in these roles primarily focused on serving and assisting fellow agents. He finds personal fulfillment in contributing to the betterment of his colleagues and providing support to the real estate community through his volunteer efforts.
When it comes to intense disagreements during transactions, Geoff acknowledges that disagreements with opposing agents can occur due to differing personalities. However, he prefers not to engage in conflicts and instead focuses on reaching a resolution. He believes that if a deal is at risk of falling apart, it is often because the agents involved do not get along. His primary objective is to ensure a successful closing without involving the buyers and sellers in agent disputes. Geoff emphasizes his commitment to resolving such situations, which played a role in his selection as the office manager. He strives to maintain harmony between agents, as there is no reason for the buyer and seller to be at odds when the agents are the ones in conflict. Despite the prevalence of such disagreements, Geoff shares a story from the past when the market was particularly challenging. A buyer wanted to make an offer significantly below the asking price, resulting in a heated confrontation at the offer presentation. However, through continued communication and negotiation, the price was eventually adjusted, and the transaction was successfully closed.
Geoff then shares a typical workday and explains that each can vary depending on the specific transactions he is handling. However, he highlights the importance of discipline, organization, and utilizing available tools to effectively manage his tasks. His daily routine involves various activities such as emailing, making phone calls, scheduling appointments, attending closings, conducting property showings, and engaging in recruitment efforts. Throughout the day, Geoff’s problem-solving skills come into play as he navigates through both routine and challenging aspects of his work.
The conversation wraps up with Geoff looking back on his journey, and sharing key lessons he has learned about himself, the real estate industry, and the importance of serving others. He emphasizes the significance of patience and thoughtful communication, recognizing the value of being organized in managing his responsibilities. Geoff also acknowledges that external factors such as market conditions and media noise should not distract from the core principles of being a good agent. He highlights the importance of working with one’s sphere of influence and past clients, emphasizing the significance of nurturing these relationships and not getting caught up in the noise and fluctuations of the industry. Serving others and prioritizing their needs remain crucial aspects of Geoff’s approach to his work.
Check out Geoff Leach:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/geoff.leach.10
Facebook Business Page: https://www.facebook.com/lakehouses
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realtorgeoffrey/
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