Why Is Raleigh’s Real Estate On The Top 10 List? – Darien Cruz
On this episode of The Closing Table, we sat down with Darien Cruz!
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 Darien Cruz…
The conversation began with Darien introducing himself as a versatile individual whose journey spans across different geographies and profession. Born in the bustling city of New York, Darien’s roots took hold in North Carolina, where he spent his formative years in Nash County, just an hour east of Raleigh. His career trajectory reflects a diverse background, ranging from the hospitality industry in his younger years to a significant tenure in healthcare. Eventually, he found his passion in real estate and made a life-changing career shift.
Currently residing in the vibrant Raleigh-Chapel Hill area, Darien’s real estate business primarily operates in the Triangle region. Despite the local focus, his network extends far beyond, with referrals streaming in from various parts of the country and even internationally, thanks to strategic partnerships.
Darien obtained his real estate license in 2019, marking the beginning of a transformative phase in his life. Initially catering to first-time homebuyers, including friends and family, he has since diversified his portfolio, now boasting a substantial number of property listings. The shift towards more listings has been a noteworthy evolution in his career, fostering connections with diverse clientele.
Next, Darien provides insights into Raleigh’s real estate dynamics, describing it as one of the nation’s fastest-growing markets. The city consistently ranks in the top 10, drawing in a surge of residents. Factors such as the Research Triangle Park (RTP), housing major tech facilities like Google and soon Apple, contribute to the city’s growth. The influx of job opportunities is set to further escalate the area’s economic prosperity.
Beyond its economic prowess, Raleigh charms with its vibrant city life. Drawing comparisons to Atlanta and Austin, Raleigh thrives as a college town with institutions like NC State and UNC shaping its dynamic community. The youthful energy from the universities fuels a lively scene of restaurants, nightlife, and breweries, making it an ideal weekend getaway. Venturing beyond the city limits, Raleigh’s suburbs are experiencing explosive growth. A magnet for young families and retirees, the moderate weather and proximity to both beaches and mountains make the area alluring. The real estate market has seen a surge in pricing, driven by increased demand following lowered interest rates. Despite this, Raleigh’s median home price remains below those of similar-sized markets, with the market center around Apex, NC, seeing a median close to 600k.
Darien’s journey from the hospitality and healthcare industries to real estate infuses his approach with a distinctive perspective. Drawing from his hospitality background, Darien emphasizes the importance of providing a holistic experience in real estate. His goal is not just to facilitate the transaction but to make the entire process, often fraught with stress, as seamless and pleasant as possible. Darien’s commitment is evident in his desire for clients to reflect positively on their experience, echoing the service-oriented mindset instilled by his time in the hospitality industry.
In the healthcare sector, Darien was fortunate to work with owners who were nurses, bringing a rare ethical approach to the in-home care business. The ethical foundation and hands-on caregiving experience shaped Darien’s business philosophy. He applies this ethos to real estate, ensuring that he never asks others to do something he wouldn’t do himself. This commitment to ethical practices influences his representation of clients, seeking win-win solutions that prioritize the interests of all parties involved.
Following that, Darien recounts a specific instance where unexpected issues arose during a home sale. A significant leak occurred in a house under contract, causing additional damage and expenses. While negotiations for repairs were already underway, the leak presented an unforeseen challenge. The sellers, not residing in the home, faced the financial burden, posing a dilemma.
Recognizing the sellers’ financial constraints, Darien leveraged his network of vendors to cover the upfront expenses. While not the ideal scenario, Darien’s familiarity with the clients and trust in his vendors allowed him to bridge the financial gap temporarily. The resolution ensured that the repairs were completed before the buyers moved in, maintaining the agreed-upon condition of the home. Ultimately, the financial arrangement was settled at the closing table, resulting in a fair and satisfactory resolution for all parties involved. This experience showcased Darien’s commitment to finding practical solutions while preserving positive relationships in the complex landscape of real estate transactions.
Darien and his wife find immense joy in dedicating a substantial amount of their free time to supporting various language communities in Raleigh. Darien’s proficiency in Spanish, developed as a response to the growing Spanish-speaking community in their area, has enabled them to engage in activities focused on enhancing the lives of community members. Additionally, recognizing the increasing presence of the Russian community in their region, they embarked on the challenge of learning Russian to better connect with and assist this community. Despite the complexities of the language, the couple is proud to contribute to the well-being of those who have recently moved to North Carolina from Russia and its surrounding areas.
Darien also openly acknowledges the challenges inherent in real estate transactions, recounting instances where closing dates had to be rescheduled. One particular case involved representing elderly sellers, where the husband’s dementia added a layer of complexity. Despite proper paperwork and legal arrangements, an unforeseen delay arose when the filed documents needed recognition in the courts of North Carolina. To compound matters, a change in the judge’s staff further prolonged the process, leaving both buyers and sellers in a precarious situation. Darien emphasizes his general advice against allowing possession before the closing of a home sale, citing the potential liabilities. However, in this unique case, the sellers opted for possession due to financial considerations. The patience exhibited by all parties involved ultimately led to a successful closing, demonstrating the resilience needed in navigating the unpredictable landscape of real estate transactions.
Darien’s philosophy of combining “the goals of a dreamer with the work ethic of a realist” shapes both his personal and professional pursuits. From his early days, Darien has been labeled a dreamer, someone with big ideas that may not always seem attainable. Despite the potential challenges or lack of immediate feasibility, Darien believes in reaching for the stars and seeing how far one can go. This dreamer’s mindset, however, requires a strong work ethic grounded in realism. It’s not just about having the idea but putting in the effort to make it a reality, a principle he applies to all aspects of life, personally and professionally.
This philosophy extends to Darien’s language learning journey, where he aspires to achieve a native speaker level. Recognizing that he may fall short of this ambitious goal, he remains confident that his efforts will surpass expectations. The dream of fluency is complemented by the realistic work ethic of consistent practice and dedication.
The conversation wraps up with Darien sharing what approach he would take to homeownership with today’s knowledge and resources. His first recommendation is to reach out to a realtor, emphasizing the importance of leveraging their resources and connections. Exploring various financing options with lenders familiar with local programs becomes a crucial step. Darien stresses the significance of transparency with loan officers about one’s finances to work within a true budget.
Darien’s own experience illustrates the wisdom of investing in real estate, particularly for first-time homebuyers. He purchased his first home at 24, transforming it into a rental property, which ultimately contributed to financing his recent home purchase. Darien’s strategy involves viewing homes as investments that can be leveraged for future goals, whether it be selling for a profit or utilizing builder buy-downs.
In essence, Darien encourages first-time homebuyers to identify their needs, capacities, and goals, understanding that a home is not just a place to live but a strategic step towards achieving long-term objectives. His practical approach, rooted in his unique philosophy, serves as a guiding principle for those navigating the complex landscape of real estate.
Check out Darien Cruz:
Facebook Business Page: https://www.facebook.com/dariencruzrealestate
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