When Top Agent Magazine reached out to me for an interview for their upcoming November issue, I was completely honored! Top Agent Magazine is a monthly publication that highlights real estate agents in areas all around the globe. My interview will be featured in the Illinois edition of the magazine, which will be released on November 15th. The interview was a great opportunity for me to talk about my passion for connecting clients with their dream homes, my specific marketing techniques, and my overall philosophy in being a real estate agent.
It’s been five years since I’ve started my journey as a real estate agent, and I don’t think I could have chosen a more perfect career path for myself. I look forward to many more years of helping clients, whatever their needs may be, to come. I hope you enjoy reading the interview, which is transcribed in its entirety below.
Thank you for your continued support!
Via Top Agent Magazine:
Gerardo Zavala has always had an impulse to help people, a passion he was able to exercise daily during his 12 years working for the Chamber of Commerce. But 5 years ago he embarked on a career that would allow him to make even more of an impact on people’s lives—advising families on one of the most important financial decisions most of them will ever make.
“Getting into real estate was something I’d looked at doing for a long time,” Gerardo explains. “I’m a very open and attentive person by nature, so it’s easy for me to get to know people and their needs, and then show them how to reach their goals.”
Today the Illinois Realtor represents clients all over the west and southwest neighborhoods of Chicagoland from his Berwyn office, helping an average of 30 families a year begin the next chapter of their life. Eighty percent of that business comes from either repeat clients or referrals, a loyalty Gerardo attributes to the steps he takes to educate them on the process. “The goal isn’t just to close a transaction, but to make sure the buyer or seller understands the process and feels good about the decision they are making. Whether the client is a veteran homeowner looking to upgrade, a first-time homebuyer, or an investor, I can show them all of the options available to them in the current market, and help them formulate a strategy.”
Gerardo’s sellers profit from a comprehensive marketing campaign. He sends out Just-Listed mailers to drive up interest from potential buyers, following that up with an Open House for the property. Moreover, he creates professional photographs and video walk-throughs that capture each home’s most unique and beautiful features, which he posts to all of the social media platforms as well as the local MLS. “But pricing the house right is the best marketing strategy we have,” Gerardo adds. “That’s how we attract the most buyers and how we earn the seller top dollar on their investment.”
The relationship Gerardo forms with his clients doesn’t end when the transaction is over. He reaches out frequently throughout the year, sometimes just to see how his clients are doing and if there’s anything they need, but also to continue providing value. He publishes a monthly newsletter alerting them to things like conditions in the current market or opportunities to refinance, upcoming community events, the business of the month, and a coloring page contest, as well as features about his clients and community members in the “Someone You Should Know” section. In addition, he does a weekly blog filled with advice, resources and ideas for homeowners. To reconnect with clients in person, he hosts frequent client appreciation events.
When he’s not working, Gerardo loves going for walks with his family, checking out new local restaurants, or getting together with clients who have become friends. “I’m always looking for ways to invite people into my life.”
Going forward, Gerardo has begun thinking about building a team, and has been sharing the insights he’s gained with an up and coming agent in his market. He continues to educate himself in order to better serve his clients, and he’s recently committed to donate a mattress to families in need for every transaction he closes. “I love everything about this work, but especially the many opportunities it gives me to serve my community.”
About Gerardo Zavala, Realtor
There is a true passion for connecting people with real estate that makes me fall in love with my career over and over again. While my title says, REALTOR® I think I am much more than that. For example, I am present and actively listening to my client’s needs, on the spot when things are urgent, and by your side to say “congratulations.” Most of my clients will say that I am a connection away from support no matter the situation, day, or time. In my opinion, customer service, educating the client on progress and next steps, and overall satisfaction are my top priorities. How can I help you?
