4 minute read
BE THE BEST OF THE BEST
Julio Florez: A.E. LePage REALTOR® of the Year
Royal LePage’s national 2017 A.E. LePage REALTOR® of the Year winner shares insights on what makes him successful.
Julio is originally from Bogota, Colombia where he served with distinction as a Deputy District Commander with the United Nations on a peacekeeping mission in Cambodia. Julio immigrated to Fort McMurray, Alberta in 1994. There, he experienced life as a new comer, student and an employee with several large local companies before embarking on his noteworthy real estate career with Royal LePage True North Realty.
What is your favourite book? And why?
Long Walk to Freedom by Nelson Mandela. I like to read about real life stories and people. I love Mandela's story about persistence, surrendering without giving up, his non-violent approach and forgiveness.
What keeps you motivated every day?
My sense of gratitude. I am blessed with so much and I believe there must be a reason for this good fortune. Although life is not always easy, I believe we must evolve and do better every day. We all have our struggles but I try to remember, there are others in similar or worse situations, and they are doing great things, not only for themselves but for the greater good.
Why did you choose to pursue a career in real estate?
Once I started reading the material, I couldn’t put it down. Even with a full-time job as a network analyst, I completed the course work and was licensed within 10 weeks.
What do you like most about this business?
I like that I see the beginning and end of a process. Buying or selling a home is a significant event in people’s lives. I also like the freedom to work as much as I want and when I want.
What’s the best business advice you’ve been given?
Do what you say you will do.
Is video marketing a part of your marketing strategy?
Video is a very important marketing tool. People often mention how much they enjoy my videos, so I know it’s working. My advice is don’t be too critical of your appearance in videos – the camera isn’t always kind. And, if you have an accent, don’t worry, it makes your video even more interesting!
You’ve been recognized as an exemplary brand ambassador. What inspires you about the brand, your broker or your brokerage?
I love Canada! We are blessed with an incredibly beautiful country with so many resources. In the blink of an eye, you will find people willing to help and show kindness to one another. Our “Helping you is what we do TM ” tagline is very fitting. I am always proud to use it as part of my introduction when meeting clients. And, I always tell clients that I am proud to belong to Canada’s Real Estate Company. I have great role models at Royal LePage True North Realty, especially my broker, Marian Barry, who was named Philanthropist of the Year.
You are an active supporter of the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation. Please share why you give so generously of your time and support.
I believe in giving back to my community. And, it makes great business sense to support a Royal LePage initiative that has a local impact. In my personal life, I have been affected by some of the issues that are supported by the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation, so I am even more motivated to help and promote awareness of the cause.
What’s the best advice you give to your clients?
Ensure you have all your finances in order when you make the decision to buy. There is nothing like the disappointment of a client falling in love with a home only to be frustrated by financing. I also stay on top of trends so I can advise clients how to best prepare their homes for sale.
How have you evolved as a REALTOR®? How has the business changed you?
In my early days, I used to get overly excited about the small things. Things like REALTORS ® not getting back to me quickly, low offers, appointment cancellations, feedback and comments from clients and colleagues. Now, I’m much more patient and I focus on developing strong relationships. My colleagues and I serve as one another’s sales force. With them, I know there could always be something to be learned, so I’m open to feedback and a new perspective.
How are you changing the real estate game in your market?
I always promote technology and new business tools. Early on, I began with texting clients. I thought it was a great way to ensure clarity on important details. I also use video to strengthen personal connections that technology has sometimes removed. We can see how quickly the ways of doing business are changing. Word of mouth and personal contact will always be relevant but younger generations are moving us towards almost instantaneous responses to their wants and needs. I am constantly challenged and aware that technology and Search Engine Optimization continue to figure largely in the job I do.
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