Get to know our members as they share their expertise to help shape the future of our association and industry!
We chatted with our 2020-2021 Grievance Committee Vice Chair Greg Desmond, @properties, to find out more about his career path, why he volunteers and more.
HOW LONG HAVE YOU WORKED IN THE INDUSTRY?
21 years.
WHY WERE YOU INTERESTED IN GETTING INTO REAL ESTATE?
Home has always been very important to me. As I moved around Chicago, I became more and more interested in real estate. After having left a corporate sales job, I was looking for a new career. I wanted something new that played to my strengths in relationships, client service and marketing.
My close friend and broker offered me the chance to work with her at her boutique brokerage in Bucktown. I got my license, went to work and have never looked back.
WHAT’S YOUR BIGGEST ACHIEVEMENT IN YOUR CAREER TO DATE?
My biggest achievement is each time a satisfied client thanks me and says how thrilled they were with the process and result of their home sale, or lets me know just how much they love their new home.
WHAT HAS HELPED YOU MOST TO GET WHERE YOU ARE TODAY?
Being completely focused on each client, along with listening and hard work.
You have to put in the time to learn the business and what each client truly needs from you. I’ve tried to earn as many designations as possible so that I could gain as much knowledge as I can. At first, I earned designations to try to make up for lack of experience in the field. Now, I take them to continually learn about new products or techniques, so I can stay ahead and offer added value to each client.
WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT YOUR CAREER?
I like the independence, the variety in each day and mostly the sense of accomplishment that comes after each satisfied client closes.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE OTHERS WHO ARE LOOKING TO TAKE THEIR CAREER TO THE NEXT LEVEL?
Educate yourself as much as possible. Read all you can and take as many training courses as you can find. If you are able to, seek a mentor, either formally or informally, who will help you learn from their experiences. Work with others you respect and learn how they have been successful and then adapt to your own style.
WHAT DOES VOLUNTEERING MEAN TO YOU?
It’s always been an important aspect of my life to give back and help others where ever I can. I have really enjoyed my time with the Grievance Committee, because it allows me to help elevate and improve our profession every day. By giving members of the public as well as fellow CAR members a voice to air their complaints, we can help improve the way we all go about doing business. That’s fun to be a part of.
In addition to our monthly meetings, I try to be an ambassador for both the industry at large and for our local group of professionals. Our profession doesn’t always get a lot of respect, and I am happy to help improve our standing.
WHAT HAS BEEN MOST VALUABLE TO YOU/YOUR BUSINESS SINCE YOU GOT INVOLVED IN OUR INDUSTRY?
I know it sounds corny, but if you treat every client as you would like to be treated if you were buying or selling a home, you will easily gain a lot of respect and many satisfied clients who are happy to refer you to others.
Also, cooperation between other brokers is very valuable. We are in a unique industry and we need to work together despite being on opposite sides of a transaction. We can achieve much more success by working together. When you have the cooperation and respect of the broker on the other side of the transaction, it is generally easier to reach your client’s goals. I still learn things from different brokers every day.
IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU WANT TO SHARE ABOUT YOUR REALTOR® STORY?
I learned from Terry Watson in my pre-licensing class: “There is no I in REALTOR®!”