Andra Rus 
Here’s a fresh interview from our series! We have recently had the pleasure of getting some insights from Manuel Vargas, a licensed broker associate at Keller Williams, where he works with both sales and rentals. Having chosen a career in real estate due to the freedom it affords, Manuel is focused on finding the best value for his clients.
Manuel has been working in the Queens market for 24 years and is thus well positioned to understand and advise his clients. He believes that integrity and reliability are the most important traits of a good real estate broker.
Read on to find out what he believes the biggest challenges are for the real estate market right now and his advice for people starting out in the industry.
Q: Tell us a little bit about your background and why you chose a career in real estate.
Got into it because of the freedom it affords. Love investing and finding value for clients and myself.
Q: What are some of the most surprising lessons you’ve learned along the way?
Motivation is the key. Motivation changes. The value of real estate is not absolute and it is founded on legal rights that may come under scrutiny in the future, due to environmental changes (flooding), tax changes and population changes (low fertility rates and empty nesters).
Q: What are some of the things you do to keep you interested, updated and inspired?
Get out there, knock on doors, talk to people face to face.
Q: What sources do you use just to understand the trends in the real estate environment?
Wall Street Journal, Multiple Listing, the street.
Q: What approach do you have when working with clients?
Meet in person first, evaluate goals and motivation and then develop a plan.
Q: How do you expect the needs and desires of home buyers to change over the next ten years or so?
The value of homeownership will be questioned. Particularly living in suburbia vs. the efficiency of big cities.
Q: What’s the most common problem you see in this industry?
Right now low inventory. In general, too many agents with very low standards. It´s hard for clients to see the value of a good broker.
Q: If you could give advice to those who are just starting, what would it be?
Strive for a balance between investing for the future and enjoying the present.
Q: Any other insights you’d like to share?
We need updated flood maps. We need immigration reform. We need more senior housing in the cities where they already live. We need a plan to repurpose retail space. All of the things that affect real estate. Major factors. Whomever can anticipate this, will have an edge.
About Manuel Vargas
Manuel Vargas is a licensed broker associate at Keller Williams. Manuel understands your needs first hand, whether you are buying or selling. He lives in a single-family home in Queens and is aware of the value that a homeowner adds to a residence over the years. Manuel also owns investment real estate, so he knows how to approach tenants, and this will translate into a smooth and easy transaction for you. Find out more here.
