We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Linda Distefano. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Linda below.

Hi Linda , thanks for joining us today. Let’s start with what makes profitability in your industry a challenge – what would you say is the biggest challenge?

The biggest challenge to our industry is the lack of inventory. We have plenty of buyers with nothing to buy. The baby boomers are not selling their (too big for them) homes as they have nowhere to go. Many have their adult children with their families living with them too, because of lack of inventory and the high prices of housing.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Upon entering my real estate career in 1985 I was fortunate to work for a Broker who was serving as the President of our local Board of Realtors. She immediately got me engaged and involved. I felt like a sponge. I wanted to absorb as much information about real estate as possible because I found it so interesting. I went on years later in 2002 and 2017 to serve as the President of our local Association of Realtors. There were many committees and appointments that led up to those times. I have also been a State Director for the California Association of Realtors since 2000. Numerous years and currently I have served as a National Association of Realtors Director. These positions allow for vast experiences, travel, and educational opportunities. It is so helpful to see how the wheels turn behind the scenes and be part of making a difference in our real estate industry. Even though there have been many drastic changes recently, with my involvement, I have had the opportunity to know what was happening and able to share with our 3,000 members how to make a smooth transition with full day and Zoom seminars with our Association Attorney.
My daily schedule has me managing an office as a Broker Associate, plus training for the past 24 years. Along with that I am a active agent working with sellers and buyers which allows me to stay current and help people obtain the American dream of home ownership.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

There was a listing referral I received from a business associate. When I arrived at the property I met the husband who was a retiring judge, and his wife who was in a wheelchair from a stroke, plus their grown daughter. There seemed to be many reason why not to list with me. The property was several cities away from our office, and they had already interviewed the most popular knowledgeable agent in their area. I tried to not let that affect my presentation. The next day I received a call from my associate that they had chosen me. She wanted to call me herself with the news. She shared that during my presentation I included his wife in the conversation even though she could not respond due to the stroke. She had been an accomplished business woman herself, but it was just my nature to include everyone. The family was moving out of state and I also listed and sold their daughters home so they could move together.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

What I believe helps me with my reputation in real estate is my involvement. I attend all of the functions for our Association like General Membership Meetings, and volunteer events. I have been on our Board of Directors numerous years since 1998 and have held many elected positions. That keeps me in view of the members. The members always rely on me for my insight and assistance with questions about our industry. In recent years I proudly have become a mentor to the agents who are now serving in those elected and volunteer positions.

Contact Info:

• Other: My email address is: Ldistef777@gmail. com