We were lucky to catch up with Arlo Nugent recently and have shared our conversation below.

Arlo, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. One of our favorite things to hear about is stories around the nicest thing someone has done for someone else – what’s the nicest thing someone has ever done for you?

My industry is extremely competitive. I am often interviewed by very successful people to sell their home. Being in such a competitive environment, there are always at least 2-3 other brokers I am competing against.

I essentially have an hour of the person’s time to clearly articulate my value proposition, pricing & marketing strategy, all while not coming across as arrogant or as someone who would put my own interests before my client’s.

Over the last 13 years I have literally gone on hundreds and hundreds of interviews. However, this one will always remain in my mind.

After the seller showed me around his home, we sat down at the table with his wife. I went to open the listing presentation folder and the husband reached across the table and closed it.

He looked at me and said, “We get it. This is not just a YOU thing. We also have to do our part for the best outcome. What can we do to be the best sellers you’ve ever had?”

To say I was shocked is an understatement. Usually sellers want me to price their home higher than what the market dictates, want to me reduce my commission, etc.

I sold their home for 17% over the asking price in record time and the escrow period went incredibly smooth. Why? Because we operated as a team with a high level of respect for each other.

Those sellers have become close family friends and even came to my wedding!

Arlo, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

After getting my degree in international business, studying in 3 countries, I moved to South Korea where I started a company. The company did great. I took it from online to brick and mortar. One problem. I had zero passion for the industry I was in and living in South Korea was taking a toll on me after 3 years.

I always knew I wanted to pursue a career in real estate. In 2008, I sold my company to an investor in Chicago and moved to San Diego to pursue my dream. Many, including my own family members, told me I was making a huge mistake.

The market had just crashed. I grew up in Tennessee and knew no one in San Diego. Seasoned real estate agents were losing their homes. I had limited funds to live on and San Diego is expensive.

My stubbornness worked in my favor. To me, I would be successful if I could just pay the rent and live in a place where people pay to go on vacation to.

I made $546.2o in 2008. I publicly post my tax returns with lessons I’ve learned along the way on my social media.

Fast forward to today. I operate one of the top real estate companies in San Diego and have expanded to Nashville. My company is trusted with over $100,000,000 in assets every year and I have been recognized as being in the Top 1.5% of all agents in the US (2.5M) by The Wall Street Journal.

How do you keep in touch with clients and foster brand loyalty?

Real Estate is a “belly-to-belly” business. While my competitors spend money on ads, bus benches, billboards, etc to bring in new clients, I spend my marketing budget on client appreciation events to double down on existing relationships. This has created loyalty and countless referrals. Not only that, but the clients I work with are fun and we get to enjoy cool experiences together! I call that a win-win.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

Extreme Ownership. This is a book that anyone in business should read. Was a failure due to someone else, maybe? Could you have identified the issue before it evolved into a failure – more than likely, yes! This book teaches leadership to take responsibility to a whole new level. This books can help you in business and your marriage!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://bluechiprealtygroup.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arlonugent
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/arlo.nugent
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/arlonugent
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/arlonugent
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/arlo-nugent-blue-chip-realty-group-san-diego-8