Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Eddy Salazar. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Eddy, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. When you were first starting out, did you join a firm or start your own?

When I was first starting out in real estate development, I partnered with more experienced developers, investors, and builders. I knew that a network was extremely important for my professional and personal growth, and I went through the process of joining real estate groups, vetting some of the people I met there, and finding ways to provide value to them in a way that can also elevate my career. Within several months of me taking the plunge into real estate development, I was presented with an opportunity to partner with a builder on a new construction project. Again, with the aim of providing value, I tried to be on site every day, helping my partner with the contractors and laborers and trying to take some of the more annoying aspects of construction off of his plate. The learning lessons I took with me from that construction project are not taught in school. It’s the experiences – and how you handle them – that play a significant role in growing a business. That project led to more projects (and more learning lessons), and before I knew it, I was building or remodeling between 10-15 houses a year.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My name is Eddy Salazar, and I’m the owner of A New Hope Home Builders. We remodel and build houses in the Austin market and have been doing so for over 8 years. Knowing what it feels like to have my home built from scratch and also heavily remodeled, I use a client-first mindset when working for homeowners. I’ve been there, and I know the frustrations that construction may cause (delays, cost overages, etc.). Therefore, I believe in having a strong line of communication and thinking of a long-term relationship rather than a one-time transaction. We also have built dozens of spec homes and have remodeled many more. Every house is designed uniquely, with great attention to detail and a focus on current trends.

How do you keep your team’s morale high?

The best advice I can give is a Bruce Lee quote: Be water. In development and construction, you work with dozens of personalities, from architects and engineers to plumbers and electricians. There are a ton of details involved in each trade, and as humans, we sometimes miss things or make mistakes. Obviously, negligence in not tolerated. But how you handle mistakes can make or break the relationships you build. So, be water. Go with the flow. When a problem comes my way, I don’t yell or call names. I simply ask, “Ok, how can we fix this?” That mindset helps everyone go to work feeling confident and not like they’re walking on eggshells. Also, pay on time! Many guys that work for me contacted me because they came from an environment where they had to wait weeks before getting paid for the work they completed; sometimes more. You’d be surprised how helpful it is to be on time with your payments.

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

One of the first real estate investor books I read was FLIP by Rick Villani and Clay Davis. That book helped me get a sense of how to get started in the industry. Robert Kiyosaki’s Rich Dad Poor Dad was a life-changer, and great for anyone, not just real estate professionals. Other books that have shaped my way of thinking are Principles by Ray Dalio, The Compound Effect by Darren Hardy, The Law of Success by Napoleon Hill, and Getting Things Done by David Allen.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.ANewHopeREI.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anewhoperei/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ANewHopeInvestments
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-new-hope-home-builders/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@anewhopehomebuilders