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

John, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What do you think matters most in terms of achieving success?

To be successful in real estate, I believe it takes a combination of strong communication skills, in-depth market knowledge, and a relentless work ethic. Building and maintaining relationships is at the heart of this business, whether it’s with clients, other realtors, or industry professionals. You have to be a good listener, understand your clients’ needs, and be able to clearly communicate complex processes. On top of that, staying on top of market trends and having a deep understanding of the local real estate landscape is critical for advising clients accurately. Persistence is key—deals can take time, and not every transaction goes smoothly, so you have to be resilient and keep pushing forward. Marketing is another huge aspect, especially in today’s world where having a strong digital presence can really set you apart. Negotiation skills are essential as well—you need to know how to close deals and find win-win solutions for all parties involved.

Additionally, real estate is constantly evolving, so being adaptable and continuously learning, whether it’s new market trends, legal updates, or marketing techniques, is important. You also need to be detail-oriented when it comes to the legal and financial aspects of transactions, ensuring that everything is handled correctly and ethically. At the core, it’s about providing exceptional customer service—clients rely on you for one of the biggest decisions of their lives, so going above and beyond to guide them through the process is what builds trust and long-term relationships. And, of course, confidence and self-motivation are crucial because you’re essentially running your own business in a very competitive field.

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.

Absolutely! My name is John McGuinness, and I’ve been a real estate professional for quite some time now, with a focus on helping clients buy and sell properties in La Jolla and the surrounding areas with www.lajollapropertygroup.com.

My journey into real estate was born out of a genuine passion for helping people navigate one of the biggest financial decisions of their lives. It started with a love for architecture and community, and it grew into a career where I get to blend my interest in local markets with the opportunity to connect with people on a personal level. I offer a range of services, from helping clients sell their homes, to guiding buyers in finding their perfect property, and advising investors on market trends to maximize their returns.

What sets me apart, I believe, is my commitment to providing tailored solutions for each client. Every transaction is unique, and I take the time to really understand what my clients need and what their long-term goals are. Whether it’s securing a dream home or negotiating a deal that offers the best possible outcome, I focus on being a reliable guide throughout the entire process. I also bring a deep knowledge of the La Jolla market, which is crucial for giving my clients an edge, especially in competitive scenarios.

I’m proud of the relationships I’ve built with my clients and the trust they place in me. There’s nothing more rewarding than hearing from clients who come back to work with me again or refer me to their friends and family because they know I always go the extra mile. One thing I want potential clients to know is that real estate isn’t just a transaction for me—it’s about creating long-term partnerships and providing value, even after the deal is done. I’m passionate about helping people make informed decisions, whether they’re buying their first home, selling a property, or looking for the right investment. I strive to make the process as seamless and enjoyable as possible, and I’m always looking for ways to improve and offer more to the people I work with.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

One of the most memorable stories of resilience in my career was when I sold a landmark historic church in New York City with my team in Harlem (www.harlemproperties.com). We initially listed the property just before the pandemic hit, and then, like the rest of the world, we faced the reality of a city in lockdown. With restrictions in place and no in-person showings possible, we had to get creative. We built a Matterport tour and a website, offering virtual tours to investors and doing our best to showcase the property from a distance.

This wasn’t just any property; it was a beautiful but challenging building. The church needed several millions of dollars in repairs, and as it was a landmark property, it was subject to strict New York City landmark laws. That meant the buyer had to preserve the historical accuracy of the building, which added a layer of complexity to an already difficult sale. On top of that, in the middle of the pandemic, no one was sure if people would ever congregate again, and churches were certainly not high on investors’ lists. Needless to say, the pool of potential buyers was small, and the obstacles were significant.

But we didn’t give up. I stayed committed to the process, and the client stuck with me through all the ups and downs. Even though it took about two years longer than expected, we eventually found a buyer who understood the value of the building and was willing to take on the challenge of restoring it. I’m happy to say the new congregation is set to open its doors soon. That sale taught me a lot about perseverance and creative problem-solving, especially in the face of unforeseen challenges.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

One of the best sources of new clients for me has always been referrals from past clients. There’s nothing more rewarding than knowing that someone was so satisfied with my work that they trust me to help their friends, family, or colleagues with such a major life decision. It’s not just about closing a deal—it’s about building relationships that last well beyond the transaction. When a past client refers someone to me, it’s a reflection of the trust and rapport we’ve built, and that’s something I never take lightly.

Referrals also tend to come from clients who know exactly how I work and the kind of personalized service I provide. When they recommend me, it often means that the new client already has a sense of comfort and confidence in my approach, which makes the process smoother from the very beginning. It’s always great to start a relationship with that level of trust, knowing that someone vouched for me based on their own positive experience.

This focus on delivering excellent service and staying connected with clients even after a deal closes has been key to generating repeat business and referrals. Ultimately, my goal is not just to help someone buy or sell a property but to be their go-to real estate advisor for life. Whether it’s helping them down the road or assisting someone they care about, those referrals mean everything to me.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.lajollapropertygroup.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lajollapropertygroup/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lajollapropertygroup
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jrmcg1/
• Youtube: https://www.yelp.com/biz/la-jolla-property-group-san-diego
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/la-jolla-property-group-san-diego

Image Credits

Carol McGuinness, 3D Tangerine