We recently connected with Margaret Cruz and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Margaret, thanks for joining us today. Talk to us about building a team – did you hire quickly, how’d you recruit the first few team members? Any interesting lessons?

When I began my journey in real estate, I started with a clear vision of building a reputable team name that would not only cater to clients’ needs but also foster a supportive and skilled team environment. Initially, managing all aspects of the business alone was both challenging and rewarding. I knew I needed to align myself with a reputable brokerage with a supportive mindset. Joining JWang Properties with Broker Owner Jenny Wang, allowed me to deeply understand the nuances of the industry and helped shape the foundation upon which I would grow my team.

As the workload increased and the business expanded, the need for a reliable team became evident. Recruiting those initial team members was a pivotal step. I sought individuals who not only possessed the necessary skills but also shared the same passion and commitment to excellence that I envisioned for the team. Networking within the industry and leveraging personal connections were instrumental in finding these like-minded professionals.

The interview process was thorough yet personable. I aimed to understand not just the technical competencies but also the cultural fit within the team. There was a degree of unconventionality in the process as I focused more on the candidate’s potential for growth and adaptability rather than solely on their immediate qualifications.

In terms of training, I implemented a structured onboarding and training programs. This method accelerated their growth and fostered a supportive learning environment.

Reflecting on the journey, if I were to start today, there are a few aspects I would approach differently. Primarily, I would join professional organizations, associations, and local chambers right after getting my license. Networking and getting involved is key in this business. My next step would be joining forces with reputable lenders, title companies, home insurance companies, etc. These are just a few businesses in the industry supporting you, the REALTOR!

In essence, the journey from a solo agent to leading a successful team has been a remarkable learning experience. It taught me the importance of adaptability, fostering a strong company & team culture, and continually evolving with the industry’s trends and demands.

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

I am Margaret Cruz, and I embarked on my journey in the real estate industry with a passion for connecting people with their dream homes and investment opportunities. My entry into this field was driven by a desire to not just facilitate transactions, but to make a meaningful impact in people’s lives through personalized service and expertise.

What sets my practice apart is the personalized approach and dedication to understanding each client’s unique needs. I provide a range of services catering to a diverse clientele, from first-time homebuyers to seasoned investors looking for lucrative opportunities in the market. Whether it’s residential sales, commercial properties, or investment consulting, my focus remains on offering tailored solutions that align with my clients’ goals.

I firmly believe that real estate isn’t just about the sale. It’s about fulfilling dreams, building wealth, and creating spaces where memories are made. My commitment extends beyond the transaction. I aim to solve the problems and concerns my clients face by providing guidance, market insights, and a seamless experience throughout the entire process.

One of the aspects I’m most proud of is the reputation my brand has earned for its integrity, transparency, and reliability. I prioritize open communication and ensure that my clients feel empowered and informed at every step. My team and I go the extra mile to ensure that our client’s interests are safeguarded, fostering long-term relationships built on trust.

What I want potential clients, followers, and fans to know about my brand is that we aren’t just another real estate team. We’re dedicated to delivering exceptional service, exceeding expectations, and being a trusted advisor in the real estate journey. Our approach is different, we don’t just sell properties, but rather, we strive to understand the aspirations behind each transaction, ensuring that every decision aligns with our clients’ goals and dreams.

Ultimately, I aim to continue evolving and innovating within the industry, staying ahead of market trends, and consistently delivering value to my clients. I want anyone considering working with me to understand that they’re not just getting a realtor, they’re gaining a dedicated partner committed to their success and happiness in real estate.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

Building a strong reputation within my market has been a result of several key factors that I’ve prioritized throughout my career. Trust and loyalty are paramount in this industry, and I’ve worked tirelessly to cultivate these values among both my peers and clients.

One of the crucial elements contributing to my reputation has been my commitment to serving in leadership roles within professional organizations. I’ve had the privilege of contributing my expertise and passion to esteemed groups such as the Women’s Council of Realtors Lake Houston Network as the 2022 President. I have also served on the 2023 Technology Advisory Group for the Houston Association of Realtors. These roles have allowed me to not only stay updated on industry trends but also to network with like-minded professionals, fostering relationships built on trust and collaboration.

Through active participation and leadership, I’ve had the opportunity to engage with peers, share knowledge, and contribute to the advancement of ethical and professional standards within the real estate community. This involvement has helped solidify my reputation as someone dedicated to the betterment of the industry and has allowed me to establish meaningful connections that have translated into enduring professional relationships.

It’s an ongoing journey, and I remain dedicated to upholding these principles while continuing to grow and contribute positively to both my community and the real estate industry.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

Building a robust social media audience has been a transformative journey for me and our real estate team brand. Initially, I recognized the immense potential of social media platforms in reaching a wider audience and engaging with potential clients more interactively.

Our strategy began with a deep understanding of the target audience. We aimed to create content that resonated with their interests, needs, and aspirations in the real estate market. Consistency is key! We ensure a regular posting schedule to maintain visibility and relevance in the fast-paced world of social media.

To attract followers and engagement, we diversify content by sharing a mix of informative and engaging posts. This included market trends, neighborhood spotlights, home-buying tips, captivating property visuals, client success stories, team-building events, and behind-the-scenes glimpses of the real estate process. By providing valuable content, we aimed to position the team as a knowledgeable and trustworthy resource in the real estate sphere.

Moreover, we actively engaged with our audience by responding promptly to comments, messages, and inquiries. Building genuine connections and fostering conversations helped establish a sense of community around my brand, encouraging people to share their experiences and recommend my services to others.

In terms of advice for those starting to build their social media presence:

1. Know Your Audience: Understand who you’re targeting and tailor your content to resonate with their interests and needs.

2. Consistency is Key: Maintain a regular posting schedule to stay visible and relevant. Consistency helps build anticipation and trust among your audience.

3. Engage Authentically: Respond promptly to comments, messages, and inquiries. Authentic engagement fosters trust and encourages interaction.

4. Diversify Content: Offer a variety of content types such as videos, images, infographics, client testimonials, and industry insights to keep your audience engaged.

5. Utilize Platform Features: Leverage the features of each social media platform (e.g., Stories, live videos, reels) to maximize engagement and reach.

Regarding the team real estate brand, we take pride in our strong social media presence. Our marketing strategies are modern and designed to resonate with today’s consumers. We focus on creating content that is visually appealing, informative, and relevant, catering to the preferences and behaviors of the contemporary audience. We aim to not only showcase properties but also provide valuable insights and guidance, establishing a brand presence that’s both relatable and reliable in the digital space.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://locatemytexashome.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/locatemytexashome
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/locatemytexashome
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/locatemytexashome
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@locatemytexashome