We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Mason Easter a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Mason, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear about one of the craziest things you’ve experienced in your journey so far.
My craziest story… I immediately think of one of my first clients, given I’m not a full year into being a licensed REALTOR® so all of my clients have felt like my first! However, this one was different. I received a phone call on a Sunday at 9:00 PM on my business line, which not many call this late at night. It was, to my relief, a familiar voice and we began to chat about the real estate market and so on… then I’m told that this particular client, who would soon become a lifelong friend, is looking for a house immediately. So that very night I get as many details as I can and begin the search. The very next day I scheduled the first showing for this client, it didn’t meet the checklist, however. So a day goes by and we’re at our next showing for the absolutely perfect house, the right number of bedrooms, location, horse stables, etc. it was all there. We were under contract, closed, and popping open champagne within 2 in a half weeks. Along with the quick closing, this deal included several firsts for me, my first million-dollar deal, my first buyer client, and all within my first year of real estate. Truly an overall crazily amazing experience I will never forget.
Mason, 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?
Well, to start I’m 21 years old, I’ve lived in the Knoxville area my entire life and I’m the youngest agent in my office! I started looking into real estate as a profession in 2021 after reevaluating what I want out of my life… this being the option to travel, set my own schedule, and do business in a way that I find acceptable. To elaborate, I want to offer the absolute best services that I can to my clients and by working for myself I can do that. From that first phone call, I make with a customer I’m gathering what they need individually… everyone communicates differently and appreciates different qualities from who is representing them. So I work out how I can best serve whom I’m working with. Along with this, I offer completely tailored services.. from updates as little or as often as a client may prefer, to custom social media ads when marketing their property, to closing gifts, and everything in between. The home buying and selling experience should be made as stress-free as possible, while still keeping your clients up to date. This is something I take pride in, I keep my clients informed and this is a highly valuable quality in a REALTOR®. Also, I believe my professionalism sets me apart from other agents, I know within 10 seconds if I’m going to be the right fit for a client and if I’m not I am more than happy to find an amazing agent that is… it’s truly a personal business with real people needing help from real people.
Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?
This is a question I could answer all day. Mostly because an individual’s reputation is measured by the people they interact with… and I couldn’t put into words the number of amazing individuals I’ve met since beginning real estate. From other agents at the firm, I work for, to clients, vendors, and everyday people I might strike up a conversation with… it’s a connection business and my favorite thing about real estate is that when you enjoy who you’re working with and meeting it doesn’t feel so much like a job, but more like a goal you’re trying to meet for an individual. Asides from being a people person and having been able to connect with almost everyone I’ve met in the business I have to say that appearance does help one stand out. I enjoy businesswear and all things in that direction, this doesn’t mean wearing a three-piece suit and Oxford shoes every day. It does mean however one should see themselves as a walking billboard, you are your own advertisement. As a real estate agent clients aren’t looking at your office building they’re looking at you and how you represent yourself is a reflection of your clients at showings, closings, meetings, etc. I recommend acquiring a good blazer and pair of shoes… they last a long time and go a long way on that initial meeting with a client or colleague.
What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?
This is a very valuable question… for anyone new in any business whether photographers, boutique owners, and real estate agents building clientele and creating new business can be a daunting task. I recommend to anyone in any line of business involving client-based transactions to really think about who you know… maybe you’re a member of a local society or religious institution, a member of your country club, or share an interest in your city’s art museum… there are at least 20 other people who work, regularly visit, or are also interested in those establishments and activities who own or are looking to own a home. Make your presence known, and introduce yourself to the staff, the managers, owners, other members, etc. I’ve gained all of my current and past clients from either knowing them or referrals from people I’ve met in the business. This leads back to having a strong reputation, you will get referrals from people that trust their friends, family, and clients to be in your care. Which has been the most effective for me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://masoneasterrealty.sites.c21.homes/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/masonsellsknoxville/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/masonsellsknoxville/
- Other: email: [email protected]