We were lucky to catch up with Perla Perez recently and have shared our conversation below.

Perla, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Have you ever seen (or implemented) a really awesome way to show a client you appreciate them

As a dedicated realtor, I deeply value the trust and confidence my clients place in me. It’s more than just a transaction—it’s about building lasting relationships. One of the many ways I show my appreciation is by staying connected with my clients throughout the year. From the moment a client reaches out to me, I make it a priority to be involved in every step of the process. I’m always available to address any concerns as soon as they arise, providing great communication from start to finish and even after the closing of their home. This level of involvement ensures that my clients feel supported and informed every step of the way.

One time, I had the privilege of working with a seller who was facing some significant challenges. He was a hoarder, and his house was filled with items, many of which were still in unopened boxes. Unfortunately, due to health issues, he needed to sell his home. We were halfway through the transaction when he was hospitalized. Despite everything he was going through, he was concerned about a garage sale he had planned but could no longer manage. When he asked if I could help, I knew I had to step in.

That weekend, I gathered my entire family, and we organized the garage sale for him. I FaceTimed him from the hospital so he could see every item and set the prices. It was important to me that he felt in control and involved, even from his hospital bed. A couple of weeks later, he was transferred to a rehabilitation facility, and during one of our conversations, he mentioned craving some chips. I went to the store and bought him an assortment of chips and visited him, knowing he didn’t have any family around. I stayed with him for a couple of hours, just so he could have someone to talk to.

This experience reinforced for me that real estate is about more than just buying and selling homes—it’s about caring for people during some of their most challenging moments. My commitment to my clients goes beyond the transaction because I believe in being there for them, no matter what.

Perla, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

About Me
I’m a seasoned realtor with 18 years of experience in the real estate industry. My journey into this field began with a genuine passion for helping people find their ideal homes and navigate what can often be a complex and emotional process. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of assisting countless families, couples, and individuals in buying and selling homes, and each experience has reinforced my belief that real estate is not just about property—it’s about people and their stories.

How I Got Into Real Estate
The reason I got into real estate is because a co-worker at the previous company where I worked as a dispatcher suggested that I should become a realtor. This idea stuck with me, and as I thought more about it, I recalled the bad experience I had with the realtor I hired when I purchased my first home. The process felt confusing, and I often found myself frustrated by the lack of communication and clarity. That’s when I realized that there are families out there who need a realtor who truly takes the time to explain the process and answers their calls. This experience made me determined to be that kind of realtor—one who offers the care, transparency, and support that clients deserve. That’s when I decided I needed to become a realtor.

What I Offer
As a realtor, I offer a comprehensive range of services to both buyers and sellers. For those looking to purchase a home, I provide personalized guidance to help them find a property that fits their needs, lifestyle, and budget. I assist with everything from initial property searches to negotiating the best deal and closing the transaction. For sellers, I offer strategic marketing plans, staging advice, and thorough market analysis to ensure their home is priced right and attracts the right buyers.

Problems I Solve
One of the biggest challenges in real estate is navigating the emotional and financial complexities of buying or selling a home. My role is to simplify that process for my clients, providing them with the information and support they need to make informed decisions. I pride myself on being available to address any concerns or questions as soon as they arise, ensuring a smooth and stress-free experience from start to finish. Whether it’s helping a first-time buyer understand the intricacies of a mortgage or assisting a seller in preparing their home for the market, I am there every step of the way.

What Sets Me Apart
What truly sets me apart is my commitment to my clients. I am deeply involved in the entire process, from the initial consultation to well after the closing. My clients know they can count on me not just for expert advice, but also for empathy and understanding. I’m proud of the relationships I’ve built over the years, many of which have turned into lifelong friendships. My attention to detail, exceptional communication, and dedication to going above and beyond are qualities that have earned me over 70 positive Google reviews and a strong reputation in the industry.

What I’m Most Proud Of
I’m most proud of the trust my clients place in me and the positive impact I’ve had on their lives. One story that stands out is when I helped a seller who was a hoarder and dealing with serious health issues. When he was hospitalized during the transaction, he asked if I could help with a garage sale he had planned. Not only did I organize the sale with the help of my family, but I also made sure to visit him in the hospital, bringing his favorite chips and spending time with him when he had no one else around. It’s moments like these that remind me of the importance of my work—not just as a realtor, but as someone who cares deeply about the people I serve.

What I Want Potential Clients to Know
If you’re considering working with me, I want you to know that my priority is always your best interest. Whether you’re buying your first home, selling a property you’ve lived in for years, or anything in between, I’m here to make the process as smooth and positive as possible. I believe in open communication, transparency, and going the extra mile for my clients. When you work with me, you’re not just getting a realtor—you’re gaining a trusted partner who will be with you every step of the way, long after the deal is done.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

One of the most effective strategies for growing my clientele has been a strong focus on building and maintaining relationships. Real estate is a people-centered business, and I’ve found that taking the time to genuinely connect with my clients, both during and after the transaction, has led to a steady stream of referrals and repeat business.

Here’s how I approach it:

Exceptional Client Service: From the first meeting to the closing and beyond, I ensure that my clients feel supported and informed. I’m highly involved in every step of the process, always available to answer questions and address concerns promptly. This level of service not only helps transactions go smoothly but also leaves a lasting positive impression.

Staying Connected: I make it a point to stay in touch with my clients throughout the year. Whether it’s sending a note during the holidays, checking in to see how they’re enjoying their new home, or offering market updates, I maintain those relationships long after the sale is complete. This ongoing communication keeps me top-of-mind when they or someone they know is considering a move.

Word of Mouth and Referrals: Happy clients are my best marketing tool. By consistently providing excellent service and maintaining strong relationships, I’ve been able to grow my business through word-of-mouth and referrals. Clients who have had a great experience working with me are often eager to recommend me to their friends, family, and colleagues.

Online Presence and Reviews: I’ve also invested in building a strong online presence, particularly by encouraging satisfied clients to leave reviews. With over 70 positive Google reviews, potential clients can see the experiences of others, which helps build trust and credibility even before we’ve met.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

A Time When I Had to Pivot
One of the most significant pivots in my career came when the COVID-19 pandemic hit. The real estate industry, like many others, faced unprecedented challenges as we had to quickly adapt to new safety precautions, social distancing, and the sudden shift to a more virtual way of doing business. Selling houses during this time was incredibly challenging, but it also presented an opportunity to innovate and find new ways to serve my clients.

When the pandemic first started, there was a lot of uncertainty. Open houses were no longer feasible, and many clients were understandably hesitant to have people in their homes or visit properties in person. I knew that I had to quickly adapt to continue helping my clients while keeping everyone safe.

I pivoted by embracing technology and virtual tools in ways I hadn’t before. Virtual tours became a cornerstone of my business—using high-quality video walkthroughs, 3D tours, and virtual open houses to showcase properties. This allowed potential buyers to explore homes from the safety and comfort of their own space. I also utilized video conferencing for consultations and meetings, ensuring that I could stay connected with my clients even when we couldn’t meet face-to-face.

Communication became more critical than ever. I made sure to keep my clients informed about the changing market conditions and the new protocols we had to follow. This meant being extra diligent about scheduling, sanitizing, and making sure that every step of the process was as safe and smooth as possible.

Despite the challenges, this period taught me a lot about resilience and adaptability. By being proactive and embracing new methods, I was able to continue providing the high level of service my clients expect while navigating a rapidly changing landscape. It was a difficult time for everyone, but it also reinforced the importance of being flexible and creative in problem-solving.

In the end, the pivot not only helped me continue to serve my clients during a tough time, but it also equipped me with new tools and strategies that have enhanced the way I do business moving forward. The experience was a reminder that even in the face of challenges, there are always opportunities to learn, grow, and improve.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.perlaperez.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/perlarealtor/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/perlarealtor
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/perla-perez-5070708b/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@perlaperez2121
• Other: Google-Perla Perez Realtor

Image Credits

Those are my photos that I took.