I was first licensed in 1996 and worked in Rochester, NY for Home Safari LTD. I remained there until 2000, when I relocated back home to Westchester County, NY and married my wife. I diversified into investing and mortgages at that time and kept my license. I started the company in late 2005 out of a spare bedroom just as the market began to decline. In 2006 I sold 30 homes. In 2007 I sold over 60 homes and was the top-ranked agent in my MLS for closed single family residential transactions. I followed up in 2008 with over 40 closings again, and the company got it's first brick and mortar office in Briarcliff Manor, NY. I pride myself on running a personalized, boutique style brokerage that delivers Fortune-500 results.
What year did you become a real estate agent?
1996
How many years have you been in Real Estate?
13
What is the average home price in your market?
Around $500,000
Are there any new developments or trends in your area?
The financial crisis has effected nearby New York City negatively. The ripple effect on bedroom counties like Westchester and Rockland will keep buyers in the driver's seat for the foreseeable future.
Why do you enjoy being a real estate agent?
I relish that I am building something special. Clients are not commissions, they are my reputation and referral source. My clients know that they are more to me than a payday, and that their outcome is as important to me as it is to them. I am as invested in their happy result as they are. To them, it is the right transaction. To me, it is how I am building my company.
What is the most challenging issue you face as a Real Estate Professional?
Two things:
1. The current economic crisis which puts people out of their homes or discourages them from getting their own home.
2. The damage to my profession's reputation by career nomads who got licensed and worked in the boom, did unprofessional job, and then got out when the industry slowed down. There weren't many, but the few who did damage hurt everyone.
Tell us one of your client success stories or an interesting moment in your profession.
I once paid a client's mortgage for 9 months until she sold so she could avoid a foreclosure and sell on her own terms.
What is your best characteristic?
I overcome overwhelming problems. I have solved problems for clients that were days away from being auctioned & clients who owed $100,000 more than their homes were worth, with them being whole and unharmed after the transaction.
Who or what inspires you the most?
My late brother, Paul Faranda. Nothing I do compared with what he overcame.
What is the best advice you ever received?
Work on yourself daily for a year and you won't recognize the result 12 months later.
If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?
Briarcliff Manor, NY
"I enjoy guiding the clients to a sound transaction placing them in a home they will enjoy and can afford. I develop close and lasting friendship with..."