Ryan started in Austin real estate as an investor in 2001. He looked at all investment opportunities — Austin foreclosures, condos, homes for sale. After buying and selling houses for a few years, he felt like he knew more than most investment agents holding themselves out as “experts” and decided to get his real estate license. He started his first Austin real estate brokerage in 2005, Elite Team Realty. In addition to Austin foreclosures, the team excelled at maximizing other investment opportunities for clients and took on property management as well. Elite Team Realty completed over a hundred million in real estate deals from January 2005 until September 2007. Their focus was on residential investment property and foreclosures. Ryan turned his talents to estimating renovation costs. His contracting business completed renovations on Austin foreclosures and make-readies for vacant property. After working with dozens of buyers on a foreclosure property, Ryan became a listing agent for many national banks, of which he still contracts for today. In between brokerages, Ryan worked for Castle Hill Investments as a Sales Associate and the Director of REO Business. After leaving Castle Hill Investments, Ryan kept a good relationship with the owner of Castle Hill, Robert Grunnah, and they work together on certain projects today. In July of 2008, the entrepreneurial bug came calling, so Ryan left Castle Hill to form Spyglass Realty and Investments. This time around, the focus was on residential real estate in the areas that he had a passion for, including Travis Country, 78704, Travis Heights, and downtown Austin. Anything with a modern Austin vibe was attractive. He began hands-on training by the most recognized real estate training facilities he could find on how to increase exposure and market properties properly. He also used his experience in renovating properties to help his clients make the proper upgrades that will ensure top dollar. Since starting Spyglass Realty in 2008, Ryan has been recognized by the Platinum Top 50 Realtors in 2011, 2012 and 2013 and the Austin Business Journal in 2011 and 2013 as a finalist in the top 50 top producer awards. 

In this episode, Karen and Ryan discuss:

• Success Story of Ryan
• Commit to Get Leads

o    Every time you create content, how are you going to tell people you are the person they need to work with or how can you educate them on something they did not know.

• Consult to Sell

o    Create systems that will benefit your seller in the most responsible way.

• Connect to Build and Grow

o    Recruit responsibly – you have to make sure everyone you on-board is going to fit with your culture and your company.

• Success Thinking, Activities and Vision

o    You’re going to have good days and bad days – for every step backwards, make sure to take two steps forward.

• Sweet Spot of Success