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In the heart of Hawaii, where dreams of living in a paradise of palm trees and sandy beaches come to life, there is a real estate agent whose mission turns those dreams into a reality. Chris Shomo, along with his wife Gloria, has been at the forefront of the real estate industry, serving clients with a personal touch that sets “Home Sweet Home Hawaii” apart from the rest. With a career spanning over two decades, Chris has not only mastered the art of selling properties but has also discovered secrets to success in this ever-evolving industry.
An Unconventional Love Story with Real Estate
Chris’s journey into real estate wasn’t just a career choice; it was a lifelong passion. His fascination with different architectural styles of homes and designs and the joy of helping people achieve their dreams led him to this path. Chris entered the industry over 20 years ago. When he moved to other states on two occasions, he took a break from the real estate world. But his love for real estate brought him back, resulting in building his business in three separate, bustling metropolises – the Washington DC area, Los Angeles, California and Hawaii. “The biggest purchase of someone’s life is usually their home,” Chris states. “Helping people find their dream home or ideal investment property is an exhilarating experience.”
While many individuals seek a secure nine-to-five job, Chris has always been an entrepreneur and was drawn to the autonomy that comes with working in real estate. Real estate provided him with the freedom to work hard and achieve financial success on his terms without a ceiling that limited growth and development. It allowed him to blend his love for helping people with his entrepreneurial spirit and professional aspirations.
A Maverick in the Industry
What truly sets Chris apart is his client-centric approach. He doesn’t see his clients as mere sales figures; he sees them as individuals with unique needs and aspirations. “It’s all about serving people,” Chris emphasizes. “Putting their needs and concerns first is what ultimately makes it so rewarding.” This is also what has distinguished him from other agents.
Unlike traditional real estate agents who may prioritize their commissions and quotas, Chris places his clients at the heart of his business. He recognizes that buying or selling a home is not just a financial transaction; it’s a deeply personal and often emotional journey. Chris’s dedication to understanding the unique needs of each client sets the stage for a relationship built on trust and mutual respect.
The Road to Success
His sphere of influence, relationships with past clients and open houses have been essential in building his career from the ground up. Chris’s relational, grassroots approach to real estate may sound mundane, but it’s a testament to his unwavering commitment to his craft. He believes in the power of human connection, and open houses allow him to engage directly with potential buyers and sellers, building rapport and trust. While established agents like Chris sometimes move away from hosting open houses, Chris has an appreciation for the impact of an initial conversation and the foundation it creates.
A pivotal moment in the business was when Chris decided to seek the guidance of a business coach. This decision transformed his focus from sales to building genuine relationships with clients, setting him on a path to success. By aligning his values and approach with the relational aspect of real estate, he separated himself from the competition.
Gloria, Chris’s wife and business partner, witnessed a profound transformation in his approach. “Understanding how to make the client the hero was the turning point,” she explains. This shift involved undoing traditional sales tactics and returning to a more relational approach. Chris learned that it’s not about being the hero but it’s about empowering clients to achieve their dreams and goals.
Staying Ahead in the Digital Age
In a digital age where information is king, Chris recognizes the significance of staying informed about the latest trends and developments in the real estate market. The rise of technology and social media has fundamentally changed how people consume information. To adapt to this shift, Chris has turned to YouTube as a platform for delivering high-quality content that connects with potential clients and establishes a personal connection.
High-quality content on YouTube is not only a way to stay relevant in the industry but also an opportunity to showcase his expertise and build a personal brand. “It’s where the trends are in terms of finding quality content on the market,” Chris affirms. It allows him to share valuable insights, answer common questions, and provide a glimpse into his personality, making him more relatable to prospective clients.
Overcoming the Unseen Challenges
The real estate market is known for its unpredictability. Chris candidly acknowledges the challenges he has faced throughout his career, particularly the unpredictable nature of the real estate market. “The ups and downs, the valleys and the mountains,” he describes, are inherent in the profession.
His focus on YouTube is to create a stronger consistency in the flow in the business, thereby reducing the impact from the industry’s fluctuations. In a dynamic and ever-evolving market like Hawaii, consistency can be elusive, but Chris’s agility, adaptability, and commitment to providing a client-focused experience have been invaluable assets in navigating these challenges.
Gloria touches on a less visible but significant aspect of their journey: their personal challenges, including her battle with cancer. Chris’s unwavering support during these trying times has significantly contributed to their growth and resilience. His ability to manage the emotional demands of personal challenges while maintaining the quality of service for his clients reflects his dedication and strength of character.
The Future of Home Sweet Home Hawaii
Looking ahead, Chris envisions Home Sweet Home Hawaii as a broader real estate platform that serves clients across all the Hawaiian islands. His commitment to providing a high-quality, client-centric experience remains at the core of his vision. While he is not focused on building a traditional team, his dedication lies in creating a well-structured, lean, efficient machine that offers clients the highest quality service.
In conclusion, Chris Shomo’s journey is a testament to his unwavering passion for helping people, his dedication to providing a client-centric experience, and his innovative approach to building relationships. With his vision in focus, Chris is poised to leave an indelible mark on the real estate landscape in Hawaii, offering his clients a personalized and memorable journey to find their dream homes in paradise.
Published by: Martin De Juan