By: Cloud Realty
When it comes to real estate, it’s not every day you meet someone with a background as deep as Joe Post. Most Realtor®s know how to sell a house—Joe knows how to build one, finance it, and market it, too. He’s been in the game for years, and his territory cuts a wide swath, from Clairemont in Central San Diego to all North San Diego County cities and towns. If you buy or sell a home in these neighborhoods, you’re in Joe’s world.
But Joe didn’t start out as a Realtor®. His career began in construction. For well over a decade, he worked his way up from the trades to assistant superintendent for a prominent builder in San Diego. He knows houses like the back of his hand—he’s built them, managed crews, and seen every aspect of what goes into turning an empty plot of land into a home. But as San Diego’s building boom began to taper off, Joe wondered what the next step would be.
The answer came from an unexpected source—his now former wife, who worked in lending. Attending her business events, Joe noticed something: the real estate and lending pros were happy. They dressed sharply and were thriving, and the light bulb went off for Joe. Maybe it was time for a career change. If the building boom was slowing down, why not get into the real estate side of things?
Joe enrolled in classes at his local junior college to get his real estate license. He quickly realized it was a smart move. “If you can make it in real estate, you’ve got a hedge against inflation,” Joe figured. He wasn’t wrong. Joe passed the real estate exam in February of 1993 and started his career as a residential real estate loan officer at a small brokerage where he thrived. After 12 years as a real estate salesperson and lender, Joe passed the Broker exam in June of 2005 and has been an Associate Broker since.
Photo Courtesy: Joe Post
Today, Joe offers something few Realtor®s can: the ability to look at a house from every angle. From the construction to the financing, he understands every step of the process. His clients get the benefit of that knowledge. Joe can tell if an inspector’s taking shortcuts or if a lender’s giving you the best deal. Plus, he’s aligned himself with trusted contractors, home decor specialists, and lenders, so his clients have a full All-Star Team on their side.
But here’s the thing—real estate in Southern California isn’t easy right now. The biggest issue? Inventory. Homeowners are sitting on low-interest mortgages, which Joe calls “golden handcuffs.” People love the low rates they have, but they feel trapped by them. The result? Fewer homes on the market.
For Joe, this is an opportunity to show why he’s not your average Realtor®. He approaches every listing appointment like a job interview, which is precisely what it is. “I’m not just there to promote myself,” Joe says. “I make the appointment about the house and clients.” And whether it’s a cozy three-bedroom or a sprawling estate, to Joe, every home is the “star of the show.” He’s found this approach not only pleases his clients, it tends to net them the highest possible sales price.
Joe doesn’t just throw old photos onto the MLS or social media. He invests in professional photography and requires the photographer to shoot both landscape and portrait aspects because what works for the MLS doesn’t work for social media. His marketing goes beyond just photos, too. Joe tailors each home’s strategy to its particular market, whether getting exposure in real estate magazines, connecting with relocation departments at major local companies, or having an open bid-type auction.
What makes Joe stand out is his people-first attitude. “I treat people better than I expect to be treated,” he says. And that’s not just a saying. In a business where reputation means everything, Joe’s built his trust and respect. The majority of his clients are referrals or repeat business, which speaks volumes about the way he works.
As for the future of real estate? Joe’s seen plenty of changes, but he doesn’t think Realtor®s who are true professionals are going anywhere. Sure, technology has changed the game—Zillow and online listings have made it easier for people to browse homes from their couches. But when it comes to making the most significant financial decision of your life, you will want someone who knows the ins and outs of the process. From privately sold properties to recently expired listings hidden from unlicensed individuals, Joe can find these hidden gems most agents overlook. There’s much more to the market than meets the untrained eye, not to mention potential landmines such as unrecorded easements, undisclosed issues with the property, neighborhood, etc. The most significant financial decisions in people’s lives shouldn’t be left to chance.
Joe believes that the real estate industry needs to step up its game. “I’d make the process to get a real estate license more stringent,” Joe says. “Maybe even require a junior degree.” That, he believes, would help weed out the part-timers and dabblers who give the industry a bad name. “Most people think of Realtor®s just as hair above used car salesmen,” Joe says, “but it doesn’t have to be that way.” Raising the bar would bring more professionalism—and better service for clients.
Of course, real estate isn’t Joe’s whole life. One of the job’s perks is the flexibility to set his schedule. Joe’s a fan of golf, skiing, and travel—both domestic and international. He’s also big on catching sporting events and concerts when he can. Joe usually gets his nose in a book when he’s not working or playing. He’s into business and personal development books but likes to unwind with a novel now and then, too. But one of the things that makes him truly happy is spending time with his family and his first grandchild.
So if you find yourself in Clairemont, Central San Diego, Rancho Bernardo, or along the Pacific Coast, and all points between, and you’re thinking about buying or selling a home, Joe Post is the guy you want on your side. He’s got the experience, the knowledge, and the commitment to make sure your home isn’t just another listing—it’s the star of the show.
Published by: Josh Tatunay
