John H. Mason is a Realtor with Harry Norman in the North Atlanta executive communities.
What was your first job in the realty industry? Agent for RE/MAX Greater Atlanta; I started in 2008/2009. I was first licensed in Missouri 1981, so I could represent myself to purchase my first home.
What do you do to relax when you’re stressed? Work in the yard.
Where did you grow up?Fort Wayne, Indiana on a Dairy Farm.
Growing up, what did you want to be? A wealthy business person living in New York City and able to travel the world on business – and I did it!
If you could have lunch with a well-known figure (living or not), who would it be and why? Richard Branson.
Where is your favorite place to hang out? My deck, doing nothing more than looking at the sky and the clouds.
What do you love most about the industry? Visiting my buyers months after they have moved in to their home that I helped them find, purchase and close. I love seeing what they have done, and how happy they are in the environment!
How do you distinguish yourself from the crowd of agents? I have 40 years of strong sales and marketing business acumen, which a lot of agents do not have. I am thorough, detailed and organized, and I follow-through on everything! I also have a head for numbers. I have also moved, bought and sold almost 11 homes personally throughout the US – personal experience!
What is the most difficult aspect of your job? Negotiating the “repairs list.” It just amazes me that in Atlanta, a buyer can demand that a home be almost new prior to closing on it. When I moved to Connecticut or Boston, the sellers wouldn’t even repair broken glass in the windows; they certainly weren’t going to replace a darn thing!
Where do you go to network and meet new clients? College Alumni Events; parties that friends have; and weddings, graduations and professional networking events held in and around Atlanta.
What has been your greatest accomplishment? My sons. I have two of them in their mid-20’s.
What was the last good movie you saw or book you read? A biography of Winston Churchill.
What is your favorite restaurant? The Capital Grille.
Architecturally speaking, what is your favorite building in Atlanta? The old DT Macy’s Store.
What kind of car do you drive? Volvo XC90.
Smartphone or paper? Smartphone.
What is your favorite city after Atlanta? San Francisco.
In 10 words or less, what is your advice for someone new to the industry? Work very, very hard seven days a week, and be persistent!
What’s your favorite real estate iPhone/Android app? Karl’s Mortgage Calculator.
Who are your favorite people to follow on Twitter? Mark Cuban.
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