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Johnathan Crego Realtor

J.R. Crego Real Estate with Heartland Real Estate

What was your most interesting job before going into real estate?

I was a Dekalb County police officer for 7 years.

Where did you grow up?

Illinois

Growing up, what did you want to be?

Police officer

What do you do to relax when you’re stressed?

Work out, cook (I love trying to perfect lobster rolls, pasta dishes and smoking meat!), be with my family and friends, clean (I know, I am weird, but this helps calm me), listen to podcasts or house music.

If you could meet any well-known figure (living or not), who would it be and why?

Living: Elon Musk. He intrigues me so much. I love his Joe Rogan podcast and how he takes time to answer any questions given to him, it’s so real. Deceased: Hitler, so I can punch him in the face.

What is Atlanta’s best-kept secret?

Clarkston, a small town on I-285 in Dekalb County that is where most immigrants are brought on the southeast coast. It is known as the most diverse square mile in the world, and when you talk to people in Clarkston, they are so happy to be in America and away from the countries they came from. Whenever you are feeling down or unpatriotic, go to Refugee Coffee in downtown Clarkston, grab a cup of coffee and talk to the people. They all have crazy stories and are so thankful to be talking to you and where they are, it really puts things in a better perspective.

What do you love most about the industry?

Helping my friends, family and first-time home buyers get into homeownership and change their lives. It changed my life and my family’s future in a great way, and I love making that happen for others and their future generations!

How do you distinguish yourself from the crowd of agents?

I care. I care about getting my clients into a good home and building their future on it. I don’t care about how many clients I have or how many transactions I do, and I don’t care about other agents who have done a lot of transactions, either. If a house is not going to be a good fit for my client, or has a serious issue, I will make sure they are clear on it and not try to hide it, like I have seen other agents do.

What is the most difficult aspect of your job?

Time management. I have a lot of hats (dad of two under 4 years old, NE Atlanta Metro Association-Realtors (NAMAR) Young Professionals Network 2023 chair, NAMAR director, Heartland Coach, investor, etc.) and am working on my time blocking going into 2023. I love what I do though!

What’s your best advice for generating new leads?

Sphere of influence. If you are a part of my coaching program, you have heard me say this 1,000,000 times already. If you want to know how to convert your SOI into 20-plus transactions a year like me and not pay for it, join my coaching program. 

What are you binge-watching/reading/listening to lately?

Below Deck, Yellowstone, The Millionaire Real Estate Agent, Jocko podcast, Biggerpockets podcast, anything about leadership, especially About Face: The Odyssey of an American Warrior.

What’s your favorite meal in Atlanta?

This question took me the longest to answer, and I have changed my answer at least five times. I am going to have to say Uncle Jack’s Meat House in Duluth: the boneless ribeye, medium rare, with the original seasoning, with a side of mac and cheese and the hanging bacon for an appetizer.

Architecturally speaking, what is your favorite building in Atlanta?

The Centers for Disease Control is pretty cool, but the cool part isn’t public access. Mercedes-Benz Stadium is incredible. I also love the Fox Theatre.

What’s the weirdest thing that’s ever happened to you on the job?

Mansfield squatter. Hands-down the craziest, weirdest and longest experience of this job for me. If you know, you know.

What’s one thing people are surprised to learn about you?

I struggle severely with PTSD from my previous job. I may be the happiest person in the room, but some days are really hard for me. I am working on it and have a lot of people in my corner, but it is still something that keeps me up most nights.

What is your favorite vacation spot and why?

Savannah! I can get to it in under 4 hours, it is a food city, I love history and it has the beach, beautiful trees, and I am not going to spend all my money just getting to it or staying at an Airbnb. Plus, the Savannah Bananas are cool.

What is your favorite city after Atlanta?

Savannah and Blairsville, Georgia, are tied for me.

In 10 words or less, what is your advice for someone new to the industry?

Call your sphere of influence every day.

What’s your favorite real estate iPhone/Android app?

Homesnap

Who are your favorite people to follow on social media?

Brandon Turner of Open Door Capital and a former BiggerPockets podcaster.

What are your social media handles?

jrcrego for everything 🙂

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