What was your most interesting job before going into real estate?
From the age of 14, I always had some sort of job to be able to fuel my passions as a kid for things I wanted to purchase.
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in a small town called Vista, which was right on the New York and Connecticut border in Westchester County. It was a small, two-bedroom, one-bath house that my grandfather had built with his father.
Growing up, what did you want to be?
I wanted to wear a suit and conduct “business,” as it seemed important, as weird as that sounds. Like any kid, I also went through my phases of wanting to be all the strange things: an astronaut, a chef and architect, among others. I thought I would end up on Wall Street but found out pretty quickly that that was not going to be my journey.
What do you do to relax when you’re stressed?
Now that I have two kids under three, just simple quiet time is way more enjoyable than it should be. A great movie or TV series is always a good escape and of course being outside, whether that is hiking or going to a brewery.
If you could meet any well-known figure (living or not), who would it be and why?
I am a big basketball fan, so I always thought it would be awesome to meet Michael Jordan or LeBron James or Kobe (RIP). Twice as a kid, my mother got tickets so I could see Jordan play in person, and both games, he was out, so it wasn’t meant to be. But I have gotten to see LeBron play in Atlanta a few times now.
What is Atlanta’s best-kept secret?
They aren’t well-kept secrets anymore, but Chamblee and Alpharetta are two of my favorite areas in Greater Atlanta. I like the loft industrial feel of Chamblee, and then having the charm of downtown Alpharetta blended with the mixed-use center of Avalon makes for a great area to be, which is where my family lives now.
What do you love most about the industry?
Being able to wake up every day and just know it’s a completely different day from the others. It keeps life interesting and flowing. I like routines, but not the type that have you sitting in the same office cubby for nine hours a day.
How do you distinguish yourself from the crowd of agents?
I am not the most extroverted person, so I try to let my personality come out a bit more through social media and my Living in Alpharetta YouTube channel. It’s important to stay ahead of technological trends in real estate but also be able to relate to clients of all agents and demographics. From me, they get facts and honesty, and I have a history of talking myself out of commission checks by giving clients honest advice on passing on a home or offer when they could do better.
What is the most difficult aspect of your job?
The peaks and valleys are a bit hard, especially when you need to constantly be worried about finding more business. Trying to juggle the schedule with wanting to spend as much time with your family and kids as possible is tough. The industry doesn’t mesh well with family scheduling and reliable income, that’s for sure.
What’s your best advice for generating new leads?
Truly think about what you are comfortable with as far as engaging people and then focus on that. Is it social media, networking events, tennis club, cold calling? Being who you are makes it easier to do those things. Also come up with an ideal client profile and actively go to places where those people are to become known in that circle.
What are you binge-watching/reading/listening to lately?
I’m using car rides between appointments to keep up to date on real estate and tech. At home we, tend to find the newest documentary or true crime that is out.
What’s your favorite meal in Atlanta?
The list of favorite places is long! My favorite Thai place closed sadly. Yuzu in Chamblee for sushi is great, and up in Alpharetta, we love Lapeer, Crust Pizza. Hen Mother Cookhouse is amazing for breakfast, and if I am on the go, I always love Gusto!
Architecturally speaking, what is your favorite building in Atlanta?
The High Museum of Art is really cool, and the Fox Theater looks awesome from inside and outside. Wasn’t what I expected at all when I went in!
What’s the weirdest thing that’s ever happened to you on the job?
I was working at the office one day when an IRS agent came in asking to speak to me because he was looking for documents related to a closing that took place the previous year. Turns out one of the parties had been defrauding the government and was having their assets seized.
What’s one thing people are surprised to learn about you?
I was basically McLovin as a teenager, as well as a gamer. Grew up playing card games, which led me to having an online business of buying and selling cards all over the world in high school. I joke I had more money then than I ever did as an adult.
What is your favorite vacation spot and why?
I am convinced it is probably somewhere I haven’t been to yet. My wife and I enjoy escaping to a beach, whether it is driving-distance from Atlanta, or somewhere in the Caribbean. My favorite trip I have been on was to Peru and Machu Picchu.
What is your favorite city after Atlanta?
Alpharetta hands-down is the best. Has something for everyone. We live there, most of my business is there, and I even started a YouTube channel specifically for Alpharetta.
In 10 words or less, what is your advice for someone new to the industry?
Always be learning and get comfortable being uncomfortable.
What’s your favorite real estate iPhone/Android app?
Has to be Instagram, just as a way to share but also find things as well. Still enjoy just looking at photos and videos of awesome homes.
Who are your favorite people to follow on social media?
Gary V would be the first one that comes to mind. Just his outlook on life and his ability to stay ahead of trends and understand the drivers of all demographics. He’s knowledgeable, entertaining, and funny.
What are your social media handles?
Instagram: @RyanSellsAtlanta
YouTube: @LivingInAlpharetta