Name: Gil Castro
Job Title: Realtor, Seller Representative Specialist, Accredited Buyer’s Representative.
Company name and office location: Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage.
What was your first job in the realty industry? Sales agent for Prudential Georgia Realty, but promptly moved to Coldwell Banker after about nine months.
Where did you grow up? The South Bronx, but have lived in the North Metro Area for nearly 30 years.
Growing up, what did you want to be? I wanted to be an airline pilot. Even went to Aviation H.S. in NYC. I went as far as getting my private pilot’s license in college before figuring out it was extremely costly to become a commercial pilot thru the civilian route.
What do you do to relax when you’re stressed? You know, I’m not often stressed. However, when I am, I like to go the gym, go for a run or ride my bicycle.
If you could have lunch with a well-known figure (living or not), who would it be and why? Martin Luther King, Jr. I find him, his cause and struggles to be fascinating and would love to have a firsthand account of his experiences. I would also love to hear his opinion of the state of America now compared to when he was still alive.
Where is your favorite place to hang out? Not sure I have a “favorite” place. However, if my three kids are there, it’s my favorite!
What do you love most about the industry? The thing I love most about the industry is meeting so many different kinds of people. During each transaction, you really get to know folks and it’s great to develop not only business relationships, but also friendships.
How do you distinguish yourself from the crowd of agents? I’d like to think I call it like I see it. I am very candid with my clients and don’t offer any fluff. They appreciate that. I’ve been doing this for 17-plus years and do offer lots of experience, market knowledge and proven results.
What is the most difficult aspect of your job? The most challenging aspect of the job is “predicting” what the market is going to do next month, next quarter, next year. Obviously, there are economic indicators that will help you guesstimate what the market will do, but there is no real way to predict the future. Just because the neighbor’s house sold for $X last month, doesn’t always mean that your comparable house will sell for that in today’s market.
Where do you go to network and meet new clients? Everywhere! I talk to people everywhere I go about real estate. In the words of my daughter, “Daaad…!! Do you have to talk to everyone??”
What has been your greatest accomplishment? Going from a being a little boy in Mott Haven Housing Projects in the South Bronx to a college graduate to a successful IT Consultant to a successful Realtor in Roswell, Georgia.
What was the last good movie you saw or book you read? “Halloween”! I was a huge fan of the original Halloween movie and couldn’t wait for the new one to come out! It didn’t let me down. Great movie. Go watch it!
What is your favorite restaurant? Subway! Hahahaha! Again, I’m not one for having many “favorites,” but I definitely go to Subway the most often!
Architecturally speaking, what is your favorite building in Atlanta? The Castle in the Crabapple area. It is a single family home that is literally a castle, complete with a moat and everything!
What kind of car do you drive? 1998 Mercedes Benz E320: 195,000 miles and runs like a charm!
Smartphone or paper? Definitely smartphone. I can run my entire business from my phone, including signing documents!
What is your favorite city after Atlanta? New York City.
In 10 words or less, what is your advice for someone new to the industry? You HAVE to talk to people! AND follow up!
What’s your favorite real estate iPhone/Android app? ShowingTime.
Who are your favorite people to follow on Twitter? My kids! That’s how I stay informed on what’s going on in their lives. LOL!