We caught up with the brilliant and insightful DAMIAN GRASS a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi DAMIAN, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
Regardless of your nature, whether you are introverted or constantly in search of the limelight, the desire to be listened to is universal. There’s a shared human need for validation and acceptance. I find myself perpetually intrigued by the individuals I encounter, eager to understand their perspectives on the world, their feelings toward life, and I am captivated by the notion that “everyone has a story to tell.”
From a tender age, I recognized that my calling was to engage with others, to take an interest in their stories and heed their narratives, which in turn enriches my life. Being an attentive listener not only empowers and inspires me but also fuels my enthusiasm. I am naturally drawn to learning about others’ backgrounds, the paths that have led them to their present circumstances, and their life’s purposes.
Simultaneously, this curiosity aids my personal growth, nurturing a sense of gratitude, compassion, empathy, and joy within me. It creates a special bond, that instant when you forge a connection with someone who feels at ease sharing their life experiences, and their story, perhaps unbeknownst to them — transforms you.
This is why I believe my professional journey has always been intertwined with meeting new people. From my early days as a ticket taker at a cinema, to my roles as a journalist for the Associated Press, a restaurant owner, and a real estate broker, engaging in conversations and listening to people’s triumphs and challenges has shaped me into the person I strive to be.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
From my early years, the ambition to become a news reporter was a constant companion. The excitement derived from engaging with a variety of individuals and uncovering the truth behind newsworthy events was a source of exhilaration fueled by an innate curiosity. Yet, alongside this, I found myself captivated by the world of real estate. The allure of luxury properties certainly caught my eye, but it was the rewarding nature of the real estate market that truly drew me in.
When the time came to launch my career in real estate, my approach was anything but tentative. I committed wholeheartedly to the profession, pouring all my energy into achieving success and not allowing any space for failure. Leveraging my people skills, I was resolute in my goal to excel as a real estate agent.
Starting with no established connections or wealthy acquaintances in the industry, I built my career from the ground up. I quickly found success with rental properties, which facilitated rapid transactions and provided valuable insights into the sales process. By the end of my inaugural year, I had earned the accolade of number one rookie at my brokerage and took on the role of mentor for incoming agents. My passion for teaching led me to conduct weekly classes, sharing my knowledge with peers.
It was during this time that I crossed paths with Louis Tamayo. Our instant rapport blossomed into a formidable partnership, and together we became a leading team, handling numerous transactions for buyers and sellers alike. Despite our achievements, we yearned to carve out a unique space in the industry.
An opportunity presented itself through my wife, a distinguished family-law attorney who frequently encountered clients needing to sell their marital homes amidst divorce. Seizing the moment, Louis and I began providing complimentary comparative market analyses to her and her colleagues, which often resulted in our appointment as the listing agents.
Recognizing the potential in this specialized field, we pursued certification as real estate divorce specialists. Our involvement expanded to include participation in attorney events, contributions as expert witnesses in court cases, and authorship of a guidebook for divorcing couples facing the sale of their home. Our expertise soon garnered the attention of judges who appointed us in divorce cases to handle the sale of marital properties. This niche proved to be a significant catalyst for our business, culminating in the establishment of our own brokerage, the Grass|Tamayo Real Estate Group, in mid-July 2023. The success we’ve experienced has been remarkable, and we look forward to the new encounters and opportunities that lie ahead. We take pride in providing guidance and solutions to those navigating the complexities of real estate decisions during an already challenging time of divorce.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Reflecting on my path to becoming a dedicated and skilled real estate professional, I recognize three pivotal elements: my unwavering commitment to client service, meticulous attention to detail, and a proactive approach to staying abreast of the evolving real estate landscape.
For many of my clients, venturing into buying or selling a home is uncharted territory, often fraught with apprehension. My mission, when I encounter a new client, is to transform that anxiety into anticipation and enthusiasm for the journey ahead. I strive to be more than just a realtor; I aim to be a trusted companion, navigating them through the experience with joy and minimal stress. It is critical to work tirelessly on their behalf, ensuring they never feel isolated. Through constant communication, I keep them informed about potential properties, market fluctuations, and updates.
Real estate is a dynamic field, with continual shifts in trends, regulations, and local market dynamics, making it essential to remain knowledgeable and ahead of the curve.
For agents just starting out, my key piece of advice is to maintain focus and resolve. The real estate industry is challenging, and with a high attrition rate — 87% of realtors exit the profession within five years and 75% within the first year — it’s crucial to keep your edge. To thrive, one must be committed to engaging with the industry every single day. Even part-time agents should dedicate at least 30 minutes daily to hands-on real estate tasks, such as client meetings, drafting offers, or conducting property showings. An additional 30 minutes should be focused on personal branding activities like enhancing their website, engaging on social media, or expanding their network.
Consistency in these efforts can lead to a significant transformation. Gradually, you’ll find yourself investing more time, and as your real estate activities expand, they will naturally evolve into a full-time commitment. That’s when you can expect to see substantial rewards for your dedication and hard work.
What has been your biggest area of growth or improvement in the past 12 months?
The most significant area of growth or improvement for me as a realtor and broker in the last year has been my presence as a certified real estate divorce specialist within the family law community in Florida. During that time, I have established my own brokerage in partnership with Louis Tamayo and expanded my influence among attorneys and judges as the leading realtor for divorce-related real estate matters. I have seen an increase in requests to serve as an expert witness in litigated cases and have been appointed more frequently as the listing agent for the sale of marital homes.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.GrassTamayoGroup.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grasstamayogroup/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GrassTamayoGroup/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/damian-grass-062936125/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/TamayoGrass
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@grasstamayogroup
