We recently connected with Matias Baker Masucci and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Matias Baker, thank you for joining us today and sharing your experiences and acquired wisdom with us. Burnout is a huge topic these days and so we’d love to kick things off by discussing your thoughts on overcoming or avoiding burnout
Being a realtor in Los Angeles can be very demanding. Working in trust and probate real estate sales adds another layer of complexity. A lot of our clients have just experienced a loss and find themselves being appointed personal administrators of an estate or are successor trustees of a family trust. Most of these sales involve a lot of moving parts, from estate sales to junk removals, to drafting terms that protect the estate from unscrupulous real estate investors and wholesalers. Over the years, I’ve seen it all. When a sale requires court confirmation, we must work closely with the attorney to make sure we follow the probate code. As you can imagine, burning out can happen to anyone involved in these types of transactions. There is no single answer to avoiding stress but there are some things I’ve implemented over the years to help myself as well as my clients. Needless to say, it starts with the self. When you can remain calm when faced with challenges, buyers and sellers can feel it. It makes a huge difference. A great agent once told me that during a transaction, sometimes we should behave like flight attendants. When there is turbulence you remain calm and project that calmness around the passengers. After all, we fly all the time so what looks like the end of the world to one of my sellers, is just a little turbulence to me. The way to accomplish this calmness is a result of experience but also of self-care. I’m a practitioner of Transcendental Meditation and I can’t tell you what a positive influence that has had on my life. Having a loving partner at home is also a major source of support. My wife is my therapist. There’s no doubt about that. When I get home from work she always asks me how my day was. When things get hard, we always talk about it. I’m an open book with her and we have a reciprocal trust that keeps us actively involved in each other’s lives. Spending time with my children is another important way for me to overcome and avoid burnout. It doesn’t matter whether it’s a child, a pet, or pottery, it’s important to spend some time doing something we love outside of work. For me being a father is a big part of my life. My children recharge me and motivate me …and then they get sticky, loud, and obnoxious and I run for cover.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I am a real estate professional. There are no elaborate titles here—just good, old-fashioned hard work. My scope ranges from opulent estates on the Westside to modest starter homes in South LA, and from multi-unit apartment buildings to handling trust and probate property transactions. My primary objective revolves around cultivating the trust and confidence of both buyers and sellers.
Navigating the bustling Los Angeles real estate market requires a unique approach. I often describe myself as more than just the typical neighborhood realtor. Within this landscape, one crucial yet often underestimated facet of my business is pricing strategy. My track record extends from successful sales in Malibu to Pasadena, and from Simi Valley to Long Beach, and everything in between.
I recognize the paramount importance of relationships. In this field, who you’re connected with can either make or break a deal. Solitude isn’t sustainable—surviving in this industry demands a network. It takes years to cultivate dependable connections with inspectors, retrofitting experts, loan originators, cleaning crews, stagers, escrow officers, title officers, and the list goes on and on. This profession is built on collaboration. Every team member who interacts with your client serves as a direct reflection of your credibility. I trust my team and I love my people.
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?
Looking back on my journey as a realtor, I believe the three most impactful qualities that have helped me on my journey are communication, research, and relationship building. Being able to communicate persuasively, understand the motivations of all parties involved, and find mutually beneficial solutions can make a significant difference in the real estate business. Understanding market trends, property values, and economic factors that affect real estate is essential. Having a solid grasp of the local market helps you accurately price properties, advise clients, and make informed decisions. Building strong and trustworthy relationships with clients fosters loyalty, referrals, and long-term success. Providing excellent customer service, being responsive, and maintaining clear communication can set you apart.
My advice for people just starting out in the business is to continuously educate yourself about the local real estate market. Stay updated on property sales, market reports, and economic indicators. Use data analytics tools to analyze market trends. Develop the ability to interpret data and communicate its implications to clients. Focus on creating personalized experiences for your clients. Listen actively to their needs and concerns, and tailor your services accordingly. Keep them informed throughout the process and address any questions promptly. Practice negotiation scenarios with colleagues or mentors. In the competitive world of real estate, continuous learning and improvement are essential.
To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?
This is an easy one to answer. I remind my parents and thank them of this every chance I get. By far, the most important skill they ever taught me, and they did so by setting the example, is the ability not to take myself or life too seriously. That is the greatest gift my parents ever gave me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.probaterealtor.la/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/matiasbroker/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/matiasbakermasucci/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matiasbakermasucci/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdxqfdFO1z39LsRANAW3ZdQ
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/matias-baker-masucci-realtor-beverly-hills
