Rocco Basile
Rocco Basile is a photography expert and a renowned ideolog of fine photography. His expertise has traversed various genres of photography, from Portrait photography and fine art photography to photojournalism. Rocco is the founder of the Rocco Basile Photography studio and gallery that is located in Santa Barbara, Southern California. This is the locale where Basile and other seasoned and budding photographers exhibit their work to the world. Outside the studio, Basile periodically accepts freelance photography assignments, which have taken him to some of the most idyllic shooting locales in the world such as Tibet, China and Okinawa, Japan. The California-based photographer spent most of his youth growing in the Northeast. It was in New York that he developed a love for visual arts and photography. Basile received his college education at Emerson College and the California Institute of Arts.
What do you know about the real estate industry?
It is a vast industry that incorporates residential, commercial and industrial real estate segments. Each of these segments requires a different level of expertise. I also know the industry is capital intensive and can be highly lucrative if you can read the market well. Investors and members of the public can actually make money by investing in real estate investment trusts or REITs.
Have you ever sold real estate? How did you make it happen?
I did earlier on when I was starting out. I know as a matter of fact that different rules apply when you are selling or buying a property. At the time, my sole purpose was to find a prime property and things went as I had anticipated, thanks to my realtor who directed my every effort from setting the price to choosing the right advertising media.
How much experience do you have in buying or selling real estate?
When I was selling my property some years back, I realized the whole process was quite involving and takes a lot of patience. We had to go through a comparative market analysis to understand the state of the market, gauge the merits of using the local Multiple Listing Service and verifying buyers through pre-screening and pre-qualification.
Have you ever made a sell or a purchase you have regretted?
I do not have any regrets, but I know it is quite common with investors who buy and hold properties. For me, every purchase I make and will make in the future is for keeps, unless something really compelling crosses my mind. Just to add to that, I generally value quality more compared to quantity of deals.
What advice would you give inexperienced who are wanting to buy or sell?
I would first recommend that they hire agents who know their home area and the value of property. Property sellers specifically need to create an environment that will attract buyers. A simple strategy is to have the property cleaned and painted if possible.
How can you use what you have learned in real estate to succeed in other areas?
There are many skills exuded by professionals in the real estate sector that can be replicated elsewhere. For example, most successful real estate agents possess entrepreneurial spirit, high likability, professional appearance and good communication and time management skills.
Do you have a mentor who taught you what you know?
There is one friend of mine who works as a realtor. Over the years, he has become an important person in my inner circle of advisers. One thing I have learned from him is to never take advice from someone I cannot trade shoes with, because trust is a very important element in business.
Do you have a feedback system? How does it work?
The feedback system is highly critical in any business undertaking. I have a list of trusted realtors whom I always contact to find out more about the on-goings in the market.
