Colby Lee Burke
With a strong voice and a great deal of experience exploring the world, Colby Lee Burke has made his mark in travel publications worldwide. Burke is a Portland, Oregon native who was educated at the University of Oregon. He makes his home in Portland and also in Charleston, South Carolina.
When he was a junior in college, he spent a life-changing semester abroad in Florence, Italy. He wrote a great deal about his experiences in Italy, touching on topics like culture, music, and architecture. When he returned to Oregon, he submitted these pieces to his college newspaper. The pieces were well-received in the community, and his art history professor told him that they were professional quality. This inspired him to begin freelancing as a travel writer.
After graduating from college, Colby Lee Burke Hilton Head began a career as a copy editor for a large newspaper. While copy editing was steady work with a good paycheck, Burke felt stifled by the rigid requirements and by the lack of travel opportunities. He began taking short trips by himself on the weekends, writing about cultural activities in the Pacific Northwest. He pitched his articles to local and national publications. He gradually built up a name for himself as a travel writer, and he was able to quit his day job several years ago.
As a freelancer, Burke recognizes the need for hard work and personal motivation. His ability to move between two regions of the country means that he has his finger on the pulse of American culture. His work will continue to educate and entertain readers of travel publications for years to come.
What do you know about the real estate industry?
I know that real estate is a great way for investors to make money. It’s also important to understand the real estate industry if you want to buy a home. Fortunately, I have had good experiences so far with real estate.
Have you ever sold real estate? How did you make it happen?
I sold my first home in Portland, Oregon. The property was in beautiful condition and in an excellent neighborhood, so it wasn’t on the market for very long. I had several competing offers before it was done. I was excited that I made money off the sale, which enabled me to buy a larger home in Portland.
How much experience do you have in buying or selling real estate?
I have limited experience. I’ve bought two homes and sold one. Currently, my girlfriend and I split our time between Portland and Charleston, South Carolina. We are still living in a small apartment in Charleston, but we are saving money for a larger home. We are hoping to find something with history.
Have you ever made a sell or a purchase you have regretted?
No, I haven’t regretted any of my real estate deals. I probably could have held out for more money on the Portland house, but I was anxious to sell. I still feel like I made a decent amount of money on the sale.
What advice would you give inexperienced who are wanting to buy or sell?
Be sure that you use a reputable home inspector. You never know what problems might be hiding in a home. Even a brand new home can have issues. I recently heard of a brand new home that was infested with black mold due to water table issues at the site. The buyers did not use a home inspector because they thought it wasn’t necessary with a newly built home.
What have you found out to be the best way to market property?
Marketing online is super, but simple postcards can do a lot of good as well. There are so many good websites for marketing properties. A skilled realtor can help you leverage your opportunities and make solid decisions on your behalf.
What tools do you believe are essential for success in the real estate industry?
The same tools that are essential to succeed anywhere in business will serve you well in the real estate industry. Determination, honesty, and a willingness to step outside your comfort zone will all serve you well. If you gain a reputation for underhanded behavior, you’ll find that no one wants to work with you. Word of mouth is crucial in the real estate industry.
What has real estate taught you about life?
It’s taught me to be patient and to research all of my important decisions. When I was first searching for a home, I almost made an impulsive decision. It might have turned out all right, but I would have taken an unnecessary risk. Like it or not, a home is the largest purchase most people will ever make. Freelance travel writing isn’t the highest-paying career, and I have to handle my money carefully.
How can you use what you have learned in real estate to succeed in other areas?
It’s easy to transfer these skills. They all apply to daily life.
Do you have a mentor who taught you what you know?
In real estate, my first realtor was a huge help to me in understanding the process. I wouldn’t have made it without her.
Do you have a feedback system? How does it work?
I am always looking for feedback from my editors and readers. I love knowing that what I wrote had an impact on people’s lives. I also have to take constructive criticism at times.
