Mark Alvarado
Mark Alvarado has A growing reputation as one of the leading freelance graphic designers in the U.S. with a growing list of clients seeking his services to expand on the success of their brand. The success of the freelancer has led to him developing his real estate portfolio with properties owned in Palo Alto, California, and Marfa, Texas which was Alvarado’s first experience of property investing. As his client base grows, Mark Alvarado believes he will have the chance to explore the world even more and discover more opportunities for real estate investing.
What do you know about the real estate industry?
Around seven years ago, I left UCLA and was sick of paying rent for a property I couldn’t make my own so I made the decision to buy a home in Palo Alto, California. My freelance graphic design business grew faster than I could have imagined and I felt real estate was a solid investment and inspired me to find my first investment property in Marfa, Texas which I have enjoyed visiting and monitoring as far as value is concerned.
Have you ever sold real estate? How did you make it happen?
So far my only experience of investing has been in buying property but I do like to keep an eye on the value of property in California and Texas. As a freelancer, I do spend a lot of time traveling the U.S. and foreign countries which gives me the opportunity to explore the real estate markets of different areas.
How much experience do you have in buying or selling real estate?
My first experience of buying a property came in Palo Alto in the competitive Californian real estate market so everything was done extremely quickly after I found my home to buy. I feel I learned a large amount in buying my second property in Marfa, Texas when I had the chance to spend more time looking at property and negotiating for the best deal possible.
Have you ever made a sell or a purchase you have regretted?
I love my home in Palo Alto, but I had never imagined I would buy a home in the Lon Star State which seemed so alien to my life in California. However, I love heading out to Marfa to practice my archery in a quiet environment where I can unwind. The answer to your question would be a resounding no, I have never had any regrets over my purchases.
What advice would you give inexperienced who are wanting to buy or sell?
Take the plunge and explore the markets before making a purchase which could change your life. I had many sleepless nights when I was looking for my first home but the process was relatively painless and left me happy I had made the decision to purchase a property but I do understand the issues many people have with making probably the largest investment they will ever be involved in.
What have you found out to be the best way to market property?
I love Online real estate Sites and look through the properties I can afford and those I just enjoy looking at which are way out of my price range. Online marketplaces are my favorite way of marketing real estate.
What tools do you believe are essential for success in the real estate industry?
On a personal level, the most important tools for success are understanding the markets to get the best deals and being able to conduct the right amount of research to find the properties I would be interested in purchasing.
What has real estate taught you about life?
To seize the day. When I was looking at properties in Texas I was beaten to the punch on a number of occasions when I refused to put in a bid in a timely fashion. In many ways, my real estate experiences have also taught me the universe will guide me in the right direction as my house in Marfa is perfect for my needs.
How can you use what you have learned in real estate to succeed in other areas?
In many ways, real estate has taught me about the power of effective communication which I can use in my everyday life as a freelance graphic designer. Communicating with my customers is important as is keeping in contact with my real estate broker to make sure I’m aware of the best deals out there.
Do you have a mentor who taught you what you know?
My family members played a major role in helping me understand the real estate business and my college professors taught me about business which has allowed me to learn about the industry in a simple and effective way.
Do you have a feedback system? How does it work?
In my own business, I use electronic communications for the majority of my clients and I understand the power of both positive and negative feedback so I take every opportunity to leave reviews for my brokers and mortgage lenders.
