Stephen Andrew Stepaniuk
Stephen Andrew Stepaniuk is an accomplished travel blogger and photographer working for a multi-state, consulting firm. He uses his blog to offer travelers insights on issues cutting across the arts, history and food, a feat that has earned him many accolades among travel bloggers and venturing public. Boston, Massachusetts native spends most of his time on the road. He has been to several states in the US and European countries. He mostly travels light and prefers putting up at short-term rental establishments and hostels. During his college days, Stepaniuk was an exchange student. He can speak and write German, French, and Polish and is currently studying Esperanto and elementary Mandarin. Upon his return from Germany, Stephen Andrew Stepaniuk studied at the Northwestern University in Boston.
Tell us what you make of the real estate industry?
Real estate is an intricate industry with many variables at play, including demographics, economy, unemployment and interest rates among other factors. With what I know, the real estate constitutes residential homes, commercial and industrial residential properties and undeveloped lots. The residential real estates are quite extensive and include single-family homes, high-value homes, and co-ops. The real estate agents are a keystone in the industry. Their role includes helping investors and homeowners buy and sell properties.
Have you ever sold real estate? How did you make it happen?
I sold a single-family home a few years back. This happened when I was shifting base from Connecticut to Boston, where I now live and work. I received a lot of help from my local real estate agent, who helped me with all the underlying procedures.
What experience do you have in buying or selling real estate?
It is very tough to sell a property in a tight or saturated market. To make it in such a real estate industry, one needs to have a rock-solid understanding of the property market. For a budding investor like me, that was quite challenging. When I was ready to sell my property, I approached a realtor who drew the contract, listed the property and oversaw the financial exchanges on my behalf.
Have you ever made a real estate purchase or sell you have regretted?
I wouldn’t exactly say I regret anything; however, I have learned vital lessons from the few exchanges I’ve had. From the early days, my real estate principles were grounded in choosing the right property and location, entering straightforward deals and understanding the factors driving the property market. I learned these lessons from older, more experienced friends and realtors.
What words of wisdom do have for the inexperienced person looking to buy or sell?
In the wake of crazy house prices, over the top stamp duties and hesitation, reading the market has become ever more difficult for everybody in the real estate sector. For the inexperienced seller, I say do not overlook minute details like providing valuable content and high quality, property photos. A lapse in this area could cost you buyers and second-guessing prospects.
What property marketing strategies do you most prefer?
I actually prefer email nurture campaigns, old school mailers and social media platforms like Pinterest boards. From own experience, these strategies promise high yielding results.
What tools of the trade do you believe are crucial for success in the real estate industry?
In today’s fast-paced world of business, technology has become an important component in the real estate industry. A number of tools have been devised to ease communication, solve problems and enhance service delivery. My favorites include Google Sketchup and Propertyware, an on-demand solution designed to help agents and property managers lease rental properties. The Sketchup is a remarkably simple tool that generates and presents 3D models of buildings.
What has your engagement in the real estate industry taught you about life?
I learned to be wary of “as is” listed properties, especially the foreclosures. For bank-owned properties, matters are made worse by the lengthy negotiation process and inconclusive disclosures, which may mean forfeiting certain rights or claims. In real life, this means being careful about “locked clauses” to avoid putting up with unwarranted obligations.
Do you have a mentor or someone of the nature who taught you what you know?
I have a mentor, whom I got to know through a friend. The realtor is well-versed with the local and nationwide market since he spends most of his time contacting clients and prospects.
Do you have a feedback system? Explain how it works?
The feedback system offers crucial connections, criticism and leads that can define success and future of any business. Real estate investors can use the email feedbacks collated from real estate agents, buyers and prospects to make informed decisions and amends. For example, if you’ve had a poor showing, you can use the buyer complaints to make a better presentation.
