Today we’d like to introduce you to Glenn de Falkenberg.
Glenn, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Back in 2012, I was day trading equities and my business was starting to falter. At the same time, my then girlfriend and I were looking at buying a house out in the suburbs. It was extremely aggravating as we ended up going through 12 different brokers. No one would really listen to our needs or provide the quality of service we felt we should get for such a big financial decision. At that moment, I decided that I could make a difference. I felt I had a decent eye for interior design, but where I felt I really had an edge over other brokers was my customer service and ability to breakdown the numbers. I proactively research the market to ensure that my customers are receiving the fairest price for the home they are purchasing as well as the most advantageous price point for the home they are selling. As for the customer service, I stop at nothing. I am always available for my clients and I communicate with them during every step of the process to ensure they know exactly what is going on. I expect the same from those I bring into the sales transaction such as lawyers and lenders. The lack of communication in a real estate transaction can effectively kill the deal. Based on this assessment, in the latter months of 2013 I became a broker and slowly dissolved my day trading career. In 2014, I became a full-time broker and I have never looked back. I love this city good or bad and I have lived in almost every neighborhood north of the South Loop for at least a year so I know it well. What makes me excel above others is my commitment to my job, clients, and staying true to my priorities. Those priorities are simple; customer service above all else, communication, honesty, and research.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It has not always been a smooth road, nor should you expect any road to be smooth. The rough patches in a road are the moments we can learn. Those rough patches are times when we can become better at what we do or become better at who we are. I have had some tough experiences especially early on. I take my job very seriously because it is such a big decision in my customer’s lives. So, when I would deal with another broker who is not taking their job as serious as I felt they should, or did not communicate as I felt they should I would become very frustrated. My lack of patience would make the sales transaction harder and create unnecessary stress. I have since learned over the years to be more patient and instead look at that situation as a moment to express to the other party my concerns. Another major challenge in this business is getting exposure. There are so many companies that promise the world at steep costs to get you noticed. I have learned how to effectively promote myself through relationship building and networking, while using certain paid tools as well. In real estate, self-promotion is one of the most important aspects to ensure longevity in the business which takes time and dedication.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Coldwell Banker story. Tell us more about the business.
I am a real estate broker working for Coldwell Banker. I recently joined Coldwell Banker in 2017. I came from Baird & Warner and before that I was with Berkshire Hathaway.
My role is to help guide buyers and sellers in achieving the best price the market can offer for the purchase or sale of a home. I am best known for my customer service and going the extra mile with my clients such as assisting them with the management of a home renovation project. I am also known for researching the market and analyzing the numbers to provide a clear concise picture of a certain area or type of home for my clients. Above all else I would say the customer service I provide during and after a transaction is what sets me apart from the competition. I focus on my client’s needs and make sure the client is aware that they are heard. Real Estate is a big financial decision and is complex with lots of changing variables. So, for the client it can become daunting. What makes me the proudest is the smile on every client’s face when the deal is done and I have successfully surpassed their needs by simplifying this complex decision in their life.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I don’t believe in luck. I believe in working hard and being dedicated to the job which leads to fortuitous situations. I believe what some call bad luck is merely an obstacle that one needs to overcome to continue the path to their goals. I have experienced both and I feel a big part of my success is understanding people which was taught to me early on in life. When I was 12 years old I caddied at Medinah Country Club and I did it on and off until I was 24 years old. I love golf and loved the beauty of the course but more importantly, the job taught me about people. I would caddie for very successful businessman in various fields over the years. Whether they were with friends, clients, or colleagues I would listen, watch, and learn. From those many hours on the course I learned most of all about people in the business sense. How to treat people, talk, negotiate, and when to simply listen. It was a very influential experience. I also learned from my father who worked at McDonald’s headquarters most of my life. He is the one that really taught me how important it is to provide high quality genuine customer service. When it comes to my ambitious nature and dedicated work ethnic there is no one else to credit but my Mother. Growing up I would see day in and day out my mom work tirelessly as a hair stylist always accommodating her clients requests no matter the time day or night. Even today she still works harder than her counterparts more than half her age. She is someone everyone can learn from and I am grateful every day to have that opportunity. My days being a caddie, my father, and my mother are the most influential people and points in my life that have shaped who I am as a businessman and the reasons for the success of my business. People want to be heard and feel that their voice matters, we want to be special. Add that inherit trait, along with buying or selling the biggest asset in one’s life, it is a great responsibility and one that should be taken seriously. From my father, mother and my lessons on the golf course I have learned that my clients should be treated with the utmost respect and given what we call today the VIP treatment. Listening intently to their needs, going above their expectations, and dedicating as much time as is necessary to make their dreams a reality. For me that would not have been realized or ingrained in me if it was not for my father, mother, and for my time being a caddie at Medinah Country Club. That is what has given me good luck and what helps me overcome the obstacles of bad luck.
Contact Info:
- Address: 1413 N. Bosworth Ave.
Unit 1 - Website: defalkenberg.com
- Phone: 312-523-7531
- Email: glenn@cbexchange.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/g_thechicagorealtor/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GlennChicagoBroker/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/ChicagoGlenn
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/glenn-de-falkenberg-chicago
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