Name: Christopher Leon
Job Title: Realtor
Company: Ancona Real Estate
What was your first job in the real estate industry? Rental agent
Where did you grow up? Miami, FL
Growing up, what did you want to be? Growing up, I wanted to help people and protect them. It’s what led me to enlist in the U.S. Army at the age of 19.
What do you do to relax when you’re stressed? I like to play golf and enjoy a nice afternoon with my family.
If you could have lunch with a well-known figure (living or not), who would it be and why? Grant Cardone and Fredrick Ekland, simply because these two gentlemen have taken nothing and made it into something through sheer innovation, determination and motivation – even through the toughest of times.
Where is your favorite place to hang out? Either the golf course or watching a movie at home.
What do you love most about the industry? What I love the most about the industry is that it is so versatile. You never know who you will meet and what they will need from you. You can easily be meeting a first-time home buyer or a seasoned investor. It truly is an industry of mystery and truthfully, quite enjoyable!
How do you distinguish yourself from the crowd of agents? As a veteran, I have the discipline and attention to detail that most do not have. Not only can I multi-task, but I take care of business in a timely fashion and I don’t procrastinate and wait for things to happen. This is especially beneficial to my clients because I can make the already lengthy process seem, or even be, extremely quick!
What is the most difficult aspect of your job? I would say the unsureness of income coming in, especially when you start off in the business. Before I got my license and truly learned what it meant to be successful realtor, I thought that buyers would just pour into your office or call your phone non-stop and beg you to sell them a house (exaggerated a little bit there). But now that I have been in the business for some time, I can see that the unknowing of if you will be able to pay bills is real. The key to control this is to always put yourself out there, no matter if you feel you will fail. Failure is life’s way of teaching you what not to do. Use it and better yourself and you will be just fine!
Where do you go to network and meet new clients? I usually attend regular networking events and always have my business cards on me. I leave them with the people I encounter and make myself available to all who need my assistance.
What has been your greatest accomplishment? Serving my country has been one of my greatest accomplishments, but marrying the love of my life and us bearing our two children has become my sole reason to be successful and provide them the life they deserve. They are my rock and my support through the toughest times and I truly cannot imagine my life without them.
What was the last good movie you saw or book you read? The last good movie I saw was “Bohemian Rhapsody.” It truly captured the emotions of Freddie Mercury and allowed us to feel as if we were part of his life. I was astonished and quite surprised at how emotional the movie was and the massive potential and talent that was Freddie Mercury!
What is your favorite restaurant? The Bahama Breeze and The Fish House are by far my favorite restaurants!
Architecturally speaking, what is your favorite building in Miami? I have seen quite a lot of magnificent buildings in my life but none like 1000 Museum by Zaha Hadid. The elegance and the impossible way that the building twists and turns makes this a remarkable sight and an honor to be inside of.
What kind of car do you drive? 2014 Cadillac ATS
Smartphone or paper? Smartphone. I love my Apple iPhone and have been a loyal customer since 2011.
What is your favorite city after Miami? New York City, although I have not visited the city yet. Honolulu is also one of my favorites.
In 10 words or less, what is your advice for someone new to the industry? Work hard and don’t stop!
What’s your favorite real estate iPhone/Android app? HomeSnap is a great app and allows me to view multiple properties without having to sign into the MLS.