Greg Tracy is president of BlueRoof360.com, an online real estate platform that offers Realtors and brokers custom Web sites, lead and business management systems, and a community area for networking and learning.
BlueRoof360 spun off Tracy’s Salt Lake City-based brokerage company, BlueRoof.
Tracy, a real estate industry veteran who founded BlueRoof, is now devoted to the new venture.
He will speak at Real Estate Connect in San Francisco, July 23-25, 2008.
Tracy answered a set of questions posed by Inman News:
What do you see happening in the real estate market in 2008?
First off, I would say there is no national real estate market, as real estate is local. It is also cyclical, so whatever part of the cycle a particular market is currently in, it will continue to cycle through. I would also remind everyone that a market that is not necessarily good for sellers is actually a good market for buyers — and vice versa.
What advice do you have to help real estate agents and brokers get through this market?
Utilize technology, brand yourself and put in the work.
What was your first job?
I worked as a dishwasher when I was 15. When I was 16, I had worked my way up to night manager at a fast-food restaurant and thought I had it made. It sure was nice not having any bills.
What sparked the idea to start your company?
Real estate professionals have turned to template Web sites and third-party listing aggregation Web sites for their online presence and it hurts them in the long run. We have created another option — a custom Web site at a price people can afford.
What’s been your biggest challenge in running the business?
So far, our biggest challenge has been keeping up with demand, which is a good problem to have, but it does require attention.
If you had one thing to do over again in your life, what would it be?
Professionally, I’ve done very well and have no regrets. As for my personal life, choosing just one would be the challenge.
What style of home do you live in and when did you buy it?
I bought a rambler with an amazing view and a lot of space back in 2006. It’s a good home for entertaining and my neighbors are great.
What worries keep you awake at night?
My daughters, mostly.
What lesson did you learn in the last year?
With this, my second start-up, I’m focusing on not being so much the perfectionist. It’s definitely a process for me. I expect a lot from other people and from myself, and I don’t necessarily want to let that go, but rather balance it with more understanding and patience.
What would your second career choice be?
I have a list of businesses I’d like to start.
What kind of music do you listen to?
All kinds — I mostly listen to jazz, but I like Dave Mathews Band, Jack Johnson, and I love ’80s rock (I grew up on that stuff).
Who is your hero?
My father — the greatest man I know.
Hear Tracy speak at Real Estate Connect in San Francisco, July 23-25, 2008. The conference program and registration are available online via the Connect Web site .
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