Todd Carpenter is an industry consultant and owner of Bizomi Consulting. He blogs at the Lenderama blog, which he created and maintains.
Carpenter will speak during Bloggers Connect at Real Estate Connect in San Francisco, July 23-25, 2008.
He answered a set of questions posed by Inman News:
What do you see happening in the real estate market in 2008?
Signs of life. I think the bad news has ebbed, and we’ll see a slow recovery in 2008.
What advice do you have to help real estate agents and brokers get through this market?
Stop telling clients that they are experts and start proving it. The whole industry has been dragged through the mud and it’s important to show clients how you are different.
What was your first job?
My first job in the mortgage industry was a summer job during high school where I was a "gofer." "’Go-fer this, Go-fer that.’" (Think paid intern.)
What made you get into real estate?
I was born into the real estate industry. I decided to start my consulting company after having my own success in using Web technology to market. I knew this would be valuable for other real estate professionals as well.
What’s been your biggest challenge in running the business?
Accounting. It’s easy to be good at one thing, but when you start a business, you have to be good at lots of little things. Accounting is the one that’s hardest for me.
If you had one thing to do over again in your life, what would it be?
Yesterday’s lotto numbers! Hindsight is always 20/20, but I don’t think much about it. My goal is to always move forward.
What style of home do you live in and when did you buy it?
I live in a town home on the western edge of suburban Denver. Been there since 2003. For me, location is far more important than the house itself.
What lesson did you learn in the last year?
"Surround yourself with the best people you can find, delegate authority, and don’t interfere" — a quote from Ronald Reagan.
What would your second career choice be?
I’d like to be an architect. I like to design houses as a hobby. I have no idea if they’re structurally sound, but it’s still fun.
What kind of music do you listen to?
Everything. Really.
Who are your heroes?
My mom and dad.
Hear Carpenter 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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