Matt Keeton | Modtown Realty

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How long have you been in the industry and how did you first get started in real estate?

I've been licensed and full-time in real estate for roughly six months. Prior to that I spent over a decade in healthcare and fitness-related fields. Early in college, I had an interest in architecture and real estate but decided to pursue healthcare and fitness instead. Throughout my career [in those fields], I maintained an interest in real estate and spent some of my spare time getting hands-on with a friend of mine who was remodeling his home as well as several others in the Dallas area over those years. Not only that, my dad has been a lender for 13 years and as I had conversations with both my friend and my dad I realized I could help people through real estate and simultaneously create a better opportunity for my family.

What's your favorite real estate catchphrase or words to live by?

There's a lot of fluff out there. People can see through that and don't want any part of it. As long as you are authentic in connecting with people and have a genuine interest in understanding what someone needs and wants, you will have the ability to truly help someone.

What's the most interesting or most important thing you've learned in a real estate continuing education course?

The most interesting thing I have learned is the analytics behind social media usage and conversion rates in marketing.

What do you consider your greatest accomplishment during your time in real estate?

Helping someone accomplish their dream of owning a home to grow their family and their wealth.

What is the trait you most admire in other real estate agents or brokers?

First, the ability to really connect with and care for people. That has always been something that I have personally valued in a culture where we are increasingly less connected relationally and it has been something I have strived to be intentional with in my life both personally and professionally. Secondly, discipline. The reality of it is that it takes time management and consistency to be successful in real estate and you don't always feel like it or some seasons can be slower than others. For someone to maintain discipline around that is admirable and something I'm aiming to grow in.

What books, websites or courses do you recommend to those in the real estate industry and why? (Please write at least two sentences.)

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey.

What advice do you have for new agents who are just starting out in the business?

First, be who you were created to be. Don't try to be like someone else. Be true to who you are and your values. Secondly, find someone who will mentor you that you respect and is great at what they do. Thirdly, patience and perseverance are key because it takes some time to build a real estate business.