#008 - Jordan Graves - Vid Audio - Final
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Jordan: [00:00:00] So, recently my fiance actually saw your post. Okay. I think I probably called her within an hour. Yeah. Um, and I don't think she answered, but like, I loved her voicemail. And if you don't have proper systems put into place, you know, so many things fall through the cracks.

Parkes: Today's guest is someone I've known way back since high school, Jordan Graves. Jordan is a real estate agent. With REMAX and uses social media to attract clients and build his business. We're diving into his journey, how he jumps over the competition and the strategies he's using to turn content into clients.

All right. Jordan, welcome to the podcast. Thanks. Thanks for having me. So start by telling us a little bit about yourself and how you guys made it to real estate. 

Jordan: Yeah. Uh, my name is Jordan Graves. Obviously I work with REMAX real estate center. Um, I've been there just a couple of months now. How's that for a little bit here?[00:01:00] 

Um, and they locally have just shut down, just in the Des Moines market. Um, in March, it will be my official two year mark in real estate. So, it's been a fun journey so far. Yeah. Cool. So, what did you do before real estate? Um, let's see. So, I started landscaping. Um, when I got back from college, where I played baseball for a year at Creston, South Washington Community College.

Um, played baseball there for a year. Loved it. I would, I would say personally, I don't know if others would agree, but Um, playing some of the best baseball in my life. And it just got to the point where, like, the hours that you're putting in, it's just like, man, I could go be making money right now. And I didn't see myself making it much past maybe JUCO baseball.

Like, not to, you know, the major leagues or anything like that. So, I was like, let's just go try out. The job field and I kind of had always been intrigued to do real estate. So, um, not to jump forward, but yeah, so after, after [00:02:00] Juco, um, after one year and at SWCC, I came back, um, got an apartment in Ankeny, went to DMACC for another year.

Still realize like, yeah, school's not my thing. What were you studying? Um, just, just basically a law degree. 

Parkes: What was your first experience in real estate? 

Jordan: Buying, selling? Oh, um. Yeah, so I, my first client, um, was a good friend of mine and he purchased, he was a first time homebuyer and purchased his first, um, first property.

So, um, he still lives in there to this day. It's coming up close on two years. Um, so that was really my personal first experience in real estate. Like, before that, you know, I never had, although it's always intrigued me to invest in real estate, kind of how I got into this too. Um, but that was really like my first.

experience in real estate. Um, you know, cause like I said, I haven't bought any properties. Um, yeah. Cool. Uh, 

Parkes: who do you work with most? Do you work with a lot of [00:03:00] first time homebuyers? Yeah, 

Jordan: first time homebuyers and buyers specifically. I mean, I, I just got a, uh, one of my listings under contract this morning.

So I got to work with, I'll work with sellers, but buyers are definitely my sweet spot. Um, and first time homebuyers to be specific. It's just. I can resonate with them really well, obviously my age, um, and then, you know, it's an experience that I've encountered so many times now throughout my career that I just slowly started to grow the confidence to continue to work with first time homebuyers, and like the experience that is shared amongst everybody throughout the transaction, it's really special.

What's been one 

Parkes: of the most rewarding deals or client stories in your 

Jordan: career so 

Parkes: far? 

Jordan: I would have to say probably my first one. Um, that was I, I got licensed, licensed probably, I think it was like March 10th of 2023. Um, by March 17th, I think I had my first dealer. And it was with my friend. I mean, [00:04:00] he was kind of waiting on me to get my license so he could buy his house.

His lease was coming up on his apartment. And, um, he was like, Hey, when you get your license, I'll buy a house. So, um, that was really special for me just because I knew like even prior to starting real estate officially, I have that support. So, um, we started shopping immediately. Once I got my license, I was like, open the lockbox, get my phone connected to it.

Um, start shopping with him. We looked at a couple of houses and, you know, obviously I was pretty fresh. So like things that we were, he was seeing, I was seeing for the first time too. Um, and, and it was really fun and then we finally found one and he got under contract and closed three days later and, um, it was just like, wow, you know, like that was all within a month, you know, inspections, shopping for a closing gift, like stuff like that, like, 

Parkes: it was fun, it was fun, you know.

Your bio emphasizes a relationship first approach. Mm hmm. Can you share a story where building a strong client relationship, you know, made the difference? 

Jordan: Yeah, [00:05:00] certainly. Um, there's a chiropractor in Antuna, um, right next to my old office and Kodo Maker is shut down. So, um, I was moving all my stuff out of there and I had, uh, I gave all my buyers, buyers packets and I gave all my sellers, sellers packets.

And I had this buyer's packet that I didn't really want to throw away, you know? And I went next door and talked to, um, actually got adjusted from the chiropractor, Dr. Duke. And, um, I was like, man, I don't really want to throw this away. I haven't seen them in a while. I know they just moved to the area. He just started a business.

I mean, I know they're renting. Like, I mean, I was talking about the basics. And, um, I said, yeah, I don't want to, I don't want to waste this. So, I went over there and just said, hey guys, you know, it's me. And I gave him my virus packet. And they were like, that's so crazy. You know, we've been shopping on Zillow a little bit for homes.

And just, you 

Parkes: know, 

Jordan: just browsing. And I was like, oh, wow, this, this is rewarding. This is pretty cool. Um, so I went in there and just, he's in Altoona, so I, you know, [00:06:00] regularly go see him and, you know, continue to build that client relationship with him, but it's also kind of transitioned into a friendship too, which has been really special.

Parkes: That 

Jordan: is cool. Yeah. What do you think 

Parkes: is one of the biggest misconceptions people might have about buying or something? Hmm. 

Jordan: I feel like, you know, some first time homebuyers and, like, us as realtors, it's our job to educate our clients, right? I feel like some, some people, Um, you know, they throw their talent in the ring without even, you know, giving themselves an opportunity to buy a home.

I think, in first time homebuyers really in specific, I feel like they just think they're not in maybe a financial position to be able to do so. And, like I said, like they just don't give themselves the opportunity, but had they reached out to a realtor, had they reached out to the mortgage lender, they might have been able to really Oh, man, like this, I can do this, you know, so I think a lot of people think that, you know, buying a house is so difficult and it's so expensive and, [00:07:00] you know, there's so many programs and grants available that, you know, hopefully help take the ease off a little bit.

Yeah, that's cool. 

Parkes: Des Moines is a growing market. What trends are you seeing and how should buyers and sellers prepare for the next? 

Jordan: Great question. Uh, yeah, even in the past 30 days. Um, really since, right after the first of the year, um, I think people, you know, it was after the holidays, people were waiting to see what happened with the election and all that stuff, and then right after that happened, I think people realized that, okay, not much has changed.

We do want to buy a house, we do want to sell our house, um, and it's gotten really, really, really busy. Um, like I just said earlier, I got listed under contract this morning, like, I was getting consistent traffic through my open houses and private showings and stuff like that. So I mean, I think, I think the traffic has picked up quite a bit, which, which will be fun.

Um, you know, I think I'm showing buyers some houses right now and they'll send it to me on a Wednesday and schedule it for [00:08:00] Thursday because it went on the market on Wednesday. Well, by the time I go and schedule it or by the time we go get ready to put a seat on Thursday, it's already pending. So I mean, things are really picking up and, um, I think if you're a seller, it's a great time to sell.

I think if you're a buyer, it's a good time to buy. So. Yeah. What strategies do you use to market homes? Hmm. Instagram. Um, I've really, I really have leaned into Instagram heavily lately. Um, I have a friend out in Washington, his name is Waheed. He has 27, 000 followers on Instagram and at first it was, I think we talked about this, you know, I just reached out to him one day, I was like, dude, you have really cool content, like how, how do you do this stuff?

How do you do this stuff? And he kind of slowly started talking to me a little bit more and I realized, like, holy crap, this guy really does. Like, gain credibility, he gets clients all from what he posts on social media. So, um, I reached out to him, like I said, and I was like, Hey, how do you do all this stuff?

And he told me, um, so I think my marketing strategies would [00:09:00] probably, obviously I'm younger, so I can, I can really lean into the social media side of things and, you know, help. Cause, you know, you, when I really released your home, it's posted on the MLS, which then the MLS feeds Zillow, Roader. com, Homes. com, Redfin, all those third party search portals.

But what those don't automatically post to social media, Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, you know, so let's just say a home is being 20, 000 followed or 20, 000 views on a third party search portal. Well, if you can just post that to Instagram and TikTok, you know, and let's just say you're averaging, I don't know, 2, 000 views.

You know, on each platform, that's 4, 000 more eyeballs that saw you and Mr. Seller's property. You know, that just gives you another opportunity to sell your home for, in the quickest amount of time, for the most amount of money. How do you make it stand out? Uh, I jump over houses. Um, yeah, that's something I've really, I've done a lot lately.

I think one time I saw it, this guy jumped over like the Eiffel Tower. [00:10:00] And then show it how he did it, like through a tutorial, and I was like, I can do that on a house. I can do that. So I did it once, and like a lot of people loved it, and I was like, man, I can keep doing that. But also, I don't like to be overwhelming on Instagram too.

Um, you know, I don't want people to unfollow me because like, gosh, this guy posts a lot. 

Parkes: Um, 

Jordan: so I try to add value too. You know, like I'll do different home, home tour videos when it's not happening over a house. Or, um, like I've done a couple ones where it's You know down payment on this house could be, you know, just kind of informative as well But I like to keep it fun because I think anybody who knows me personally know that I like to make things fun I think I have a pretty good personality for stuff like that.

So, um, Yeah, standing out and jumping over houses is pretty fun. Um, and then really just trying to keep it professional too like I've definitely done some unprofessional things on Instagram for real estate too, but the professional stuff it makes me Look is [00:11:00] more of the professional that I am which I think then portrays to my audience and my potential clients and my current clients that Wow, you know what he is good at what he does.

He he does what he says he's gonna do So yeah, 

Parkes: how about how often do you post like you said that you don't want to be overwhelming? Yeah, how many posts are you posting? So 

Jordan: in a day or like a week? Okay, let's go a week Um, I usually post I try to do at least three to four times a week maybe I'll bump it up to five if I'm like Really getting out there and filming videos, but yeah, three to four.

Um, and maybe I'll do like two back to back days, not do one, then do another one, then not do one and then do another one. So just cause like. It slowly just starts to kind of form a cycle of like people who are following me continuously see my content and people who haven't followed me yet, if I keep posting more consistently, they'll, I'll continue to come up, you know, on their algorithm.

And then that algorithm will then keep pushing them back to my page, [00:12:00] which then hopefully at one point in time, I'll convert them to a client. Right. So yeah, three or four times a week, that's 

Parkes: it. How would you say, like, what would you say the funnel is from your Instagram to a client, you know, like how, what are those steps from somebody seeing your content to actually become?

Jordan: Yeah. Um, so far, like I haven't had really anybody, you know, outside of people that I do know reach out to me and be like, Hey, you know, I saw your, I saw your post. I want to check out that house or I want to start shopping for a house. Haven't been that lucky yet. Um, but what I have noticed is people who I do know who do follow me.

It's been like kind of like a reminder to them. Like, oh, yeah, Jordan does real estate. I see stuff all the time. Go ahead. 

Parkes: So, recently my fiancée actually saw your post. Okay, yeah. Popped up on her feed. Yeah, yeah. And I don't remember if she liked it or what happened, but somehow, maybe she fell in before?

Yeah. Oh, yes, yes, yes. Are you looking at ads? 

Jordan: Yeah, yeah. Uh, no, so that wasn't an ad. I think she maybe probably clicked on my link [00:13:00] tree or something like that. Maybe something like that in my bio. Yeah, and then. Um, yeah, that's a great example. It sends an email right to my phone, which then I can, I can follow up with her.

You know, I think I probably called her within an hour. Um, and I don't think she answered, but like, I left her a voicemail. Um, and then she texted me and told me who she was. I was like, oh, okay, that's so funny. But yeah, I mean, the funnel, if somebody clicks on a link, or Because I don't really have the systems in place to where it's like, you know, automatically doing those things for me.

I still like to have my personal touches because those are important, you know. Nobody wants to speak to a robot directly. Especially from the first couple touches is what we call, you know, of trying to gain some clientele. So, yeah, I just phone call, text, email. I don't really like to email. If I could get you on the phone, that'd be ideal.

So, yeah, if somebody clicks on a link, give them a call. Um, if somebody shoots me a DM, immediately ask for their phone number cause he wants a good time to talk to them. So, try to get the personal connection with them first and then I can start, [00:14:00] um, you know, nurturing them a little bit. I think a lot of 

Parkes: people 

Jordan: are 

Parkes: very skeptical or not untrustworthy, but they are slow to trust.

What would you say that is? Yeah, yeah, and So I would say like I've been doing a lot of sales for, um, my buddy, Sean Severs, he's in Phoenix and my rule of thumb says three to five within the first 24 hours because I give him a call, I send an email, send a text message, send a Facebook message. Yeah.

Because. A lot of these people aren't seeing it, are too busy, or they forget it. Yeah. And, so three to five before you get, before you give up on the offer first. Yeah. But, uh, I thought it was really cool how, uh, she had followed through that funnel from seeing it, clicking on the link, getting an email or, or a text message or [00:15:00] call.

Mm hmm. So, keep it up. 

Jordan: Yeah, yeah. I, I don't know, I think, I think in real estate it's like, I can't remember what it is. I want to say like eight. before you finally convert them to like a client. So, you know, and sometimes you can get lucky if you have good personality and you know, you instantly build that connection with them where they, where they do like you and trust you, then it might, you know, knock a few notches off, but like, it's all about, I think how you first approach them.

Like if you're too overwhelming and they're more of a. Like a corner person, you know, like you got to match, you know, you got to match them a little bit. So, but if they're super energetic and they're like, yeah, let's go. I want to buy a house. Then you match it to them. Let's go look right now. Like, what are you doing?

Even though it's 8 PM, you know, just, just make it fun and make it personal. What kind of maps are energy? Yeah. 

Parkes: Uh, what kind of content do you find most effective for attracting buyers and stuff? So you mentioned professional and then not professional. Yeah. What have you found that's worked best in the 

Jordan: mix of both?

Yeah. I think, [00:16:00] I think mixing in both of, both of mine has worked pretty well because I mean, really, I only do the two style of content, two style of content right now, so I get a little bit more comfortable doing stuff like this, you know, sit down, um, but like, yeah, so I do my home tours and then. And that's just a normal, you know, Hey, come check out with 679, 000 from D.

U. in Carbondale, Iowa. Walk with me. At the end of all my clips. Or my intros. And then, um, If I don't do that normal intro, then I'll jump over to the house and I think mixing in both of those has really benefited me just because I can still show, like, like I said, I'm a professional, but at the same time I can also have a little fun with it too.

Definitely make fun. Yeah, and I think they, they both look really, they, they both worked really well for me. 'cause, I mean, I've had this conversation with numerous people and like, if there's a person out there that says, like, if they were scrolling on Instagram or TikTok and they saw a really cool house.

Like if they didn't at least stop and [00:17:00] watch it for a couple of seconds, like they'd probably be lying, you know, like people like looking at, at cool homes, you know, even if it's not a cool home, if it's a 125, 000 house in Des Moines Isle by the fairgrounds, like you want to see, you know, what, what that looks like.

So I think that's where I've had really good success just to cure you out, cure you out of some people. I would, I would love to do more sit down content. Yeah. But. It's just, I don't know, and it's weird, because I want to say I want to get more comfortable in front of a camera, but lately all I've done is spend time in front of a camera, you know?

Yeah, I don't 

Parkes: know what you mean, dude. Yeah, 

Jordan: right, but it's just like, just sitting down, I don't know, like, when I, uh, when I'm doing the sit down content, like I have a camera in front of my face, I've noticed a couple times where I tend to, like, look like I'm reading off a script, and I've had my facial expressions, like, just So, um, I really want to work, work on getting better at that.

Like there's some lady, she's a famous really [00:18:00] makes a lot of content. And she's in Georgia and to help her get over that stuff. Like she puts like stuffed animals behind the camera and pretends that she's talking to stuff. So yeah, I got, I just got to figure out something that works for me and just do it.

Yeah. I, 

Parkes: uh, so I just got back from Oregon. I did a production for storyline marketing out there and Something that helped a lot of the guys that their shop guys, they're not wanting to be posting stuff on social media, but we want to, we want to create a brand and an identity for their shop. And so it's really important.

And what helps is having them look at me behind the camera and giving them lots of affirmations like, Ooh, good point. Like, yeah, keep it up. Yeah. 

Jordan: So I can see that. Yeah. 

Parkes: But the stuffed animal idea, that's, that's funny. 

Jordan: It's funny, and I can definitely see it working, but like, I don't, I wouldn't want somebody to like walk by my office and be like, uh, what, what 

Parkes: is he doing?

[00:19:00] So, something that might help is trying to envision like you're talking to a client, like a prospector. Yeah. I'm talking to a prospector. I'm talking to you. Yeah, exactly. Picture their face. Yeah, yeah. Have you ever closed a deal or made a connection through social media like, you know, the Kaylee? Yes, um, 

Jordan: I, I would like to think so, yeah, there was a, there was a client of mine who messaged me on Facebook, who, a little friend of mine, um, that I used to hang out with, you know, my younger baseball days and stuff like that, and reached out to me and, um, I would love to think it's because, like, I was continuously posting on Instagram and Facebook and stuff like that, that it was, like, sort of a reminder of what I was doing.

Um, so I would like to think that is why, you know, she reached out to me. I could be wrong and maybe I just got lucky. Is that trackable? So 

Parkes: like for Kaylee's scenario? Yeah. Could you see that [00:20:00] she came from Instagram? Yeah, 

Jordan: I think it said, I think it said Link Tree or something like that, which is in my Instagram bio.

Is it 

Parkes: only in your Instagram bio or do you I don't think it's in my 

Jordan: Facebook. Yeah, I don't think it's in my Facebook, so. Mm-hmm . Um. Yeah, I think it would have had to have been from Instagram links. Where do you get most of your clients help? Um, great question. Uh, some of it has been referral so far, which, um, I've been very happy about.

You know, obviously that makes me feel like I'm doing my job pretty good. You know, if people are like, yeah, you know, you need to, you need to go to Georgia if you need anything real estate. Um, and then how blessed with so many amazing friends and family members that are always pushing to, you know, Help me achieve my goals.

So, you know, my mom, my mom, my dad, like they're two of the biggest supporters. Like there was one time there was a Facebook post about somebody asking about real estate photography. Um, and they wanted to sell their home on their own for sale to the owner. [00:21:00] And then both my parents were in the comments like you should just get a hold of my, my son and see how he does his marketing, you know, the, the, the videos.

Um, so my parents, friends, uh, it's been, it's been really good just to have them. I guess my referral partner, so, um, but other than that, um, this year lately, I, I, I mean just beginning of the year really, it's been, I did a lot of open houses last year, um, last year was a point in my life where I wanted to make that next jump into real estate, um, so, you know, for a while I was cold calling, I was door knocking, um, and I think when I was doing that last year, I think, you know, I think my, my heart was recognized.

And now I'm slowly getting a little bit more busy, so it's been fun so far. This has been a good start of the year, and I think it's because of the hard work I put in last year. 

Parkes: What do you think are some of the things that a seller would benefit going to a [00:22:00] Realtor versus doing it? 

Jordan: I think the exposure.

I think the exposure is very, very important. Like I said earlier, you know, like, if you list a home on the MLS, it's then, you know, fed into Realtor. com, Homes. com, Zillow, Redfin. Fed into automatically. You know, and, and then, you know, I think you have 30, 000 realtors in, you know, in the DMARC. Um, maybe that's in Iowa.

I 

Parkes: can't remember. 

Jordan: But, um, whatever it is, you know, I mean, that's, that's just ample amount of exposure for your property. And, you know, if you and I were, if you were a realtor as well, and you're in my office, texting, some of my friends right now are in my office, and they have this really, really, really nice house that's going up for sale.

Um, And I was like, it's a low, it's a lower price point. I was like, you know, I have to have a buyer somewhere for that, somewhere in my contacts, in my CRM, in my Instagram. So, I mean, without that connection, you know, like they said, Hey, we're bringing this house in the market. [00:23:00] We're going to film a video there now.

Um, taking photos of it, you know, gave me the address, gave me the specs of the home and I'm like, yeah, I have to have a buyer for that somewhere. So, I mean, just, just having that opportunity to, and the house isn't even listed yet, you know. So, uh, I mean, if they can get the house sold before it even hits the market, that's a huge win for the sellers.

Um, so that's why I think it's really important, just because, you know, the people, people in the office talk, you know, and then depending on who those other people in the office have connections with, they might say, Hey, Parks, you know, I know you're at blah, blah, blah, real estate, but my friend, one of my coworkers has this property come for sale.

I remember you posted on Facebook that you had a buyer meet. For something, and this seems like it would really fit that, why don't you check it out and the next thing you know, you're like, hey, Jordan, my buyer does love that house, and it's not even on the market yet, so, it's just generating the opportunity to get that house sold before it even hits the market, you know, and then not to mention when it does hit the market and [00:24:00] then it's pushed out to all those portals and it's pushed out to all the realtors, it's, I think it's great.

Yeah, that's a good question. So

Parkes: you've been doing this for two years now? Coming up on two years, yep. What advice would you give to a real estate agent that wants to start out in the industry? 

Jordan: Um, be ready. It can be a super fun job, and it can also be a very stressful job. Like I said, this is the busiest I've been so far in my career, and I think it's because I put in a lot of hard work last year.

I'm now busier and it's way more stressful, you know, and I'm at the point where I just talked about this today. I don't, I don't have a transaction coordinator. I don't have an assistant. I've been doing everything on my own. So, tonight I have to go show house at 7. Probably be there for 30 minutes.

[00:25:00] Probably be a 30 minute drive home. Cause we home at 8 o'clock. Well, what happens if they want to submit an offer? Then you're going to be up for another hour, you know, 45 minutes an hour. Depending on how fast you can write the offer. Um, and then you're, that's, that's nine o'clock, you know, you haven't even eaten dinner, showered, you know, spent time with your family yet.

So it can be really long hours, but I mean, if you're good at managing your time, it can be very beneficial. And I, a lot of people are like, this is the most stressful job you'll ever do. And my first year and a half, I didn't really believe it. And I was like, yeah, yeah, this is pretty stressful sometimes, but I think I can manage it for the most part.

And then you have a bunch of different, you know, balls that you're juggling, and it's like, Oh, gosh, you know, that slipped through the crack. This person's mad at me. I forgot to get that signed. It, it, that's, that's when it gets really stressful. And then you're chasing paperwork. You're trying to get somebody to answer the phone because you need them to answer the phone immediately because You're closing tomorrow and this [00:26:00] thing needs signed tonight and they won't answer the phone.

Maybe they went out of town for the week, you know. It's just a bunch of different things that, you know, can delay a lot of stuff. And it's not just going to be for you or your client, you know. There's people on the other side of the transaction too that will also be 

Parkes: impacted. Have you ever considered being a part of a team?

Like, were you a part of a team with Codewell? 

Jordan: Yeah, I was. I, uh, when I first got licensed, um, I, the guy who helped me get a license, his name is AJ Anderson, um, he has been an agent for, gosh, 23, 24 years now, um, he was a baseball coach of mine when I was like, gosh, 8 or 9, 

Parkes: um, 

Jordan: and he, I, I got down to school, um, and I reached out to him, I was like, hey, you know, I want to get my real estate license, will you help me?

Um, and he, he kind of walked me through what the process looks like, um, and, you know, I just took my [00:27:00] test until it passed and then once I did pass, um, I joined his team instantly, um, which he, he was a mentor of mine, you know, a great mentor of mine and it was amazing just to see, you know, how he talks to people.

Um, you know, how he interacts with not even just his clients, but more so just other business people, you know, because it's not just about building relationships with, you know, your clients as well, lenders, appraisers, inspectors, you know, insurance people, because, you know, at some point in time, those people will take care of you too.

So yeah, I joined his team, um, and I loved it. Um, but right out about a year of being in real estate, I was just kind of got to the point where I was like, Hey, I'm going to go do this. I'm going to do it on my own and see how I can do it. You know, and if I can't, then that, that opportunity is always there.

But, so I left AJ's team, um, on good terms. He's still like a person who is my parent's age. He's my best friend, you know, [00:28:00] and, um, left his team. And it's been great ever since it's been, it's been really fun. You know, um, the team aspect is, it's, it's special though, because, you know, you spend a lot of time with somebody, like I said, you learn how they talk to other people, especially if you're a newer, newer agent.

It's good to hear, like I said, how they interact with people. Um, and then, you know, if you're busy and you can't, you can't get something because, you know, you're out of town, or you're tied up with another appointment, there's always another person you can rely on to, um, Hey, can you go show this house? Can you go let this person in this door?

Um, stuff like that, and that's why I think teams are pretty cool. If you had 

Parkes: to give one mindset tip to someone wanting to Succeeded real estate or business in general, 

Jordan: I think it is probably just keeping a calm head I mean, there's a lot of times you'll get frustrated because things don't go you go your way You don't you know, you worked really really hard to get a sale by owner Um to list with you and then you find [00:29:00] out a week later that they listed with somebody else.

Um, you know, that's frustrating You start to think, you know, when you're having that conversation, like, okay, this could work, I'm going to market it this way, I'm going to, you know, send it out to these people before it goes live, um, and then it doesn't happen, you're like, well, that was a waste of time, you know, where you submit an offer in a multiple offer situation where your buyers really, really, really want that house, super bad, and they're at the top of their price range, and you submit an offer for what they feel comfortable with, and they don't get it, you have to be the guy to say, hey, Parks, I'm Didn't work out, man.

Sorry. So, like, that, you know, that's the tough side of things. And, you know, they could be frustrated, they could be understanding. You just never know. Um, and I think that's where it's just important to realize, like, you don't want them to see you frustrated either. Like, you have to be professional. You have to say, you know what, that's fine.

We're gonna go get the next window. You know, we're gonna go find it. That one, that one sucked anyways. You know, you didn't want it that bad. [00:30:00] And you just keep moving forward. Yeah, that's good. What's something you wish you knew when you first started in real estate? Oh man, what is something I wish I knew?

Um, probably how to be more systematic. Um, and it kind of sounds weird, but I've realized since I've been busy that the systems are so important. Um, and if you don't have proper systems put into place, you know, so many things fall through the cracks. Paperwork, clients, potential clients. But if you have those systems put into place, um, then it'll be just fine.

Because I always thought I was a super organized person, you know. Tidy room, all the good stuff. And then like, you get a computer and you have this list of, you know, 300 people that you want to buy a house from at some point in your life. And then you look on Facebook and they bought a house with, you know, somebody else.

And it's like What could I have done differently to, you know, give myself a better chance? And, and I [00:31:00] just think it's all about how you work your systems that you have put into place in order to, you know, make those things happen. So, systems for sure. Um, cause like I said, you, you can think you're going to be the most organized person ever.

And you can be successful in real estate without being organized, but it sure makes it a hell of a lot easier. One of the quotes 

Parkes: I like is that, um, if it has three or more steps, Or you do it three or more times. It should be documented to be delegated or automated. 

Jordan: Yeah, 

Parkes: that's great. 

Jordan: Yeah, that's great.

Yeah, right. That's business. Yeah, and I mean, like we said, you know, it takes a certain amount of touches to get somebody, you know, maybe to transition from a potential client to a client. And let's just say, you know, you did it twice. And then they went to the bottom of your list and you just didn't scroll far enough every day to see them.

Next thing you know, they went out and bought a house without you and you're like, Oh my goodness, they were in my [00:32:00] database. What did I do wrong? Because you didn't follow them for four months, idiot. So If you weren't in real estate, what do you think you'd be doing? Hmm, man. I think I'd probably just be doing a regular job.

You know, I don't know, I was doing landscaping before real estate. That wasn't going to be a forever thing for sure. I was doing it in the summer. Um, to make money for this, for this job. Um, I don't know, man. I like coaching, so I think coaching would be a cool thing for me to get into. Um, but, you know, that'd probably just be more of a side thing.

So, I think I would've just found something that suited me best, whether it's an office job or construction worker. I kind of, I would've just This is pretty different. Yeah, I would've just, I would've just went with the flow. I would've just moved with the flow, I think. Um, found something that I liked and stuck with it.

And who knows, maybe I would've, I don't know, a different world than like a social media influencer. Because I like doing it now. 

Parkes: Um, 

Jordan: yeah, I don't know. Gosh, hit me with the hard ones. I know. A [00:33:00] chef. 

Parkes: A 

Jordan: chef? A chef. Really? I love cooking. Yeah? I love cooking. Yeah. Any cuisine in particular? Man, I've learned a lot of good dishes to cook lately.

Um, thanks to my mom, I like to think I make a really good chicken alfredo. 

Parkes: Um, 

Jordan: other than that, I like making, um, Are you Italian? What? Are you Italian? I just got that question the other day. I don't think so. I don't know. Maybe. Um, I like making fried rice. I like making, um, different sandwiches. Um, yeah, definitely a chef.

Chef, I love cooking food. I love it. And it's weird because I'm not the most pickiest guy ever. But, I really enjoy cooking. What other hobbies do you have? I hang out with my girlfriend. We have a, uh, a dog named Golden Retriever named Paisley. Um, hello. She just turned three. Wow. Yep. Yep. Just turned three.

Um, [00:34:00] I play soccer softball with my friends sometimes in the warm weather. That's, that's something fun to do. And then I love hanging out with all my friends and family. 

Parkes: Um, 

Jordan: get together, watch football. 

Parkes: Um, 

Jordan: I don't, although I really do watch or playing baseball, I don't really watch much baseball. So football is my time to really sit down with my friends, college, NFL.

All of it. So, um, I love golfing too. I'm not a great golfer, but I love golfing. Um, I've taken some lessons. Um, yeah, it's fun. It's a fun thing to do and you can do it with anybody and still have fun. Right. I don't know. It's just being a business owner now. Like, there's so many different things you could be doing than, you know, just doing random stuff.

Mm hmm. That, you know, and it's not, it's all obviously about having a good work life balance too. But, like when I go home, like, you know, I'm just thinking of different things I can do to help myself generate more business. And, it's sometimes maybe it gets a little bit too [00:35:00] overwhelming, you know, because it seems like sometimes that's all I'm thinking about is real estate.

Oh, I get that comment all the time. Yeah, yeah, it's just like you, you just think, just, okay, I can do this and I can do that. What about if I did this differently? 

Parkes: Um, 

Jordan: yeah, so it's just. I don't know, sometimes I'll get sidetracked when I'm doing real estate, and I'll just start thinking of, 

Parkes: you 

Jordan: know, different ways that I can help generate more business.

You know, social media, 

Parkes: um, 

Jordan: I don't, I did cold calling and door knocking, like I said, and it just, it wasn't that fun. You know, um, and I think my big success when I'm finding new clients or building those relationships with people is not through a forced approach most times. Um, but if I can just get in front of them, have a conversation with them, um, I can then match their energy, kind of figure out what type of level they're on and then from there, um, hopefully get a little bit [00:36:00] closer.

As you've gotten 

Parkes: deeper and deeper into real estate, it's a business, it's your business. As you've gotten deeper and deeper into your business, have there, has there been things that you've had to cut out of your life?

Jordan: I wouldn't say cut out, but I would say like definitely have to realize that some things aren't as important as, you know, running a business. Um, like I love to go to the gym later in the afternoon because I, you know, I feel like that's, you know, you've been moving all day, you've eaten a couple of meals, you're strong as well.

Like tonight, if I go to, I'm going to that showing at 7 p. m. So if I go to that showing at 7 p. m. I'm doing this with you, where's my time to go to the gym, because I work all the whole time leading up to this, so now I have to go to the gym in the morning. You have to [00:37:00] completely just switch things around and make sure it works for your schedule, because in real estate it can be all over the place.

Um, you know, and then on the weekends, you know, sometimes you want to have a little fun, and it's hard to, you know, because one, you can't make a fool out of yourself. Two, um, I like to do open houses, it's a great way to Um, generate exposure for your listings and as well as meet buyers, you know, if somebody's coming to an open house, they're probably want to buy a home.

So um, why not go to an open house and meet somebody like that? And if you know, if you go there and you had a little bit too much fun the night before and you're not going to be sure. So um, yeah, so I've cut back on that a little bit too. Yeah. I've had my fair share. 

Parkes: Yeah. 

Jordan: Right. 

Parkes: It's been a topic recently for me is it's not that I don't enjoy those things.

It's just the prioritization of what's going to help move me towards my goal. Yeah, 

Jordan: yeah, right, exactly. Like that's what me and Sidney, we've [00:38:00] talked numerous times about. Man, we're still so young, you know, if we don't go out and do all these things anymore, and you know, we'll see other people out doing those things.

And man, you know, that looks like so much fun. And then, I'm like, ah, I gotta wake up early and go to the gym so that I can go to my open house on a Sunday. So, that stuff, you know, but it also, I think, to play devil's advocate, like, you know, going out and hanging out with friends on a weekend. That's another opportunity for me to go, um, you know, meet new people and, you know, that's what helps kind of keep my business afloat is, you know, meeting new people and generating and building those relationships.

So it's kind of sometimes like a slippery slope there, but you have to kind of make sure you're still, like you said, you know, 

Parkes: moving the needle. Definitely. What's your best piece of advice you've ever received about real estate or business in general? Since 

Jordan: we're in, since I'm in this business, you know, and there's a lot of emotion involved in it.

Most of the time, you know, like I said, losing, losing out on [00:39:00] a deal that you really want, a house that you really wanted isn't all that fun, you know, or you have your house listed and you get an offer that your clients aren't going to be real happy with, right? Um, and you have to, you have to be the bearer of bad news and tell them, Hey, I'm sorry.

And then if you think they're going to fire back, it's, you know, maybe not be aggressive, you know, but obviously they're going to be pretty upset. Um, it's, it's okay to kind of hold that conversation for just a little bit, you know, let everybody's emotions calm down. Make sure it's not in the heat of the moment exchange, and then from there you can have that simpler conversation because the last thing you want to do is burn a bridge.

So if there's, if emotions are high, you know, people are frustrated, you know, and if it's an emergency thing, obviously do what you need to do. But if it's something that can wait, it can wait. And you can have that conversation when everybody's cooled down, everybody's calm, and that way, like I said, you don't burn the bridge.

So, I think that's one that's really helped me, I [00:40:00] think, because there's, there's some times that I've gotten told something and I'm like, Oh, man, that sucks. Maybe I'll fire back. I'm like, nope, I can't. You know, I just need to let it lay low for a little bit and then from there I can address it. 

Parkes: Do you work with any builders?

Jordan: Yeah, yep, um, I was asked, it was in the summer, I got asked by one of my colleagues to Um, see if I'd be willing to help represent, um, a builder who had some inventory and bought a ramp. Um, obviously from being from outside of town, I think it was a good opportunity for me. Representing a builder was a little bit, um, of a shell shock for me, just because you're, you're constantly doing open houses, you know, and these, these guys want these inventories sold so you can, they can continue to build.

Um, so, like, just going out there every Sunday and hanging out. Uh, one to three, sometimes I got two people through, sometimes I got eight, sometimes I got zero people through. 

Parkes: [00:41:00] Um, 

Jordan: but, you know, you're just there, you're, you're, you're giving yourselves an opportunity to sell their home, which, um, that part I enjoyed, and honestly, you know, new construction homes, for the most part, are pretty, are pretty nice and pretty cool.

Um, so yeah, that part's fun too and then it gives me another opportunity to, uh, promote my listings through social media, which I think that's why I really, really like listings too. Um, cause it's, cause it's when I get to showcase how I kind of market properties, which it's, it's not super unique, right? Um, you know, a lot of people do social media now, a lot of realtors do social media now.

Um, a lot of rumors to social media now too, but it's just, um, about like the different forms of content that you're doing and, you know, how professional can you make them look is I get asked quite a bit, like, Hey, um, how do you film yourself? Who films your stuff? And it's all me. You know, I bought a mic, I bought a gimbal, um, and my iPhone, that's it.

That's all I use. And [00:42:00] it's taken me, I probably posted close to a hundred videos now. And, um, it's taken me this long to kind of figure out how to make the videos smooth and how to make them look professional and, you know, the editing side of things that I can do to just improve them. What's something people might be surprised to 

Parkes: learn about?

Jordan: Hmm, 

that I can't actually jump over houses. Um, I don't know. Um, the jumping over houses thing is, it's gotten, I think it's opened up a lot of potential doors for me. That like. You know, like they're kind of like cracked open and like, eventually I think they'll, they'll open up a little bit more, but like that, it's something that like, I didn't realize I thought I did it once because I thought it was cool.

And like now some people do like just to, you know, be funny and make jokes of it, but I know that I know they're seeing my content then because they're like, Hey, when are you going to [00:43:00] jump over another house? And I'm like, I don't know, you know, but, but I know they've seen the content just because. You know, you're scrolling, you saw me jump around, you probably watched and saw the video too, so, um, yeah, that has opened some new doors for me.

Um, what was your question? What's something that people might be surprised to learn about you? 

I 

feel like the world's best question to ask her. I don't know, man. What do you like best about real estate? What do I like best about real estate? Yeah, yeah, that's perfect. What do I like best about real estate?

Um I like the opportunity to help people out. Um, like I said in the beginning of the career that I was going to go, um, it didn't work out because I wanted people to feel like I was helping. And, I mean, whether it's a first time homebuyer, or, you know, somebody who's bought a home five times, or somebody who's, you know, a first time home seller, or somebody who's sold their house five times, like, those are all [00:44:00] for Different opportunities to really help people out and, you know, I guess kind of share your expertise and that's what I, that's what I really do it about it is just helping people out and I know, I know a lot of real estate agents say, Oh, I, you know, I just want to help people out and it truly is, it's fun to see a first time home buyer.

At the closing table with the lender that helped them, you know, get the money to buy this home and like they're sitting down there and they're kind of nervous, but they're kind of excited. And then, you know, we take a picture and they sent me pictures after they moved in of their furniture and send me a picture and this is broke.

And we're like, Hey, what the heck? 

Parkes: And, 

Jordan: like, that, it truly is a feeling that, I don't know, I haven't really experienced in any other career. Granted, I haven't done very many, but, 

Parkes: um, 

Jordan: it is a lot of fun. It's a lot of fun. Sometimes you have to [00:45:00] swallow your pride, you know? If you messed up, you have to You have to just accept it super, super quick.

There was one time, 

Parkes: um, 

Jordan: this is a funny story, not, not funny at all. Actually, I had a seller who I had the property listed and, um, they had a showing request and that showing request came through. I confirmed it and the buyer showed up with property next day to the property. And I completely forgot to let myself know about that.

Um, obviously somebody showing up to your house on an ounce is not cool. You know. So give me a shot. Right? Um, and so like that happened and I was like, Oh man, that's a, that's a pretty big mess up, you know, that thankfully nothing happened. Everybody was fine. Um, no damage was done. But like, that was a time when I was like, immediately I accepted like, you can't be mad at anybody but yourself, you know, that was your own mess up.

So, um, just immediately owning up on your [00:46:00] actions rather than like trying to make them right and like justify it. Why that happened and you know why it was kind of okay if you really mess up just acknowledge it so 

Parkes: Yeah, I feel like we've both changed quite a bit since high school. Yeah, I've known you since high school.

Yeah Where do you think or what do you think was the biggest thing that's kind of shaped the way that you see like now? In high school. Like what's the biggest difference between the Jojo I knew in high school to the Jordan Graves that I know now? 

Jordan: Yeah, I can assure you to start off, um, 

Parkes: just 

Jordan: grow, going through different stages of my life.

Um, from, you know, high school to then playing baseball in college to now running a business. 

Parkes: Um, 

Jordan: I, I think there's a lot of change and I think just me understanding that, um, I really do want to make an impact on people's [00:47:00] lives. Um, and not that I didn't, you know, when I was in high school and I was Jojo and now I'm Jordan.

Um, not that I didn't want to make an impact on people's lives then, but I definitely want to do now just because I feel like I have more purpose to help people out, um, just from, like, the clients I've seen that I have helped. What kind of nurtured 

Parkes: that growth into wanting to provide that for your clients?

Jordan: Well, if I wasn't going to sign autographs in the MLB, then I still wanted to leave a mark on people. And, uh, that is why, and I know I talk about it so many times, but that's why I keep Relying or, um, going back to first time home buyers is because on average, you know, I would say they're going to buy a couple more homes in their lifetime.

And if I can just be with somebody from the first time they bought their very first house until they're getting ready to buy. This is it. I'm done. This is going to be my dream home. I'm going to live here for the rest [00:48:00] of my life with my family. Just seeing that stuff, um, having the capability to see somebody kind of grow up, I guess you could say.

Like my friends, all of our friends, you know, when they start buying houses, just to see where they started, you know, when we were 20, in our younger 20s to, okay, now you guys are, you know, 40, 50, and you guys just bought your dream home. That, that is what's real special. It's actually funny you ask about why, because I was at a company conference.

My first year in real estate at Coldwell Baker, they had a company conference in Atlanta, Georgia and I went. 

Parkes: And 

Jordan: every different room I walked into with a different, like, instructor talking about different things in real estate and how to generate a business, how to, you know, use systems properly, how to do all these different things, like, I feel like the first or the last question they always ask you is like, what's your why?

Find your why. And it was like a question that I wrote down on my notepad in bold, underlined and circled it in my notebook when I was leaving [00:49:00] Atlanta. I want to go home and find my body. It's tough. It really, that is, it's a loaded question. It's a super loaded question. It definitely is. 

Parkes: I think part of it is trying new things.

Um, like after college, I did a lot of things. I worked for my dad. And we sold motorcycle hauling wheelchairs. And I had all kinds of hats. I was a welder. I was a salesman. I was a marketer. I was I was a shipping person. I did every aspect of it. Um, and then when I left there, I was working in construction management, using my degree.

And I did that, I handled things on site, I handled things in the office, people, that kind of thing. And I think people that are searching for their purpose are inevitably not going to [00:50:00] find it unless they try. Because that's something I struggle with, I would say. I don't know what my why is, I don't know what my purpose is, and like, you'll never find it unless you keep trying.

Yeah, yeah. And when you find something that you find fulfillment in, and it's something admirable. Yeah. That can be your purpose. 

Jordan: I definitely am fulfilled in real estate. Like, I love it. I wouldn't choose to do anything else. I wish I would have done that out of high school, honestly. Um, it's, there's just endless amount of things that can, you know, it can lead towards.

I am a residential real estate agent, right? Well, I had somebody call me who knows a restaurant owner and they wanted to sell the restaurant. Get out of that industry. So, I, I, [00:51:00] I wouldn't be doing them a disservice if I listed a restaurant because I do primarily residential, but I have built a relationship with somebody who does primarily do commercial real estate and I was able to connect those people together and now I think officially as of yesterday or today, like there's a restaurant on the market that, you know, I kind of helped generate that.

So, um, is that something you're interested in getting into? Commercial stuff? Yeah, definitely. Like when, when I had a phone call with the agent yesterday and I just said, Hey, you know, when you start getting some. Traction on this on this restaurant or you know, you have people asking questions of keep me posted on this because I do want to learn Yeah, absolutely.

Um, you know, cuz I think that'll go go beyond just being a commercial real estate You know be you know when I want to start investing more Into real estate, you know, maybe dip into some multifamily Just, I think it's a, [00:52:00] it's an opportunity that, you know, it just doesn't seclude you to residential real estate.

You know, you can go and do commercial, whether it's an apartment, a restaurant, a warehouse, 

Parkes: land, you know, 

Jordan: stuff like that, so. 

Parkes: Something I was just talking about with Darson Grantham was a new, a new thing that he's starting has tried to do is, uh, first time homebuyer workshops. Yeah. Have you ever thought about it?

I 

Jordan: have, I have, I've definitely thought about it. I have a, I have a lender friend of mine, 

Parkes: um, 

Jordan: who he's about our age and he also works a lot with homebuyers and I, I think it'd be really, really cool to, um, do one, you know, even on like an opportunity somewhere. Um, I thought about doing a first time homebuyer seminar just because I, I think it'd be such a good opportunity.

And I think I could have some, some friends just come check out and see, you know, like when I put on my professional suit, what it's like, yeah, right versus Joe, Joe versus Jordan, right? Like when they come and, you know, [00:53:00] they can ask questions and I'd be like happy to answer them. So yeah, I, I definitely, I think it's, it's a really good opportunity to meet, you know, first time homebuyers or just people who are just curious or maybe their parents come and want to hear more.

Yeah. Maybe, you know, it's not like an immediate thing, but they're going to be doing it within the next two to three years, you know. I, and if you can get them informed and educate them now about kind of what it looks like, that way when, when it comes time to actually do it, they'll be more prepared. Yeah.

I think, I think they're really cool. 

Parkes: Yeah. Do you know anybody that, do you know any mail orders that advertise on social media? I think I talked to Darson about it, maybe. Did he, did he say he did? He said he's starting to. Yeah. With his first ever mobile workshop. 

Jordan: Yeah, yeah. Um, I actually met with him. Um, I met with Darson, not directly, but we were at our DMR Realtor [00:54:00] event.

It was, uh, like the annual event that they had hosted. Um, and we sat there and we talked about, um, my social media stuff. And he was like, uh, either him or the gentleman he was with asked if I do any advertising for them. And I was like, No, I really don't, you know, and, uh, I've been able to get some pretty good engagement without advertising them.

Um, so I haven't quite started advertising them quite yet just because I wanted to show myself that I could do it authentically. Um, I mean right now, it's been great so far, I think I have, like I texted you the other day, Um, I think my account reach is at like 40, 000 now, And, or in the last 30 days, you know, so 40, 000 more eyeballs that I, you know, didn't know that I did real estate that now do.

So, I thought about it though, for sure, I definitely thought about it. 

Parkes: Yeah, no, I thought it was interesting, uh, with Darson's concept of advertising the workshop as a free [00:55:00] seminar. Mm hmm. To bring new homebuyers in, provide them value by educating them about their decision 

Jordan: and 

Parkes: process of buying a home.

And even if you converted one of those people that had came to a client, that would make the advertising work. Oh yeah, 

Jordan: absolutely. And then give you just some ad spend, I think would be the proper term there, to do it again. Yeah, I think that they would be great, seriously. Even for just, you know, me being 22, um, you know, knowing so many first time homebuyers or soon to be first time homebuyers.

Um, I think it'd be a great avenue that I could take to really help people understand that, you know, I do want to help them make, you know, the first biggest purchase of their life, I guess. Um, and I'm happy to educate them. Earlier on like what it looks like and then when it comes time to [00:56:00] do it again So if someone's 

Parkes: looking to buy sell or invest, what's the best way to get in touch with me?

Jordan: Yeah, um first to check out my Instagram at the Jordan Graves. Pretty simple. Try to keep it clean And then if they want to call or text me 515 410 6148. Yeah, those are probably the two easiest ways Yeah, appreciate it. Yeah 

Parkes: And that's a wrap for today's episode huge. Thanks to Jordan Graves for Sharing his journey with us and how he's using social media to grow his real estate business Again, as he mentioned you can contact him at the Jordan Graves on Instagram And if you're a business owner looking to level up your marketing look us up PR marketing dash us comm see how we can help We'd love to chat Uh, we can schedule a free demo call, walk you through our whole process, uh, from click to close.

So don't forget, subscribe, leave a review. This would help us out a ton for the podcast, uh, share the episode with [00:57:00] anyone that needs to hear it. And thanks again for tuning in. Catch you in the next one.