We’re looking forward to introducing you to Daniel Wills. Check out our conversation below.
Daniel, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What do you think is misunderstood about your business?
Being a Realtor® is not what most people see us as. We are self-employed, we work for ourselves and do not get paid until we close a deal,. It is a constant daily cycle of self-promotion, self-marketing, self-motivation and the disappointment and rejection that we receive from most of our potential customers can leave you feeling tired and scraping the barrel to stay motivated and driven to keep finding the next sale. This business attracts a lot of people who see this job as an easy option as it allows us to set our own schedule and have no real “boss” to hold us accountable for our business. We can work from home, we can answer or not answer the phone calls we receive. Because of these things that make up what a “Realtor” is, we find ourselves working with and amongst a very diverse group of individuals. Some who are ethical, rule abiding and wonderful collaborators to do business with. The other side of that is meeting people in this business who are the polar opposite of this, who choose not to educate themselves and update their knowledge of the changes occurring in our business on a regular basis, individuals who will not act ethically and look for ways to mislead and misinform their customers and clients. Real estate is a business that is in the news and not usually for any good news, it is constantly in the public media to let potential buyers or sellers know how bad the market is or the interest rates aren’t favorable to new buyers etc, etc. The point is I guess, that this business has an image of being somewhat “easy to do” and an easy option for a career, but it takes a stronger mind and individual to stand out and shine as an ambassador of good business, who other Realtors® enjoy to work with and their past clients refer them to their friends and family. Well, that is the Realtor® I am striving to be on a daily basis! I strive forward to keep up my end of the bargain!
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Daniel Wills, I am 47 years old, my wife and I have two amazing children, Lyla and London and my wife Beth is a very talented and successful lifestyle-fashion photographer. We live in Miami Shores and have moved around in Miami over the last 20 years, giving us a great knowledge of most areas in Miami, which I constantly keep tabs on as a realtor to see where the hotspots are and which areas I may advise my potential buyers to avoid.
I have been a Realtor® for 8 years now and during this time i have seen the Miami market change and evolve. My wife and I are also AirBnB hosts with two investment properties that we host from and this is something we have been doing now for almost 10 years together. Again, from our own trial and error and past experiences, I am equipped with vital hands-on expertise in this area to give my customers the best service possible, whether they are buying or selling real estate. I am able to assist them as if I am making their purchase myself. I protect my customers in the same way I would protect myself and family in these kinds of transactions. I am well aware of the importance and stress involved in purchasing and selling real estate property. It can be very stressful and make people anxious and nervous. One of my favorite parts of this job is to relieve them of these feelings and take those challenges head-on for them. Until the deal is closed and they either have new keys in theior hand or nice new bank balance, I am right there by their side.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
My life before Real Estate was surrounded by Music. I was born into a world of Music with my father’s career as a musician. My experiences and passion for music have made me who I am today, I have met some of the nicest and most interesting people working and playing in the music business. I used to work to play music, as it was my dream to make a living as a musician. Now, I make a living as a professional Realtor® and I have music as my passion and outlet when the workday is done and I have some time to let off some steam!
What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?
I believe you have to fail to get better and in order to fail, you must first be willing to try. I have failed at some of my highest points in life, enjoying a job and workplace, until things change and become bitter and difficult enough to make a change. Opening my own business, having some of my favorite and most cherished professional achievements and life-moments, to close the doors due to a lack of sustaining business. Owning and realizing that you have to move on from something you are so attached to, can be some of the hardest times in life. I have heard all kinds of quotes and read a lot of interesting and inspiring writings on this topic, though I think it comes down to “what does not kill you, makes you stronger.” All of my failures have given me a lot of knowledge of what not to do in the future, how to make things better when a feeling of hopelessness can creep in and a resilience to believe I can achieve greatness in whatever I set my focus on. Not to focus on my past failures, but to learn and grow from them.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
Some of the individuals in this industry of real estate who believe that it is our discretion to inform our customers of the changes in our industry…legal changes. More and more agents I come across who love to tell me that they “only tell their customers what they need to know” because “who checks the actual rules?”
I have a lot of sellers and buyers who tell me “No one has told me that before!” and “my last agent didn’t tell me that?”
My ethical business values are honest, almost to a fault. I will break it down to make sure my customers understand each and every step of the buying and selling process. This can be one of the biggest transactions of some people’s lives. Being informed and comfortable at each phase of the transaction is something I take very seriously and provide for all of my buyers, investors and sellers.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
As I get older (I’ll be turning 48 this year), this is certainly a topic I spend more time thinking about. I am a person who cares what people think about them, though I don’t allow that to define who I am, I have been told many times I am opinionated and somewhat out-spoken. I take that to heart these days and I am learning to be a better listener. My hope is that anyone who has been around me long enough to call me a friend or work colleague, would say that I am driven, determined, eager to impress, fast learning, I have many different talents and abilities to offer when working and socializing. I may not always be the ideal team player, I would like to think I am reliable and helpful to those who need it, when asked. I have a big heart, I am extremely loyal and devoted to my family and I am dedicated to being the best husband and parent I can be everyday, no breaks or days off on that one!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://daniel.findsfloridshomes.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danielwillsrealtor
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/danielwillsrealtor
