Jeff Martel
Jeff Martel, broker/owner of Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate 43° North in Boise, ID, answers ten questions with Clean Slate, and talks about passion, Matthew McConaughey, and selling homes in Italy.
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Which of our BHGRE® P.A.I.G.E. (Passion, Authenticity, Innovation, Growth, Excellence) core values do you identify with most, and why?
Can I say all five of them? I chose to partner with Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate because their core values so closely aligned with our own values as a company. If I really had to choose one that I most closely identify with it would be PASSION. I am incredibly passionate about the real estate business. In what other career do you get to meet and learn from so many different people with different backgrounds, dreams and ambitions as a core part of the job? I don’t even see it as a career… it’s a lifestyle. I love this stuff.
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What are your favorite qualities in a customer?
Transparency. Being truly open and receptive to the experience is a critical component to a successful outcome. Our company focuses on New Construction and the process of building a new home can be daunting. But customers who are open to the experience can literally have a life-transforming experience. There is nothing like being part of the creative process and building something from absolutely nothing to fulfill someone’s dreams.
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What is the one characteristic that’s helped you the most in your career?
Being positive. Or is it being stubborn? Who knows, but I do know that real estate is the easiest and hardest career anyone can have. It’s easy because it’s fun to help people realize their dreams and because every day is completely different. But it’s also hard – filled with rejection, an emotional roller coaster ride, and if you don’t have a thick skin and a resilient and positive attitude, you’ll never last.
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What was the last book you read?
Really? Is this speed dating? Who has time to read these days… the market is way too good right now! OK, fine. I read Cloud Atlas – that was a mind bender! (I bet you thought I would name some super popular business book, didn’t you?)
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If you were not in real estate, what would you be doing?
Selling timeshares in a tropical paradise. Wait a minute – that’s the same thing. OK, I guess I could downgrade from what I currently do and I would be a secret agent saving the world.
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What was the last song you heard that you couldn’t stop humming?
I have three young daughters so my world is constantly filled with whatever today’s catchy pop hit of the week is. I will not publicly admit to humming along to any of those songs. Ever.
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Who is your real-life hero?
Me, ten years ago. Or is it ten years from now? Whatever Matthew McConaughey said at the Oscars. Actually, it would have to be my wife. Without her, I could not have accomplished all I have. I am so forward-thinking and big picture that sometimes I forget about the day-to-day stuff. She makes sure today is taken care of, so we have a tomorrow.
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What is your favorite motto?
Practice Impeccable Real Estate. It’s our tagline and it’s what we all aspire to do every day.
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If you could sell a home in any market in the world, where would it be?
Anywhere in Italy. My second favorite country behind the US. I bet negotiations would be interesting there, probably would use your hands a lot more to prove a point.
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What advice would you give your younger self starting out in real estate?
Risk more. Worry less. Enjoy.
