Today we’d like to introduce you to Eric Wargo.
Hi Eric, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Hello my name is Eric and I am and the founder of Lion Drive Realty.
When I first started out as a realtor it was because I was interested in investing. I ended up flipping about 15 houses. I kept some for rentals, had an AirBNB in Galveston, but sold the rest. In between flips I decided to start representing buyers and sellers. I ended up working for a brokerage where I closed so many deals that I was able to go for my broker’s license. My main goal was to start a brokerage that didn’t charge agents commission splits since I realized there had to be a better way. The brokers I had worked with were some good, some bad, some completely MIA. As an investor I didn’t need a broker at all other than to sponsor my license.
So, LDR was started with the idea of not charging commission splits and letting agents keep all the commission they make–100%.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I did one flip where the teenager across the street kept breaking into the house and stealing things. It was a flooded and gutted house. He stole all the wiring we had put in. We found some of our stuff in his front lawn. Long story short, I had him arrested at least 4 times but the crooked judge kept letting him off the hook without even a slap on the wrist. I ended up selling that house to another investor who paid his workers to stay overnight at the house and they all had guns.
Nothing is real estate is easy so there have been lots of obstacles but determination almost always prevails.
As you know, we’re big fans of Lion Drive Realty. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Since I was an investor and I had a full-time job I wasn’t planning on using my Realtor license very much so I didn’t want to pay 20 or 30% commission to a broker that was really only holding my license and paying for my E&O.
When I started representing buyers and sellers, I paid my broker though I was doing all the work. From marketing to cold calling, from reaching out to clients to closing deals, I did it all. In my experience (though this isn’t always the case), brokers say they’re going to give you a bunch of leads but that is rarely the case. They have good intentions but rarely deliver because getting a real estate client is a lot of work.
On a personal level, originally I’m from Costa Rica (pura vida) while I have also lived in the Dominican Republic (cue the merengue). I have a heart that beats for world missions and boiling blood to end the demand for human trafficking.
If you ever want to chat about being a Realtor, investing, get some coffee, or talk about Star Wars, let me know.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
Houston, though not the prettiest place I have ever lived, has some much opportunity that I really think there is enough business here for all of us.
Pricing:
- $100 per month + $100 per transaction
- No E&O fees (Errors and Omissions insurance)
- No sign up fee
Contact Info:
- Website: https://liondriverealty.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liondriverealty
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/liondriverealty
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericwargo/
- Twitter: http://x.com/liondriverealty
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/lion-drive-realty-webster
Image Credits
All images are mine.
