Today we’d like to introduce you to Anthony R. Price.
Hi Anthony, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I originally wanted to get into owning investment properties, and so I decided to enroll into a Fundamentals of Real Estate Course via Champions School of Real Estate. I quickly noticed I was already familiar with a lot of the terminology, legal topics, transactions, and processes within the course, and an idea popped into my head about pursuing a license rather than just focusing on rental and fix & flip projects. After speaking with my Aunt Ira and Cousin Rashad Thomas of the 5 Star Realty Group in Dallas, I decided to move forward in getting my license in 2017 and later joined my current broker (Derek Boles) at Generation Realty shortly thereafter.
I worked as a community assistant in on-campus housing throughout the graduate school at Texas Southern University, and I truly believe learning to deal with parents, students, and varying staff members made things easier for me in adjusting to each client. Having a great broker to provide insight as well as reliable & knowledgeable team members at Legacy Homes & Properties has been a major contributor to who I am as well. Experience, however, I believe has been my biggest teacher!!!!
I don’t take anything for granted, and have not forgotten what it felt like to wonder when it was “going to be my time”. My first real estate transaction was a residential lease on behalf of a colleague of mine (William Proctor) who I’ve known since we were Freshmen at Texas Southern University, and from then until now, I’ve applied something from each experience into establishing myself & perfecting my craft. I would not be where I am today if it weren’t for my clients taking a chance on me, and the Good Lord bestowing me with the gifts & determination that have led me to become a million-dollar real estate producer for 5 consecutive years.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
The first 3 to 4 months were rough because although I was eager, generating business and having someone take a risk on someone new to the business was a test of patience and humbleness. I had to figure out what worked and didn’t work for me with regard to marketing, dealing with different personalities & family sizes, but most importantly having each client(s) trust in my judgment and guidance throughout the process. I was (and still am) juggling a corporate career at a Fortune 200 Company whenever I first got into real estate as well, and trying to find the balance between that and continuing to serve my clients with exceptional service while growing the business was a task in itself.
There have been and still are many days that begin as early as 5:45 a.m. that don’t end until almost midnight. I think prayer, my Apple Music playlists, jogging, and going to see my God Son alleviates a lot of the stress and burdens I carry on a daily basis. Finding strength and motivation at times is a struggle because to much is given much is required. I remember where life began for me growing up back east in Orange, TX, and a lot of the tough times I endured as a teenager and while in college. I think back to those times, my grandparents’ encouragement, and the strangers that took a chance on me throughout adulthood to somewhat galvanize myself & to keep me going.
Missing out on important times & milestones with my family and friends has also been one of the sacrifices I’ve had to face and come to terms with as well. I just pray everyone understands that its a privilege to be in this capacity, and I don’t take my blessings for granted especially if they knew what went into getting me to this point in my career. I can honestly say good days outweigh my bad days though, and for that, I won’t complain.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a real estate professional in the Greater Houston Area specializing in homeownership for buyers from all walks of life. I take pride in assisting others with their real estate needs, and to have someone tell me, “I thought I would never be able to own a home” and then cry tears of joy a the closing table is one of the most rewarding feelings to ever have. I’ve never been the type to quit or back down, and will always give 100% no matter the situation.
I won’t ever say I’m the best realtor but I think I’m pretty darn good at assessing a client/lead’s needs along with their financial & sociological characteristics to find a property (or properties) that best fit them and their families. Most clients think I can read their minds based on the dialogue and feedback I give within our initial conversation as client & agent. I think being a great communicator and treating each transaction with a high level of passion & diligence is what makes me stand out.
We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
Figure it out & make it work.
I know it’s a vague statement when you first look at it, but you must put yourself in my shoes and see life from my perspective to understand where I’m coming from. Life isn’t fair and not to sound like any type of radical, but in being an African American in this country there is an uphill battle you’re fighting from birth. Giving up or going down a path that was already laid before me was never an option for me.
I wasn’t dealt what most would consider a normal hand when it comes to a traditional upbringing or foundation, especially coming from a city where just getting by in some cases is considered normal. Two of my biggest supporters and unofficial legal guardians never got to see me become the man I am today. Both were born in the early 1920’s in East Texas; didn’t have the opportunity (or the choice) to attend college; couldn’t even drink out of a public water fountain let alone be considered to work in an equal opportunity work environment but believed in hard work and being good stewards. I’ll never forget reading “domesticated technician” in my grandmother’s obituary and having a mixture of anger & pride inside. So how could I not reach for the stars when I was given opportunities they never had?!?!?
What I’ve also learned is you have to take advantage of (but don’t abuse) the time and resources given to you. I think everyone can apply that to any aspect of life. My Plan A was leaving Orange, and going to college. Plan B was making sure Plan A worked. That’s part of where figuring it out & making it work is derived from. I didn’t know what the road after college would look like or what life was going to throw at me, but I knew there was no turning back. Not in college; not in Corporate America or building a real estate business; and most importantly not in life.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/james_saint_patrick/
- Other: https://www.har.com/anthony-price/agent_apricetsu/
Image Credits
Steve Styles
