Today we’d like to introduce you to Christian Ross
Hi Christian, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
This journey started for me about five years ago. As a catastrophe claim adjuster with a large insurance carrier, I traveled and worked all over the US. I met tons of different people especially in the construction and Real Estate field. I worked directly with investors, realtors, and contractors. My exposure to these new industries really peaked my interest. I started to say “I will own some Real Estate one day.” One thing about me is once I say it, I do the work to make sure it happens! Whether it was completing my Master’s in Business Administration in 1.5 years, obtaining an adjusters’ license, or securing a position that allowed me to travel the world, I manifested those things! Only problem was, I had no idea where to start in my Real Estate Investing journey! I started to pick the brains of every investor I met. I read tons of real estate, credit building, business related books. I started listening to podcasts, going to (Virtual) real estate meet ups, driving for dollars and etc. I basically immersed myself in the field. I told everyone around or who would listen that I wanted to get into Real Estate. I took my skills as a photographer/videographer and applied them to real estate. My experience in Adjusting afforded me the knowledge of home inspections and estimating. I now had some foundation to grow from. In November of 2019, my knowledge was finally put to the test as I was presented with a perfect opportunity to nag my first property! I was able to use some creative financing to secure the deal and was able to place tenants in the property three months later. The rest was history. Currently, I am a local claim adjuster, Real Estate Photographer/Videographer, and Real Estate Investor. Along with my rental properties, this year I will be focusing on adding Fix and Flips and BRRR projects to my portfolio.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Honestly, the hardest part was getting started! There is a saying in the field called “Analysis Paralysis.” This is when you obtain all the information you can, you know what to do, you have the means BUT you have not went after your first deal yet. Why is that? Fear of failure? No support? No encouragement? There could be many reasons. For me, it was the fear of failure or that I would lose all of my hard earned money, or a property would foreclose before I could secure the deal. The list just went on and on. My brain created all of these terrible scenarios. So what helped me conquer those fears and move on my first deal? Sheer perseverance! I did some life reflecting and more reading. I even sought out a therapist. What I found out is that you have to keep going, keep pushing! Even if everything falls apart in front of your face, have no choice but to keep moving forward and recognize the power in the moment we have right now! With Real Estate, just like many other industries there is more than one way to complete a task. There are so many strategies to securing deals and partnerships. If one does work, move on to the next. In the words of one my all time favorite artists Aaliyah, “If at first you don’t succeed, dust yourself off and try again.” Some words I live by!
We’ve been impressed with Iron Rose Homes, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Iron Rose Homes is a Real Estate Investing Company with a focus on rental properties and flips. We provide safe, clean, and up to date rental properties to hardworking tenants as well as obtain, demo, renovate, and sell real estate. Building relationships with tenants, contractors and realtors is extremely important to us! We create strong beautiful homes for our tenants hence the name! Iron Rose Homes is also a play on the names of my late Grandmother Irma Jones and Great Grandmother Rosetta Andrews. My Grandmother is one of the biggest influences in my life. She is the reason for my strength and why I pursued becoming a business owner.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
I love the culture! Every neighborhood, block, street has history and the friendly Houstonians don’t mind telling you! I love the food, music, dance, and etc. I feel as though networking is also a part of the culture here. It’s nice to see so many Black Businesses flourishing and networking with each other. One word for the worst thing about city. Traffic! Traffic can get bad. Although I am lucky to not have to be in it during the peak times, it can definitely be a hassle.
Contact Info:
- Email: Clross@IronRoseVzn.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iron.rose.homes/
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/profile.php?id=105066211479761&ref=content_filter
Image Credits:
Poetry In Motion Photography (@ShotbyLashay):
