Today we’d like to introduce you to Darrel Martin.
Hi Darrel, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was born in Houston and raised in a small city in Honduras called Tela, a place where I lived my entire childhood there. Once I finished high school, I decided to move back to the United States to attend college and pursue higher education. As you can see, it did not turn out that way. After living in two different states for three years, I finally made a decision and came back to Houston. I started working in the oil and gas industry, I do have to admit I hated every single minute of it.
The idea of getting involved in real estate came in mind a year later, when I was visiting some family members in New Orleans and met a really interesting character at the Ritz-Carlton. While meeting with this man, his name is Derek, he explained why he loves real estate, the benefits of it, the growth potential in it and not just on the economic level. Of course, I get intrigued and excited, upon my return to Houston, I made a choice to educate myself in almost everything related to real estate and perform it at a high level. Once I got my real estate license, I decided to go a step further and get licensed as a home inspector and become a Notary. Yet, I did not go All-in in the idea on focusing just in real estate.
After working in oil and gas, struggling economically, eviction notices, almost losing the ability to walk, suffering pneumonia, broken hearts and depression, I believe it’s safe to assume that I hit rock bottom, good thing about that was it gave me CLARITY. I decided to go all into Real Estate. Real Estate, for me, is really important and personal, a home is way more than just four walls, roof and commission checks.
I used real estate as my one and only option to succeed. I blocked out all the doubts and criticism about leaving an hourly “well” paid job. I took the leap of faith, and I am glad I did. I do have to tell you this, I am grateful and blessed on my journey and the people who have been there for me in the toughest moments, starting with my parents, who even though they could be tough, they were there to give me any advice they could, then I am grateful for the real estate team that I have, My Mentor Larry White for sure, and other real estate agents I have interacted and had let me learn from them.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I was dealing with depression at the time, which I did not realize until I noticed I was drinking too much. I almost lost my ability to walk after a head-on collision accident. The “normal” struggles we encounter when becoming an entrepreneur. A lot of self-doubts.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am proud of my brand (myself) because I am based on Honesty, integrity and transparency. So I don’t mind turning down business as soon as possible if something seems or feels “fishy”. I know I am not for everyone, but for the ones I am for I will do what is right. My integrity is my equity.
In residential real estate, I do specialize working with homeowners, sellers who are trying to downgrade or upgrade, sellers who don’t want to list their home and sell fast or without “the hassle”. Or just a home consulting service where they can get all the information necessary on selling their home. I also specialize with first-time home buyers and offer a blueprint on how they can buy their home, pay it off in 12 to 15 years (with a 30-year mortgage) and potentially be debt-free by year 17.
In Commercial Real Estate, I do specialize in Business mergers and Acquisitions. I am a foodie at heart, so for every meeting we have, more than likely, food will be involved. I believe I am Exceptional in what I do, you just have to work with me to find out.
My plan is to expand my home inspection business to Colorado, same as open my own coffee shop in Houston and Austin in the future.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
Let me take care of your real estate needs. I love doing Collaborations, if there is any event I could attend, I would be happy to. Just spread the love on who is the most versatile and interesting Real estate guy in town.
Contact Info:
- Email: darrel.martin@exprealty.com
- Website: darrelmartin.exprealty.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yourhoustonlifestyle/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/darrel.a.martin
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmlsKN_TvfkZq0h_Azr1gDg
- Other: calendly.com/darrelmartin/
Image Credits
Paul Davis Photography
