Today we’d like to introduce you to Robert Villanueva.
So, before we jump into specific questions, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
It all started in Queens, New York. Growing up in a household with a single mother from the Dominican Republic and two younger siblings (brother and sister) in a rough neighborhood which pushed us all to strive for a better living and reach the “American Dream”.
Throughout my childhood, I lived and breathed in playing basketball. Everything about me was basketball. I received a basketball scholarship to Sage Junior College of Albany (Associates in Science, 2002) and then a scholarship to CUNY Queens College (Bachelor in Arts, 2005). It was the only way that I think that I would have been able to attend college and get a degree. My mother financially did not have the funds to pay for the schools, but thanks to basketball, it allowed me to play and also get an education on a college level. I have no idea what would have happened or where would I be if it wasn’t for playing basketball.
Things started to change for me after graduating from Queens College as reality hit me. I had to decide whether to either pursue a professional job playing basketball or pursue my career in communications. Soooooo instead of me pursuing a pro career in basketball, my brother, Charlie Villanueva, was drafted into the NBA to the Toronto Raptors (2005 class), and I went on to pursue a career working with ESPN in Bristol Connecticut as a Production Assistant. Game-changer for us lol.
Fast forward to 2014, where my father introduced me to invest in a multi-family house in Bronx, NY. That got me into the real estate world and put me in a position to grow from it. While living in South Florida, I helped oversee my brother’s new multi-million dollar construction home, which was built out in Davie, Florida. While working hand in hand with the builder, I was able to learn a lot and pick up some things in the development world.
In 2016, my girlfriend at the time, and now my wife gave me the idea to move to Houston and pursue real estate 100%. Give it my all. I saw a HUGE potential in Houston, and I wanted to be a part of the ride before it gets too late. The idea was to help my brother invest in real estate and also get my real estate license to help people buy, sell, and lease homes. Since then, it’s been a blessing and now people call me ROBTHETXREALTOR lol. Three years of doing real estate in Texas has been incredible. Not only have I been able to help people buy, sell, lease, manage properties, rehab homes, and build new developments, but I have met some fantastic people who either I do business with or call a friend. I legit love Houston. The food is fantastic, the people are awesome, the cost of living is AMAZING, and the energy from the city competes with any other major city.
Across my journey, I’m proud to now call Houston home. 100% Dominican and fluent in Spanish, I found Houston Texas to be a smooth transition. Having lived in several different states, I view Houston as the most culturally diverse and awards its top rank for the best food. I took my love of food to the next level and invested in Kulture (from renowned owner of famed The Breakfast Klub), a salient southern fusion restaurant in the heart of Downtown Houston steeped in (you guessed it) culture!
Let’s see what 2020 has to come!
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It has not been a smooth road. Working in the real estate world, you have to learn how to have patience, not let your emotions get the best of you, learn who to trust, and deal with all types of customers. Not every lead will convert to a client or a win. But that’s part of the game.
We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
I do a little bit of everything. As a REALTOR, I help people buy, sell, and lease homes. I enjoy meeting new people and helping them with their real estate needs. I also enjoy figuring out solutions and connecting the dots.
I help investors manage their investment portfolios. I build new developments in the Houston area, rehab homes, and I’m also an investor partner at a restaurant called Kulture.
I think because I’m bi-lingual in Spanish and of my personality, it helps me to succeed in my business. The relationships that I have built over the years is incredible to my brand.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I think everything happens for a reason and its all about timing and being at the right place at the right time. We are given opportunities in life, and it is on us to capitalize and make the best of it. Especially in today’s world with social media.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.robthetxrealtor.com
- Phone: 832-953-3700
- Email: robthetxrealtor@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robthetxrealtor/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/robthetxrealtor/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/RobtheTXRealtor
- Other: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertcvillanueva/
Image Credit:
Trisha LaCoste
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