We’re looking forward to introducing you to JUSTIN CHAVEZ. Check out our conversation below.
Hi JUSTIN, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: Would YOU hire you? Why or why not?
If I were asked whether I would hire myself, the answer would be yes. I bring determination, adaptability, and consistency to everything I do. When I commit to something, I follow through, even if it takes long hours or stepping outside of my comfort zone. I’ve built a business from the ground up, which shows I don’t shy away from responsibility or hard work. I pay close attention to detail, and I know how to adjust quickly to new challenges, which makes me a strong problem solver.
At the same time, I know there are areas that push me to grow. I can be so focused on results that I sometimes overlook the softer side of things, like communicating frustrations sooner rather than later. I also recognize that I work best with clear goals and direction; if expectations aren’t laid out, I may take longer to find the right approach. But those challenges have taught me to lean into self-awareness and to build strong systems around me.
Overall, I would hire myself because I bring drive, vision, and resilience. I know how to take initiative and deliver, and I don’t stop when things get difficult. I believe those qualities are the backbone of leadership, and they’re the same ones that will keep pushing me and my team forward.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Justin Chavez, and I am the owner of NextHome Woodland Springs, a brokerage I founded to bring a modern, people-first approach to real estate in the Greater Houston area. What makes our brand unique is that we are not focused on being the biggest—we are focused on building the right culture, with the right people. At our core, we believe in Humans Over Houses, meaning that relationships and trust come before transactions.
Our office works with everyone from first-time homebuyers to luxury clients and builders, and we’ve built strong partnerships that allow us to serve families in a way that feels both professional and personal. What makes us stand out is the experience we create—not just in closing deals, but in the way we build community through events, collaborations, and giving back.
My story is also part of what drives me. I took the leap to open my own brokerage, starting from zero agents and growing it through persistence, vision, and an unshakable belief in what we’re building. Today, we’re not just selling homes—we’re creating opportunities, helping other agents succeed, and reshaping what real estate can look like for the next generation.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
In real estate, bonds between people—whether with clients, agents, or partners—are often broken when trust is lost. That can happen through poor communication, unmet expectations, or when someone feels like they are treated as a transaction instead of a person. Promises not followed through, lack of transparency, or neglecting the human side of the relationship can quickly weaken the connection. In an industry built on referrals and reputation, even small oversights can create long-term damage.
What restores those bonds is intentional trust-building. Clear, consistent communication, honesty about both the positives and challenges of a deal, and always putting people before numbers rebuilds confidence. Clients and agents want to know they are supported, valued, and advocated for. By showing up, keeping commitments, and delivering more than expected, those connections grow stronger than before. At the heart of it, real estate is not just about houses—it’s about relationships. When we lead with that, broken bonds can be repaired and lasting partnerships created.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering teaches lessons that success never could because it strips away comfort and reveals what truly matters. In success, it’s easy to feel invincible, to believe the momentum will always carry forward. But in seasons of suffering—whether through personal trials, setbacks in business, or moments of deep discouragement—you learn resilience. You discover how to keep going when nothing feels certain, and that grit becomes a foundation success alone can’t build.
Suffering also teaches humility. Success often puts you on a stage, but suffering forces you to your knees. It reminds you that you can’t control everything and that you need faith, support, and perspective beyond yourself. It deepens your empathy because once you’ve walked through pain, you can recognize it in others and meet them with greater compassion.
For me, those lessons shape how I lead in real estate. Success brings recognition, but suffering built the character that allows me to handle pressure, guide my team, and serve clients with authenticity. It taught me that people remember how you stood with them in the hard moments more than how you celebrated in the easy ones. That is something no amount of success could have taught me.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What’s a cultural value you protect at all costs?
A cultural value I protect at all costs is putting people before transactions. In real estate, it’s easy to get caught up in numbers, production, and volume, but I’ve built my brokerage around the belief that relationships matter more than contracts. When clients and agents know they are valued as people first, trust grows naturally—and trust is the foundation of everything we do.
This value shapes the way we serve clients, the way we recruit and support agents, and the way we build partnerships. I won’t compromise it, even if it means walking away from short-term gain. Protecting this culture ensures that our brand is known not just for closing deals, but for creating experiences and connections that last long after the paperwork is signed.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
Yes, I believe you have to be willing to give everything your best, even if no one ever praises you for it. Praise is nice, but it’s not what builds character or lasting success. In real estate, there are countless hours behind the scenes—late-night calls, problem-solving, and sacrifices no one sees. If you only gave your best when someone was watching, you wouldn’t make it far in this business.
What keeps me going is the bigger picture: the trust I’m building, the culture I’m protecting, and the example I’m setting for my team. The work itself is the reward, because I know the consistency and discipline I put in today will create opportunities tomorrow. Recognition comes and goes, but integrity—the ability to give your best no matter who notices—always lasts.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://nexthomews.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/mrrealtorguy
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/mrrealtorguy
