Sure, Conor Riley was raised in California, but we won’t hold it against this fast-rising star at Dave Perry-Miller and Associates. We absolutely adore Riley, who is wise beyond his years, sharp as a tack, and fast with a smile, and he’s a great surfer, to boot!
In fact, he reminds us a lot of Jeff Lindigrin of Great Western Home Loans, as both of these great businessmen focus on customer experience in a very fast-paced market. Jeff takes great care as a lender, as he should. Of course, every sale should have a lender that works just as hard to get a great deal as their Realtor. What has your lender done for you lately? Find out what you’re missing by contacting Jeff Lindigrin with Great Western Home Loans today.
daltxrealestate.com: Where are you from?
Conor Riley: Born and raised on the beaches of San Diego, CA.
CD: So, how did you get into real estate?
CR: I have always been near the industry. My best friends family owns a boutique brokerage back home and I’ve worked construction since high school. I went to college in Hawaii and got a degree in surfing! Just kidding! I surfed a ton, but I got my degree in Marketing and Art. I took a job with an investment firm managing acquisitions and rehabs in a few different markets. I eventually landed in Dallas and worked for another firm doing the same thing.
CD: Tell us: What are some unique challenges that Realtors face in this super hot market where everyone wants to buy a house now?
CR: Having a enough hours in the day to get it all done! That, and telling clients what they want doesn’t exist. Or better yet, what they want to spend won’t buy what they want. It’s incredible how much prices have changed, even in the last year. With the little inventory we have and changes in prices and interest rates, people that decided to just start looking now aren’t finding what they want or are priced out.
CD: Where is home for you in Dallas?
CR: I live over in East Dallas in a home I will probably own forever with my wife, Jane, two boys — Henry and Wayne — and two chickens, Rizzo and Emma. [CD: Our own Jo England has chickens! How fab!] It was cheap and in a great rental area … had everything we needed when we first moved here. But, we are definitely starting to look for a new place.
CD: And you drive a … let me guess, Range Rover?
CR: Ha! No we are pretty modest when it comes to cars. You’ll see me driving in a mint condition ‘95 Volvo Turbo Wagon. The perfect family car with a touch of power. But, once my Dad and I finish up our 1957 Chevy Bel Air wagon, I’ll have to bring it out here.
CD: What’s your favorite ‘hood in Dallas and why?
CR: Deep Ellum and Bluffview! Deep Ellum has an awesome, unpretentious scene. I lived in Portland for a little bit and it reminds me of the culture there. Bluffview reminds me most of where I grew up. Trees, creeks, hills, and awesome estates.
CD: So you have an interesting story on how you got into residential real estate. Tell us.
CR: I can thank you for that! I started following your blog religiously since I moved here. Earlier this year, I decided to make the jump to residential real estate and went back and read every interview you ever did. I don’t know many people here so I figured if there was a good agent who needed help, I would go that route and try and learn from the best. You interviewed Dave Perry-Miller a while back and everything just resonated with me. He moved here 35 something years ago, didn’t know anyone, and quickly became a force to be reckoned with. I reached out to him and it was perfect timing. I soon started working for him and Ryan Streiff and they are they best, they know everyone and everything. They’re having another banner year, I’m learning first-hand from two of Dallas’ best agents, and they truly are the nicest people to work and hang out with everyday. Never a dull moment!
CD: How quickly have you ever turned a house?
CR: Had a cute home out in Garland go in two days.
CD: How much did you sell last year?
CR: I was still working for an investment firm last year. We did 250 transactions spread out all over the U.S. I only had time to pick up a few leases on the side last year so basically nothing! This year I am on track to close $3 million or more.
CD: What words of wisdom do you often share with clients?
CR: Be prepared for anything. Every agent, seller, and buyer has a different personality and point of view. We hope to have smooth transactions, but with so many parties and emotions involved, expect a few curveballs here and there. That, and there is always a solution to a problem.
CD: If you ever change careers for an encore you’ll…
CR: Move to Bali, surf all day and blog about real estate there.
CD: Do you have a second home? If so, where?
CR: Not yet! But we dream of having something back home in California out in the boonies … something ultra modern on a couple acres for our chickens and animals, but still driving distance to the beach. Farm chic is the next thing!
CD: Sounds dreamy to us! Thanks for chatting, Conor!
