By Rick Mauch
Candy’s Dirt Contributor
Michael Cunningham was born into real estate. Three of his relatives worked for Ebby Halliday. And now, he works as a Realtor for Ebby Halliday, selling homes primarily in Arlington, Dallas, and Fort Worth.
“After my college studies, I knew that was the direction I wanted to pursue,” he said. “Working at Ebby was my first job, is my only job, and I’ve been here 25 years.”
Michael took a moment to share some of his career highlights, thoughts on the industry, and more with Daltxrealestate.com.
Have you ever sold a home to anyone famous?
I sold the family estate of Susan and Sib Hashian (the late drummer for the rock band Boston). They are the mother-in-law and father-in-law of Lauren and Dwayne Johnson (The Rock).
What is it that makes you love what you do?
I have always lived a life of service, whether helping clients buy or sell, as well as supporting/serving my community in organizations such as The Salvation Army, Mission Arlington, and the Arlington Life Shelter.
Despite all the competition, are you friends with many others in the industry?
I keep my close friends separate from the industry because I think it is important for a healthy work/life balance. I do have close business relationships and friendships with Realtors, title company, and mortgage company colleagues. I strive to be positive, ethical, and to be a good person in every transaction. Forming good relationships with other colleagues, and earning respect in each situation, is what always leads to successful transactions.
Can you elaborate on what it means to be out from behind a computer screen in a post-COVID pandemic and working in person again?
Honestly, my business did not slow down during COVID. Real estate being deemed an essential business was validated by the real need I saw from clients. While the world slowed down, people’s need to buy and sell did not, and my team and I adapted as needed to safe-showing practices, etc., to take care of our clients, which is our fiduciary duty. While we stayed focused on the needs of our clients, they put their complete trust in us, and with great guidance from our company, it was ‘full steam ahead.’ Same business, we just had to do it a little differently. That being said, it’s a great feeling to be in person for so much of the transaction compared to how it was during the height of the pandemic.
Has the tight inventory of homes changed your selling strategies? Has it prompted you and other agents to get more creative?
Tight inventory has definitely made us more creative. In fact, I don’t know how you can be successful in this market without creativity. But, just like we made some pivots for COVID, our team has done the same with the inventory problem. Gone are the days of waiting for a property to come on the market that will satisfy our buyer’s needs. Now we have to be proactive and seek out possible sales inventory before it’s actually listed. That’s not easy to do.
Has technology impacted your selling or marketing strategies as several tech companies now have do-it-yourself apps for homebuyers?
Real estate is a relationship business – period, end of story. Technology certainly enhances what we do, but it will never replace the knowledge, compassion, and value of a true real estate professional.
What are your hobbies and activities when you’re not selling?
Traveling the world, snow skiing and a daily fitness routine keep my body and mind going.
Is selling real estate something a person can do well beyond their retirement years? Are those your plans?
Ebby worked until she was in her 100s. I plan to work as long as I am still enjoying real estate and able to give the best service to my clients. I have no plans to retire at 65. I am a firm believer that I will know when it is my time to retire and when I am ready.
If you know of an agent for us to profile, email Rick Mauch or [email protected]
