By Rick Mauch
Candy’s Dirt Contributor
Jeffrey McKee is now engineering himself to succeed in a real estate career.
“I have always considered myself as a salesperson. I can remember back to Boy Scouts or team sports where we had popcorn or coupon books to sell and I loved it,” McKee, 32, said.
The Plano native graduated from the University of North Texas in 2013 with a degree in mechanical and energy engineering. He worked in corporate America for seven years. He said he knew he wanted to be in sales but was told he didn’t have the experience. So, he quit and got experience his way — through real estate. He sells through eXp Realty in Addison.
“I was already doing real estate investing successfully while working my engineering job,” he said. “I already had the network of people, places, and intellect to afford me to make a smooth and successful transition.”
McKee’s grandfather was a real estate investor in Omaha, Neb. His father found success in the stock market.
“I have always been taught to buy low and sell high. You make your money on the buy, not the sale,” McKee said.
Follow the Artists and Roads
Heeding the advice of “follow the artists,” he became interested in the “cool up-and-coming” Dallas areas such as Bishop Arts, Trinity Groves, and Deep Ellum.
“I stay true to my love of the city, art, food, and culture, but I also have diversified where I invest and where I sell,” he said. “I was also told to ‘follow the roads.’ I follow all the major infrastructural upgrades throughout the North Texas region — roads expansions, loops, bridges, lakes, and water treatment plants. People want the fun of the city, but they also need the necessities of life.”
McKee was an early adopter of advertising space for the newly finished 17,000-acre Bois de Arc lake in Bonham.
McKee said his experience as an engineer has been invaluable in his new career.
“My favorite story to tell clients is what my mom said when I told her I’m quitting my engineering job. She said, ‘You are giving up your engineering degree to go sell houses?’ I told her, ‘I am going to be working with high-profile investors and developers to put my engineering background to work with surveys, architectural plans, water, and electric easements, etc.
“It is helpful to have worked in project management to know the importance of process, workflow, and timelines.”
Last year, McKee completed his accredited luxury home specialist course through Champions School of Real Estate.
Today’s Challenges
“There is and will always continue to be a shortage of affordable housing in highly desirable areas,” McKee said. “I wake up every day asking myself who can I help that also wants to help themselves?”
McKee said he feels technology will always try to replace the human element. However, he believes a truly talented salesperson will always best a computer.
“We (live agents) know the importance of the geography, the systems of the home, but most importantly the emotions that go into the biggest purchase of most people’s lifetime,” he said.
If you know of an agent for us to profile, email Rick Mauch or [email protected]
