We had the good fortune of connecting with Jonathan Talassazan and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jonathan, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
As a realtor, I believe risk is just a natural part of life and work, especially in real estate. It’s like a necessary ingredient. Every deal I handle has some level of uncertainty – you know, things like the market suddenly changing, clients’ needs shifting, or unexpected situations popping up. Dealing with these uncertainties has really shaped how I operate in my career and life.

Personally, I’ve always seen taking risks as a way to grow and find success. I mean, without taking a few chances now and then, it’s tough to move forward, innovate, or hit those big achievements. I’m a firm believer that the road to success often runs through failures and the risks we take. It’s during those tough moments when we face uncertainty that we learn some of life’s most important lessons.

Back before I was working as an agent, I went all-in on opening a business using every penny I had saved up. Sadly, it didn’t work out, and the business tanked within just six months. That failure, though, taught me so much that I carry with me today. I learned how crucial it is to plan things out meticulously in business, to keep going consistently, and how pivotal good marketing is for any venture.

When Covid hit the real estate market faced a whole new level of uncertainty. At first, things were slow, and nobody seemed interested in buying homes. But then, out of nowhere, everything changed. There was suddenly a surge in property sales and I vividly recall situations where multiple offers, sometimes as many as 20 were being made for the same property. It was a total frenzy. The way properties were being bought and sold changed dramatically, and it made adapting to these shifts even more critical.

In my current role, managing and lessening risks for my clients is a big part of what I do. Real estate is always changing – it can shift suddenly because of things like the economy, interest rates, or what’s happening locally. This uncertainty can impact property values, buyer interest, and how long a property stays on the market. So, making sure I’m on top of these changes, especially with the added challenges brought by the pandemic, is crucial to give my clients the best service possible.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?

My journey in real estate hasn’t been smooth, but the tough times have made me the agent I am today. The past few years have been really tough. The housing market went through significant ups and down starting from all time low interest rates to now hovering around 6%. Many of the buyers I was helping changed their minds, which led to a big drop in my business. To handle this, I had to stay calm, make a lot of calls, and reconnect with friends and past clients. I made it a point to check in with people and offer any help I could – it became a big part of how I work. I believe this sets me apart – being great at keeping up relationships with clients is super important now.

People looking to buy or sell homes are feeling unsure because of the economy’s ups and downs. Having a good grasp of the market trends and changes is what helps an agent stand out. It’s not just about selling properties; it’s about the connections we build. Understanding what each person needs and making their experience special is crucial. In the last year, I closed deals with past and potential clients by staying in touch regularly, and sharing updates about the market. For example, one client who wanted to buy a condo ended up choosing a duplex after we talked through their options – it just made more sense for them.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’d probably start by hitting up some fantastic spots that cater to our shared interests. We’d kick off the days a nice drive at Angeles Crest Highway or maybe a hike up Runyon Canyon. Then, for lunch or casual meals, places like Tel Aviv Grill would definitely be on the list for a healthy and satisfying lunch.

As for our exploration, we’d head to the Mecca of Bodybuilding: Gold’s Gym over in Venice or swing by Beverly Hills for some luxury car window shopping. Also, I’d ensure we enjoy a relaxing Sunday drive along PCH after catching the car meet-up at Malibu Country Mart.

When it’s time for dinner, I’d take my friend to spots like Next Door LA for a scrumptious steak or Lenny’s Casita to experience some upscale Mexican cuisine. Oh, and we can’t forget a nice BBQ for a laid-back dinner experience.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I have many people to thank, especially my wife, family, and friends. They’re the main reason I’ve made it this far. Their help and advice keeps me moving forward every day, inspiring me to be the best I can be and to keep making them proud.

I’m also really grateful to Richard Schulman, my team leader. He’s always been there for me, offering support and guidance. My coworkers and the office team are also fantastic – they’re always available whenever I need their assistance.

Instagram: www.instagram.com/jonytalassazan

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Jony.Talassazan

Other: https://www.zillow.com/profile/SoldByJonathan

Image Credits
Headshot By @RadiancePhoto

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