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Meet Chris Dunham of The Real Estate Guy™ in Gilbert

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Today we’d like to introduce you to Chris Dunham.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Jumped into real estate back in 1999, did my licensing in November 98, and dove right in January 1st. I didn’t know anyone and no one knew me, so this was quite the adventure. Was your typical Realtor in my first year, one deal in the first six months, with a final number of 13. Year two, I doubled that and down the path I went.

I came into Real Estate by a Realtor my Wife and I were working with, she complained she needed an assistant, so I was pushing my wife in the direction, she (wife) didn’t want to do it, so I did. 20 years later, averaging over $10M in annual sales, here I stand, “The Real Estate Guy™” AZ trademarked and loving what I do!

I rode the market up and down. The ride came with great life lessons on how to live and conduct business. Never putting all your eggs in one basket and how to diversify your marketing and dollars to get the most return.

I have a few niches in the industry, which include first time buyers, veterans and domino deals (one must close in order to purchase the next). My 20 run has afforded me the opportunity to have my own show on iHeart Radio (real radio, not internet or podcast) it was called “Real Talk USA with The Real Estate Guy” and aired here in the valley weekly on KFYI and KFYI2.

Currently, I am a featured agent on American Dream TV, a nationwide Real Estate Reality show, which showcases our lives, both on a professional and personal level.

During my tenure as a Realtor, I have battled alcoholism, will hit 15 years sober in Feb 2020. My wife stood by my side the entire time. We have been running together for years now, our son calls us “Running Buddies for Life” we participate in anything from 5k runs to 1/2 Marathons and everything in between.

I feel in life, we must leave a legacy. My legacy is going to be linked to giving back. I coordinate meal service 3x a month with Paz de Cristo Community center, I hand out foodboxes several times a month via Resurrection Street Ministry and work with TEAM RWB, a program that enriches the lives of Veterans through social gatherings.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Nothing is ever smooth in Real Estate. Again, no one knew me when I got into it and those that did (friends, etc.) weren’t going to use me as they know I had zero experience. I didn’t have anyone to feed me leads or give me deals, I truly had to go out and hustle on my own. I farmed neighborhoods, sat at open houses and talked to everyone. I was blessed with an office manager at West USA Realty, that allowed me to pick her brain on a day to day basis as questions arose. She was a great resource of information for me to get over my first few years without too many scratches. Did I make mistakes? Of course, we all do, its part of the learning process. I fell down quite a bit, but its how I got up that made the difference in my career.

We’d love to hear more about your business.
I help buyers buy and sellers sell for 20 years now… I love working with first time home buyers, its kind of like the “thrill of the kill” getting their offers accepted, the utter joy on their faces, it’s quite addicting. I am known locally as the ‘Real Estate Guy®, it’s trademarked here in the valley, began calling my self the Real Estate Guy back in 2000 at an open house, people kept asking “are you the owner?” I would reply, “No, I am the Real Estate Guy!”

If I had to say, what am I known for, it would be my quick marketing spots and my giving back to the community and my overall passion for what I do.

What sets me apart? I tell it like it is, there is no sugar coating, no lying, I just rip it off like a band aid. When I go into a listing appointment, I am honest to a fault, but I have found, my clients appreciate that most people don’t like being lied too and way too many agents in our industry inflate value just to get the listing, then they play the price drop game…not what I am about. Price it right, get it sold and help those folks down their path of life.

What were you like growing up?
Sick. Grew up with Asthma. It wasn’t until High School that I came out of my shell, Once I hit college, I was pretty social, never afraid to talk to anyone, started singing in bands and acting on stage, did a few low budget films, really came into my own (my creative side) wrote and published a book as well as a audio monologue in the early 90’s. Went to school for Journalism that evolved into acting, then music, as I realized music could use all three aspects, writing, acting and singing.

Being in several bands, movies and plays, has certainly helped me thrive with video marketing, as well as Radio and TV as mediums to get myself out there in an industry filled with part-time agents and/or inexperienced ones.

Experience counts, as I learned first hand when I started.

Contact Info:

Image Credit:
Greg Utton (Black shirt shot) Gary Helland (Head shot) and Disneyland

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