Meet Walt Danley

Today we’d like to introduce you to Walt Danley.

Walt, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I began my real estate career after trading rainy days in Portland, Oregon for Arizona’s year-round sun and blue skies in 1977. The Valley of the Sun and a career in real estate fit me perfectly. I worked hard and was named “Rookie of the Year” my first year in the business, I also outsold the established pros to earn the title of top company producer. I’ve been fortunate enough to be ranked in the top 1% of Realtors nationwide ever since then.

I have built my success on four guiding principles: integrity, knowledge of the market, understanding the needs of my clients, and – most importantly – old-fashioned hard work. I’m nearing $4 billion in sales in my career, which is tops in Arizona.

I began building my team in 2000 by hand-selecting real estate professionals that shared my energy, ethics, and client-centric focus. My team has evolved into Walt Danley Christie’s International Real Estate, a close-knit group of real estate professionals who combine our specialized talents to provide the finest real estate service in the nation. The synergy creates an environment where success is the norm and results are delivered.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It was difficult to break into the luxury market. In those days, a great deal of inventory wasn’t put into the MLS, so it was critical to get to know EVERYTHING that was on the market – not just the MLS. I realized how important it would be to have good relationships with the other agents in the market, so I attended every open house and broker open I could. I am shy by nature, so putting myself out there wasn’t the easiest thing. However, it was definitely important in building my career. Some of those friendships that I fostered 40+ year ago are still going strong today. I count a great number of my peers as close friends.

Please tell us about your business.
We focus solely on the luxury residential market in the Northeast Valley. I’ve always felt that specialization was critical. This business is way too intricate for one person to know the whole metro area.

I would like to think we are known for our exceptional professionalism. We think of ourselves as a professional services organization – like a CPA or law firm. The only difference is we help our clients buy and sell real estate. As a general rule, the more expensive the real estate, the more complex the transaction. We’re the best at negotiating and closing complex transactions.

I am most proud of the team I have built. Not only are the exceptional at their jobs, they are truly remarkable people with a wide variety of interests and passions. It may be a cliche to use the term “family” to describe our company, but it is true.

Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
I’ve had so many mentors along the way it’s hard to count. Ellie Shapiro was a great mentor. She taught me to slow down and really listen to my clients…and to learn to read between the lines. It is a skill I use every single day. I listen WAY more than I speak. Nobody ever “makes it” on their own and I still learn a few new things on every transaction. It’s true that I’ve seen a lot in my 40+ years of experience in this business, but there is something new to learn every day.

Contact Info:

• Address: 6720 N Scottsdale Rd #140
  Paradise Valley, AZ 85253
• Website: waltdanley.com
• Phone: 480-991-2050
• Email: walt@waltdanley.com
• Instagram: @waltdanley
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/walt.danley.group/
• Twitter: @walt_danley

Image Credit:
Walt Danley Christie’s International Real Estate

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