Today we’d like to introduce you to Chris Silker
Hi Chris, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My professional career started as a school teacher. I graduated from Central Michigan University in 2008 with a degree in education, but I struggled to find a professional job. After 4 years of bouncing between positions, I decided it was time for a change to support better the opportunity to start a family with my wife, Kelly. I explored several sales opportunities, which were still the only real job openings in 2012 and fell in love with Real Estate. I had always intended on investing to supplement a teaching salary, and I really enjoyed the challenges and opportunities of guiding others through the process of buying and selling homes and investing in Real Estate.
I have built my business around learning everything I can about homes, the way they work, how they are improved, what really matters to most buyers, and how to meet people where they are in the journey. What I love most is helping people feel secure in their decisions and be able to look back years later on our work together and know that they were set up for success, given the whole picture, treated fairly, and enjoyed it! This has allowed me to build relationships that have blossomed into friendships, allowed me to become a leader in my Real Estate Market, and built a life that I am proud to share with my family, friends, and community.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Getting started in sales, no matter what industry, is hard. Learning to be an entrepreneur and understanding my value, the value of leverage, and controlling finances were all huge learning curves for me, on top of learning the Real Estate Industry. It took a little while to feel confident and secure; I was so fortunate to have a team of wonderful people around me at Keller Williams to push me and have my back. I never felt that I couldn’t get an answer if I needed it.
The last year has been the most challenging in the past 11 years in the industry. Fewer sales driven by higher rates have made it challenging, as have the changing expectations of buyers as the market shifts. I believe that 2025 will be as difficult, if not more so. I am returning to the basics and the people in my world to find every opportunity I can to serve and bring value. I am embracing the challenge and am fortunate to be doing well. Last year, 71% of licensed agents in the US had zero sales, none. I worked hard and am grateful to have sold 50! That puts me in the top 0.2% of individual agents in the country, according to the National Association of Realtors.
As you know, we’re big fans of Advantage In Team. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Our team consists of Travis Houghton, director of Marketing. Travis is an incredible Dad and marketing genius. He leads two content creators who are current students at MSU and U of M. They are a world-class team, and the content they create is top-notch. I couldn’t be where I am without their help keeping me current in the world of Social Media. Our team’s Accountant is my wife, Kelly Silker. Without her guidance and accountability, we wouldn’t have been one of the most profitable real estate organizations in the country. We take great pride in running a lean ship financially and work hard to hold our dollars accountable to the service of our clients and the growth of our business. My business coach, Kyle Harrison, is a critical advisor, both personally and professionally. The push to set big goals, the guidance to use the right models, and the consistent presence in my world have helped shape me into who I am today. Our Cyberbacker Jaja Marinas, is an amazing Transaction Coordinator and Administrative Assistant. She joined our team in December and is already making a big impact. She has taken responsibility for ensuring the smoothest closing process possible and keeps me accountable for my daily priorities.
I am most proud of the impact we are able to make. I feel like this is what sets us apart! Through sponsorships and charitable giving, we helped fund the activities of 11 different organizations last year and, through them, gave back almost $10,000.00 we will do even more this year in 2025!
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
I grew up an only child in a rural area. Even though I thrive and enjoy my time with people, I do need my alone time each day. I wake up early each morning to exercise and meditate. These activities really help me stay connected to who I am and help me be my best each day.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://advantageinteam.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/advantageinteam
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/silkersells
- LinkedIn: https://www.yelp.com/biz/christopher-silker-keller-williams-realty-okemos?osq=Chris+silker
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@advantageinteam
