Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael.
Hi Michael, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I got into real estate originally to try to pay for college without taking on a lot of debt. I was bartending at the time, but that wasn’t doing it. In 2003 I decided to jump in all the way and left bartending altogether. I’d hung onto that job because I’d only sold 1 home in my first 6 months and 2 in my second. Not enough to survive on. After going all in and burning the boats, I sold 14 homes that year. Not bad, and I didn’t realize that in real estate, that’s the top 5% nationally. I grew the business to a steady 40 to 45 closings per year until 2008. Then the crash happened. I almost lost my house. I lost my car and had to buy a junker. $5 Hot-N-Ready pizzas were a lifesaver. That’s 3 meals for 5 bucks. I went all in on a coach, and he saved me. In 2009 I was back at about 45 sales, in 2010 it was 92, and 2011 was my best individual year at 183 homes sold. That year I hired an admin and a bunch of agents, and we were off to the races. 412 homes sold in 2012. Since then we’ve grown the team to 60 full-time agents plus admin staff, and opened both a title company and a mortgage company. This year we’ll complete 800 home sales, 200 mortgages and 3,200 title closings.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It was not a smooth road. There were several bumps and bruises along the way. Externally, things like the 2008 crash, COVID and rate hikes. But also internally, my own insecurity.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
We are known in Metro Detroit as the number 1 real estate team in the state for home sales. We’re also known for how deeply knowledgeable we are about each community in the 5-county area. What sets us apart is our media drive. I deliver the news weekly to Metro Detroit and have over 1,200 regular viewers, but then chop that into reels that get between 6 and 7 million views per month. I’m known for being direct and impartial, and for fighting doggedly for my people. Agents and clients alike.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
I’m definitely more of a risk-taker. It’s how we got here. I risked leaving a job that was alright with no promise of an income. Stayed in it through the downturns and continued to hire and grow in every challenging market.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ThePernaTeam.com
- Instagram: https://Instagram.com/ThePernaTeam
- Facebook: Michael Perna
- Twitter: MichaelpernaRE
- Youtube: https://Youtube.com/MichaelPernaTV
