Community Highlights: Meet Charvez Miles of C Miles Realty LLC

Today we'd like to introduce you to Charvez Miles.

Hi Charvez, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
As long as I can remember I wanted to be in real estate. I remember telling my grandmother at an early age, maybe 8 or 9, that I wanted to own a strip mall. Although I haven't reached that goal yet, that was the start of my fascination with the real estate business. At 21, I got my start from a family friend who knew I was looking for a way into the business. After her husband died, she was looking to liquidate her rental properties. She sold me a 2 family flat, allowing me to take over the property, collecting the rent and pay her monthly until I was able to put the property in my name completely. From there I purchase a few more properties and began my career in real estate as a landlord/investor. Later, after losing my job and going through a divorce, I lost all the properties to foreclosure. Over the next few years I went from job to job and started a number of small businesses, but always yearning to get back into real estate in the back of my mind. In 2008, in the middle of the recession , I was laid off from my job at a steel mill and that was my opportunity to take the real estate sales persons class. I took my class in 1 week, passed the state test that same weekend and the rest is history! I worked under a independent black owned brokerage for 7 years before starting my own brokerage in 2016.

Alright, so let's dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you've had to overcome?
When I first received my license, I set the goal of getting a deal in the first 30 days. I did! However, due to market conditions, prices and commissions were very low. Out of $1000, I only made $300 off my first deal after splits and fees for the first company I worked for. I respectfully moved from that company after one deal and stayed with my next broker until I started my own company. Due to the market at that time, I focused on selling foreclosures, bank owned, and distressed properties. As the market changed, I did not want to be stuck in the same market/price range. It was a challenge to change what I was known for in order to break into a higher market. Once I became a broker, the constant challenge is to keep the company relevant and continue to keep the team motivated throughout the up and downs and changes in market conditions.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about C Miles Realty LLC?
C Miles Realty is an independent real estate brokerage in Southeastern Michigan focused on customer service, and making the home buying/selling process and enjoyable experience. We have experience in residential and commercial real estate. We focus on quality over quantity, educating our clients on the process along the way. Assisting our sellers to get the most value for their most important investment, and assisting our buyers to secure a home that fits their needs within their price range. Our quality service is displayed in our over 100 5 star Zillow and Google reviews. It matters what agent/company you use in your real estate transaction. We want our clients to experience the C Miles Realty difference and enjoy the benefits of working with an independent brokerage.

Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one's life and career. Any advice?
For someone who is looking to get into the real estate business, research is key. There are a number of different avenues to this business. From landlord to investor to sales person to mortgages, doing the research will help to determine which avenue works best for you. Speaking with a variety of professionals in the business to get their perspective helps too. For anyone who want to be a sales person, the process is simple. There is a 40 hour class and required state test. Once passed the person can interview and select the broker that works best for them. The broker will provide the training on contracts, negotiations, and the like.