Excerpt from The Realtors' Bulletin, Special Convention Issue
Official Publication of the Philippine Association of Real Estate Boards, Inc.
October 2006
BOOM OR BUST:
It’s All About Focus
Yvette C. Poe
Former Secretary-General
Philippine Association of Real Estate Boards (PAREB)
Completely attired with shirt and tie, comfortable slacks, sometimes a “hard hat” when appropriate, INDUSTRIAL Specialist, REY M. LAGONSIN, diligently and “industriously” goes about his business of providing value-added service to his clients – head honchos of corporations, top decision makers of big multinational organizations, entrepreneurs, and government agency officials, as well. “I try my best to give good service by making sure that if I take on an account, then I can provide the parties with adequate assistance and information that would make them more confident in making the ultimate positive decision.
As much as possible, I accommodate special requests for scheduled site inspections or research pertinent data that are oftentimes not immediately available. I also act as the ‘information highway’ linking the decision making process of the parties and try to make the negotiating experience as pleasant for the decision makers as possible. If a deal materializes out of these personal efforts and I am acknowledged for my role, then I know that I have done a good job,” says this most conscientious broker to be his formula for success.
Despite the fact that the emergence of cheaper markets abroad, for both labor and overall cost of doing business, is greatly affecting the recovery of the local industrial property sector; and an industrial climate wherein more businesses are closing down their industrial plants and moving on to locations outside of the country, Rey prides himself to have been really fortunate to “weather the storm” of this difficult market sector, and more commendable is the fact that he continues to provide more than sufficiently for his family for the past 16 years purely on commissions earned from being a full-time estate broker.
I try to provide them with unwavering service that can stand the test of time, whether the market is perceived as good or bad.
“My adaptation to the market conditions was so gradual and honed over the years that I have come to do this as my usual way of doing business, and that’s taking my relationship with my clients to a level where I can interact with them professionally yet comfortably. I make them realize that they have me at their side as a loyal ally and, as much as I can, I try to provide them with unwavering service that can stand the test of time, whether the market is perceived as good or bad. This loyalty to satisfied clients is oftentimes rewarded with repeat business or referrals,” was this gentleman’s response when asked what practices he employed to fit into current market conditions.
A former business reporter/correspondent for some leading newspapers in the country such as the Philippine Inquirer, Business Day (now Business World), and Manila Bulletin, Rey uses this past experience, orientation, talents and skills to crystallize and bring into fruition the issues pertaining to the client’s real requirements or concerns. By so doing, he is able to tune in to the vibes of the companies he deals with and provides them with the appropriate solutions to their real estate needs.