Tyler Tapley on Balancing Residential and Commercial Real Estate in Tennessee

Real Estate Agent Magazine recently sat down with Tyler Tapley, a Tennessee-based real estate professional, to discuss his journey in the industry.

REAM: What inspired you to pursue a career in real estate, and how did your educational background contribute to your success in this field?
TT: My parents were Realtors when I was growing up. I’ve always been witness to the industry. The life style, the grind and the flexibility always made sense to me. I graduated from the University of Tennessee with a degree in accounting/finance. My education helped me develop a strong eye for detail and commitment to clear communication and common sense perspectives.

REAM: Can you share some key differences between working in residential and commercial real estate, and what do you enjoy about each?
TT: The difference is an inch deep and a mile wide. Residential real estate involves individual decisions, emotions, and requires a personal touch. Commercial real estate can be more bureaucratic, less emotional, and take longer to complete. Residential real estate can require a micro-level focus (neighborhoods, school zones, floor plans) while commercial real estate may be macro-level focus (income levels, job/population growth, economic trends). It’s really interesting how the two overlap yet are completely different.

REAM: What challenges do you often encounter when representing first-time homebuyers, and how do you guide them through the process?
TT: The first key is to make sure the buyer is comfortable and informed. We are talking about a lot of money and a lot of questions (from both the agent perspective but also from the buyer perspective). Once the first-time homebuyer feels comfortable and prepared…it makes the whole process much easier.

REAM: How do you approach working with seasoned investors or hedge funds compared to individual buyers or sellers?
TT: It’s a bit of a different ball game when it comes to seasoned investors and institutional clients. Ultimately, you still have to show your value, but the needs of the clients differ. The larger investors don’t need your help considering the floor plans and decor nearly so much as they are focused on rental demand, cap rates, ARV (after repaired values), and interest rates This is where a detail focused, common sense and granular approach shines through.

REAM: What qualities do you believe make a real estate agent stand out in today’s competitive market?
– It’s really the same thing that’s always made professionals stand out. Dedicated to self education and being a local market expert. Being responsive and ANSWERING THE PHONE will get you so far in life!  Once your client knows you truly care and want to help them…it makes the entire process enjoyable and fun.

REAM: How do you manage to stay knowledgeable about real estate trends across multiple states where you’re licensed?
TT: The first step is to work for a great brokerage. A great brokerage will go out of it’s way to keep their agents informed, educated and supported. The second step and I can’t over state this enough, GO TO THE OFFICE, this is where you’ll interact with the other great agents and learn what’s going on in the market TODAY. I am at the office every day (even on the weekends) and I also read all of our local newspapers.  I’ve found so much information regarding schools, local governments, new companies relocating to our area, etc.

REAM: What advice would you give to someone looking to buy or sell property in today’s market?
TT: Find an agent that cares about you (the individual) and is focused on helping you and not trying to boost their personal finances. I’d also recommend you get a strong, experienced local lender and see if there are any incentives that you qualify for (maybe through some bank or neighborhood programs).

REAM: How do you balance working with a diverse range of clients, from retirees to institutional landlords?
TT: We just try to be very attentive to our clients individualized needs. Every client is different and their goals and expectations vary. Not everyone is trying to “hit a grand slam” and not everyone wants to own hundreds of houses.  Different clients require different approaches.  We are very clear and try and set “realistic expectations” immediately.

REAM: What do you find most rewarding about helping people achieve their real estate goals?
TT: I find it rewarding when a client recognizes that we are being honest and working hard for them. When they realize we are not “upselling” them and just want what is best for them…that is a great feeling and trust is fully established.

REAM: How are you involved in the local community?
TT:  I am a native Memphian and we are proud members of a local church. We also try and devote resources to some amazing local establishments like ‘Room in the Inn’ and ‘Memphis Child Advocacy Center.’

REAM: What is something your colleagues would be surprised to learn about you?
TT: At one point I was a pretty decent chess player, I love to study artwork and fashion. I also love playing poker and have met some wonderful friends (and clients) on the felt.

REAM: Tell us a bit about yourself outside the office.
TT: I have an amazing wife who does everything for me to succeed, two daughters who are fantastic, and two English bulldogs who are lovely but can be a pain.

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