Barry's Interview with Steve Mauer 

Real Estate Style Has a New (Web) Address   An interview with Dr. Barry Lotz by Steve Mauer of "The World's Top Real Estate Agents- 2007"   "I probably lose as much business as I gain because I tell the truth. It may not be what a client wants to hear initially, but in the end, everyone benefits when a spade is called a spade. Ultimately, I gain more trust and respect this way, and that means a lot to me." -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Q: WHOA, Barry, THIS SITE IS SO CONTENT-RICH…I'll NEED A WEEK AND A RED BULL I.V. TO GET THROUGH IT ALL! WHAT WERE YOU THINKING?      A: Trust me…if I had known the depth of what I was undertaking with this site when I first started building it, I probably would have run in the opposite direction. But, I've always said, if I'm going to do it, I want to do it right by sparing no expense and creating a virtual encyclopedia of real estate market knowledge that's easy to navigate. This way, the local real estate junkie can get his daily fix, and the first-time buyer across the globe can get all the info he needs to take the next step. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Q: SO YOU'VE GOT A MEGA-LIBRARY SITE. COOL DESIGN, TOO. IS IT ENOUGH TO DISTINGUISH YOU AS A TOP NOTCH DESERT REALTOR WITH THE OTHER THREE ZILLION RIVERSIDE COUNTY REALTORS? A: Since more than 70 percent of real estate transactions begin on the web, and because of the competitive nature of this business, I think a less comprehensive site would put my buyers, sellers and myself at a serious disadvantage. Beyond the intense knowledge of the market, the industry and my experience both as a housing developer, commercial developer and being on the sales side as well, I think clients appreciate my no-nonsense approach and forthrightness about the potential of their purchase or sale.  Additionally, be extremely au-fait with technology, response time to a client's needs are greatly expedited and enhanced because of the systems I have developed.   Lastly, also being an attorney, clients benefit from my business background and worldwide network of resources for referrals and potential purchasers of luxury properties. Need a home in South Africa, Australia, New Zealand or Europe, then I'm your man! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Q: WHAT MAKES YOU HAVE THE TIME TO DO IT ALL? A: I'm a vertically integrated conglomerate in a very small space. I use my time extremely efficiently - I get up at 4.30 am - makes the day longer.   Some find my tell-it-like-it-is policy a little shocking at times, but, I'm told, also a refreshing change of pace. It seems luxury real estate clients are more accustomed to being romanced with a big dog and pony show. I don't enjoy “selling” per se, or being sold to, so I treat my clients with the same courtesy. This Coachella Realtor is laid back, and I try to make it enjoyable for everyone by breaking the typical “salesman” stereotypes. Otherwise, the potential is always there to have a less than pleasant experience. Plus, I absolutely love what I do! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Q: IN SPITE OF YOUR CASUAL APPROACH, YOU'VE CONSISTENTLY PERFORMED AT THE VERY TOP OF YOUR INDUSTRY . WHAT ELSE CONTRIBUTES TO THAT? A: I feel it's also because I'm not afraid to roll up my sleeves and get my hands dirty. I have great resources and support behind me, but I personally work with my clients every step of the way, and make myself available whenever needed or have a competent partner/associate be available. Clients seem to take comfort in these facts. With me, what you see is what you get. I aim to show humility, sincerity and a positive mindset. And I know my market! --------------------------------------------------------------------------------   Q: WHAT ABOUT YOUR GOLF INTERESTS?   A: Besides being a mental coach to 14 PGA players, I also write for 15 regional golf magazines and media outlets on golf courses and equipment. The biggest benefit is that I get to visit and play and therefore experience golf communities throughout the Desert and the world.    Obviously, the big advantage is being able to observe what these developments are really like rather than what their press and sales materials may say.   Each year I publish the Top Ten Public and the Top Ten Private Course ratings in the Coachella Valley.   --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Q:  WHICH  ARE THE TOP TEN PRIVATE GOLF COMMUNITIES   A:  In alphabetical order they are:    Bighorn, PGA West, Rancho La Quinta, The Hideaway, The Reserve, The Tradition, The Vintage, The Quarry, Thunderbird Country Club and Toscana   --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------   Q: I HEAR YOU'RE A BIT OF A PERFECTIONIST. TRUE OR FALSE? A: I don't tolerate mediocrity well—for my clients or myself. Style, in general, really matters to me on several levels, but it's nothing without the substance and results I can deliver to back it up. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Q: SO, IS THIS THE WAY YOU ALWAYS DRESS FOR YOUR APPOINTMENTS? A: The fast pace of my business has me constantly on the move, so casual dress allows me to keep up with it, especially in the heat of the summer, plus I love golf and that's what Desert living is all about.. To look at me, who would guess correctly about my level of success as a Desert Realtor? I even surprise myself sometimes. To make my clients comfortable, I need to be comfortable and unpretentious. Though I could, I'm not one to pull up in a Rolls- Royce with an Armani suit.