Daren Doesn’t Stop
We’ve closed ten deals over three years with Daren. Each time, we are impressed with his speed, efficiency, and decisiveness. “Direct allows me to get in and out of my projects quickly,” he says. “You guys have been an integral part of growing my business.”
Q: When did you begin investing in real estate?
A: I got started in real estate back in 2008. I began as a real estate agent. After a few deals, I knew that I was meant to be on the other side of the table.
Q: What neighborhoods do you invest in?
A: My main focus area is Germantown. I moved to Germantown back in 2012 and fell in love with the vibe. My block was very tight-knit, and we shared a real sense of community.
Q: You have a large network of fellow investors. Have those relationships been key to your success in this business?
A: Absolutely, I take pieces of information from all of my friends in the business. I ask them plenty of questions, and we share resources openly. We make less mistakes because we’ve all made mistakes, if that makes any sense.
Q: Has COVID-19 changed how you analyze opportunities?
A: [Initially,] COVID-19 slowed things down tremendously. It also opened doors to deals that I might not have been privy to, or might not have been available otherwise.
Q: Is speed an essential part of your strategy?
A: Most certainly, there is nothing more important.
Q: How do you manage all the details while moving so fast?
A: I’m on my job sites daily, I am in constant communication with all parties, and I’m just an overall stickler for details.
Q: Do you have any words of wisdom or advice for someone getting started?
A: If you’re only getting into this business for the money - don’t. This isn’t for the faint of heart.
Q: Where do you see yourself and your career heading in the next five years?
A: Because I enjoy it so much, I know that I’ll be doing MORE. I’m always looking for innovative ways to identify deals, build partnerships, and take business to the next level. I want to own a few larger projects, and I want to increase the number of projects I take on as a whole. With that in mind, who knows? Sky is the limit.