The life of a realtor and musician is an exciting and inspiring one. As a musician, Antonio was able to live off his art; yet, it made other parts of his life, like buying a house, challenging. He discovered that there were additional pursuits that could bring him personal satisfaction, while allowing him to serve his community. Music was his first love. His initial foray into music was at the age of four with the piano. At age nine, Antonio discovered woodwinds and fell in love with the clarinet. His love of music continued through his college years where he met his wife, a violinist. While they were determining where to start their professional careers, they made a huge decision to move to Los Angeles.
They had decided to pursue their Master’s degrees at UCLA as they focused on their musical careers. It was hard to leave behind their families and friends to take such a big risk for their love of music. Two weeks before he was born a first-generation American, Antonio's parents had moved to America from the Cape Verde Islands. He grew up just outside of Boston where a majority of his family still resides. They see one another on a weekly basis, as family is a large component of their culture. In Massachusetts, he earned a living by giving music lessons, playing concerts, and occasional music competitions.
Antonio's soon-to-be wife and he knew that the music profession doesn’t always provide the financial support you need, but they were young and tenacious and had big dreams that they were about to realize. Despite that intimidating move across the country, they earned their Master’s degrees from UCLA.
After graduating, he began to work with the Los Angeles Unified School District. He saw himself in the kids who were a part of the orchestra programs. Passion for music at a young age is something to nurture. He helped LAUSD create and maintain youth music programs throughout the city. It was satisfying to give back to the community and monitor the programs that he'd worked on. Now established in Los Angeles, his wife and Antonio were considering where they wanted to put down roots and purchase a home. Buying a house is no small feat. When they, two musicians working as independent contractors, had approached lenders in the past, they would patronizingly suggest that they give it a few years, since they were fresh out of college. He did some research regarding real estate, and he discovered that you could potentially represent yourself in a real estate transaction. It gave him the push Antonio needed to get his license. After their own home purchase, he started to see the opportunities in real estate, not only for him but for his family. Before committing to a brokerage, he did an immense amount of research to find the right fit. His search led him to TruLine Realty, where he found just the right environment in which he could thrive. They had a small boutique feel, with an emphasis on quality over quantity. He has access to the broker if he ever needs any advice or resources; meanwhile, his clients are all getting high level, personalized service based on their unique needs. He came into the real estate business with realistic expectations, which he thinks is the reason he’s made it last. Antonio knew he wouldn’t be making millions on day one, nor was making millions his goal. He values cultivating relationships, and that takes time. It’s another way for him to provide service for the community that’s given him so much. He’s fiercely loyal to the people he work with, and the bond that’s formed when searching for a home is unlike any other. Now even his wife is getting into the industry. He sees what this could be for them in the future: a family business. He hopes to work with you and your family on your journey home. He sees his clients like family. He advises them in the same way he’d advise those closest to him. This is likely the biggest purchase that most of his clients will make in their lifetime, so it’s important that they make a sound investment. Because of the nature of a transaction, a lot of people are unsure about what’s coming or nervous about next steps. Antonio's there to shoulder that stress for them and give them the information they need to proceed with confidence. He won’t judge any question that comes his way.
Even close friends admitted that although they initially felt awkward coming to him with a concern, Antonio was able to ease their nerves and give them the advice they were looking for. He remains calm and level-headed even in high-stress transactions. Clients have told him they find that comforting. For him, life is about experiencing numerous avenues and the positive opportunities they offer. He’s so glad to have found real estate, and Antonio looks forward to sharing with you all that it has to offer!
