Uncertain about the road I was walking down, I decided to make a change. What had once been a way to invest in my own future became an avenue to help others do the same.

 

It was late on a Saturday night at a best friend’s wedding reception that I had a lightbulb moment. Friends and family were together celebrating—it was a fantastic evening; then my phone buzzed. Checking it I saw a message from the Regional Director or my boss’s boss’s boss, three levels above me. They needed some information from me. I responded that I was at a wedding but would step out and get back to them. I hoped to get a message back saying, “Don’t worry about it. Enjoy your evening” but received an “okay” instead.

 

As I made my way upstairs to my hotel room to get to my computer, it hit me: If this is what he is doing at 8pm on a Saturday, then if I continue along the same road, this is the lifestyle I can expect long term.

 

Working in warehouse operations was a challenging and rewarding part of my life, spanning four years in New Jersey and an additional two in Maryland (my wife and I relocated to Maryland in 2020 so she could attend dental school). Despite the fact that my experience in warehouse operations was an undeniably positive one, that moment of clarity stuck with me. I wanted to enjoy special moments and have control over my time - there had to be different way. I made a plan and quit within the next six months.

 

Flashback to 2009. Out of high school I enrolled in the Army ROTC program at Rutgers University, splitting my days between military training and classes. I graduated with a double bachelors in political science and criminal justice and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in 2013. Shortly after that I shipped off to Field Artillery school and was eventually stationed at Fort Carson in Colorado.

 

The military was a crucible of learning, testing my mettle and instilling invaluable lessons. With the military’s help I had no student debt and a great job, life was great except for one glaring flaw. I was struggling to manage my finances and pay rent; I had to be doing something wrong. It was during this time a mentor shared with me a book on investment mindset called “Rich Dad, Poor Dad”.  This book was a revelation for me, marking a turning point in my life. I recognized real estate as not just an investment opportunity but as a viable pathway to escape the cycle of financial instability.

 

The principles from the book ignited a spark that prompted me to delve into the world of real estate investing. I began building a portfolio of rental properties, transforming my financial situation and setting the stage for a future beyond the constraints of paycheck-to-paycheck living.

 

Transitioning from full time employment to a Realtor in 2022 was nerve-wracking, I had to rely on a commission-based income in a state where I had no close connections. As the sole provider for my family, it was a huge leap of faith, yet armed with business knowledge of a tenured real estate investor, a relentless work ethic and a spirit undeterred by challenges, I not only survived but thrived. In 2023, I became a Top 10 Realtor in the entire brokerage, helping more than twenty clients buy or sell homes in my first calendar year.

This year, with Cassie’s graduation from dental school, we are excited to return to our roots in New Jersey. I can’t wait to continue my real estate career working in the communities I grew up in and with people I care about! Serving Veterans is a core part of my mission in this new chapter. As a member of the Baltimore County Commission for Veterans Affairs, I organized the County’s first Veterans Day event in over 20 years in 2023. I look forward to continuing volunteer work in the community when we return to New Jersey.

 

As a passionate real estate investor, I have bought and sold properties all over the country, which positions me uniquely to understand the diverse needs and concerns of my clients. Beyond helping home buyers and sellers I am passionate about working with investors, veterans, and first responders.

 

Real estate represents one of the most significant investments in people's lives—it is incredibly satisfying to help people find a fair deal that is within their best interests. It's about ensuring that individuals and families feel confident and secure in their real estate decisions. Real estate, at its core, is a people business. While the properties are essential, it's the human aspect—the understanding of people's needs and desires—that truly makes this profession rewarding. Even after the transaction is over, I am here to support you as your REALTOR® for life!

 

Sincerely,

 

 

Robert Eckert

REALTOR® | LIC# 2438135

Direct (973) 396-6651

robert.eckert@exprealty.com

www.RobEckertRealEstate.com