Dan Ross is the broker of the U/Save Realty & Mortgage Co. in Cypress.
What was your first job in the realty industry?
I was an office manager trainee in 1983 and became sales manager over the next four years of a small office with 18 sales agents.
Where did you grow up?
I was born in London and moved to Southern California when I was 7.
What is your favorite free-time activity?
Racquetball, playing drums and guitar, and composing music.
What do you do to relax when you’re stressed?
Go to the gym or play and write music!
Growing up, what did you want to be?
A rock star!
If you could have lunch with a well-known figure (living or not), who would it be and why?
Ringo Starr or Rocky Marciano, reason being they are the best in their vocation. Ringo as a drummer and Rocky the only heavyweight to go undefeated, and the smallest heavyweight champion of the world.
Where is your favorite place to hang out?
Racquetball court, or my game room with my buddies playing music.
What do you love most about the industry?
You can help people find the home of their dreams if you look hard enough for them.
How do you distinguish yourself from the crowd of agents?
Being educated and well informed, and going the extra mile to say atop of all the changes affecting the real estate industry!
What is the most difficult aspect of your job?
Weeding out the potential homebuyers that don’t qualify because their debt ratio may be too high, or the credit score doesn’t meet underwriting guidelines. Plus, a lot of people forget to mention past credit issues, or problems arise during the closing process.
Where do you go to network and meet new clients?
Eveywhere there are people, especially the health club and social functions.
What has been your greatest accomplishment?
Raising my two kids and being the best dad I can, and teaching real estate for four years and helping students learn the real estate business.
What was the last good movie you saw or book you read?
The latest John Lennon biography.
What is your favorite restaurant?
Mekong Sandwich Shop and Red Lobster.
Architecturally speaking, what is your favorite building in Houston?
The Metropolitan Building, where I play racquetball.
What kind of car do you drive?
Cadillac SUV, or a new Camaro.
Smartphone or paper?
Paper.
What is your favorite city after Houston?
Venice Beach, California, where I grew up.
In 10 words or less, what is your advice for someone new to the industry?
Don’t sacrifice your principles for profit, and keep your word.
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