Working for his dad was probably the last thing Dan Raposo III expected to be doing when he grew up. Dan was heavily into the theater in high school, acting in plays, running the sound and lighting systems at Wilton High and singing in the madrigal group and the chorus. A career on Broadway seemed more like it. But then Dan decided to study business at Bryant University.
My dad and I had a conversation about where his business was, and what I wanted to do, says Dan, and we decided Id start working with him. Dans dad, Dan Jr., is the owner Raposo Construction and builds homes and condominiums in Connecticut. We decided that I would get my real estate license and learn that side of the business, Dan continues, so that I could make connections and find deals.
Dan has found that he enjoys real estate a lot more than he expected. I did a lot of finance while I was in college, and I wanted a career where I was more hands on, he explains. He started working for a small brokerage in South Norwalk where he felt he could get more guidance as he started out. I also wanted to work with people my age, he says. And of course, SoNo has turned into a mecca for young professionals who flock to its condominiums, lively nightlife and easy access to New York.
Dan's first year in real estate was in 2007 -- a great year, he says. Then, of course, came the big turmoil, but hes noticed a bit of an uptick recently. People are still worried about job security. Some of my clients are bouncing around from banks to hedge funds in part-time jobs, he goes on. These are the qualified buyers who are still not ready to buy. While he waits for homebuyers to take the plunge, Dan has concentrated on the rental market, which is very strong. Most agents, according to Dan, ignore rentals because the commissions are lower.
Working with renters also gives Dan more time to work for his dad. Theres less of a time commitment with renters, Dan explains. And that means he has more time to sit behind the wheel of his dads snowplow. We do maintenance for the City of Stamford Housing Authority, he says. Ive gone through two snowplows already this year.
South Norwalk is a lively spot. Do you ever go to the bars and restaurants in SoNo? What's your favorite place? Let me know below.
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