This All-Star Agent’s 3 Pillars of Business: Community, Growth, and Customer Service

Jorge Perez has helped more than 130 families buy or sell a home since earning his real estate license nearly six years ago. But he’s not just a productive professional in the bustling Fort Lauderdale, Florida, market – he’s also a trailblazer in every sense of the word.

Perez was the first member of his Cuban family to be born in the U.S., the first to graduate with a Bachelor’s Degree, and the first to enter into the real estate business. Now he’s the first to be recognized in a prestigious, national showcase of young industry professionals: the 2024 REALTOR® Magazine 30 Under 30 list.

“There’s plenty of competition to earn a spot on the list, so I’m incredibly honored to be on it – and I’m grateful to everyone who helped me get here,” says Perez, an agent with RE/MAX Experience in the town of Wilton Manors, Florida.

Building a business in real estate

For Perez, the journey started with a college internship.

In 2016, when his business school required students to complete an internship, Perez became a real estate intern which involved marketing and administrative work for a local RE/MAX team. Very quickly, he embraced the idea of working in an environment where the common goal is to help people find homes. Perez didn’t want the experience to end, so he continued to assist the team during the academic year.

In 2018, he graduated, obtained his real estate license, and joined a RE/MAX brokerage. Now, as a Certified Residential Specialist, Perez has completed million-dollar deals and earned RE/MAX Platinum Club and Hall of Fame status. The whole time, he did things his way.

“I wanted to build my own brand, not somebody else’s – and I’ve been able to do that with RE/MAX,” he says. “RE/MAX allows you to build your business your own way while also tapping into the brand’s recognition, credibility, and support. Not every real estate company offers that flexibility.

“My business is my legacy, but it’s even more rewarding to be a part of a network where we motivate each other to be better at what we do.”

A mainstay in Perez’ business growth is the annual RE/MAX R4® convention, a gathering centered on collaboration and education. In 2024, the global event included thousands of RE/MAX affiliates from more than 60 countries.

“When I go to R4, I network with like-minded agents from all around the world. We mastermind and truly collaborate to help each other. The friendships I’ve formed keep me coming back every year. The referrals have also been huge for my business,” Perez says, noting how referral opportunities are especially helpful in his local market, which sees an influx of international and relocating clientele.

When it comes to business goals, Perez thinks in terms of people served – not in terms of transaction sides or commission earned. In 2024, he’s hoping to help at least 40 families and individuals with their real estate goals, whether they’re buying or selling.

Caring for the community

Running a business and giving back to the community come hand in hand, according to Perez.

One passion of his is serving on the board of The Pet Project, a nonprofit organization dedicated to keeping pets and their families together, especially through difficult times. Plenty of the organization’s patrons are elderly, physically disabled, terminally ill, and/or facing financial challenges.

“Many of these people don’t have any family or friends here, or perhaps their spouse has passed away, and all they have is their pet. Sometimes, they can’t afford to take care of their pet anymore, and we strive to help them stay together,” Perez explains. “We provide dog and cat food, grooming, pet supplies, and other types of medical assistance.”

Another way Perez gives back is by participating in the RE/MAX Miracle Home and Miracle Property Program. As a Miracle Agent, Perez makes a donation on behalf of his clients to Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, his local affiliate of Children’s Miracle Network (CMN) Hospitals, whenever a sale closes.

He’s one of many RE/MAX affiliates who participate in the program and find creative ways to support children’s healthcare all year round. Since 1992, RE/MAX Associates have donated over $200 million to CMN Hospitals, which raises funds for 170 hospitals that support the health of 10 million kids each year across the U.S. and Canada.

When Perez joined his RE/MAX brokerage, he was the first agent to start giving back to CMN Hospitals. Now, the office is a Miracle Office and is home to many Miracle Agents.

“CMN [Hospitals] is a cause I’ve held close to my heart for a long time – even before my real estate career began. In college, I participated in annual Dance Marathon fundraisers where we would raise money for our local CMN Hospital affiliate. We helped raise millions of dollars, and it became a tradition I felt proud to partake in,” Perez says. “When I joined RE/MAX and found out the brand had a partnership with CMN Hospitals, I knew it was meant to be.”

He adds, “It’s a privilege to be able to make an impact right here to our local community.”

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