Real Producer Magazine
We were honored and thrilled to be included in Triangle Real Producers July 2023 magazine! Our journey together, starting as friends in 2008 and evolving into teammates since 2020, has been nothing short of incredible. It's a humbling experience to see our hard work and collaboration recognized in this publication. As we embrace this milestone, we look forward to continued growth, exciting ventures, and making a positive impact in the lives of others.
THE AUTHENTIC REAL ESTATE AGENT REDEFINING TRUST & CONNECTION
Written by: Kendra Woodward
Photography by: Flavi Huff
In the bustling world of real estate, one agent stands out for his unwavering commitment to authenticity, trust, and genuine connections with his clients - Jason Dalton, the dynamic force behind Jason Dalton & Associates with Keller Williams Preferred Realty. With a career spanning nearly two decades, Jason has built a reputation for his personalized approach, deep industry knowledge, and dedication to helping clients navigate the complexities of the real estate market.
Born on a tobacco farm in a small town in rural Virginia, Jason’s journey to becoming a successful real estate agent took him on an unexpected path. Moving to North Carolina at the age of 13, he found himself drawn to the vibrant energy of Raleigh shortly after college. With his sights set on a career that would allow him to make a difference in people’s lives, Jason decided to pursue real estate. Reflecting on his decision, he recalls, “Once I could support myself for six months without a job, I dove in. It’s what I wanted to do. I set my mind to it and made it happen.”
Starting his real estate journey in 2004, Jason initially faced skepticism when a profiling test suggested he wasn’t cut out for sales. Undeterred, he persevered and joined a team in Raleigh that would become instrumental in shaping his career. Working alongside someone he considers a mentor and father-figure, Jason honed his skills and developed a deep appreciation for the power of genuine connections. He shares, “I was really in the right place at the right time.” One of the defining moments in Jason’s career came when he embraced his authentic self and connected with clients on social media. Initially hesitant about sharing his personal life, he discovered that his transparency and humor resonated with his audience.
Posting on Instagram and engaging in conversations, he found an unexpected lead source, selling three homes solely through his online presence. This realization marked a turning point, allowing Jason to fully express his personality and connect with clients on a deeper level.
Beyond real estate, Jason’s passions include his love for plants and the outdoors. As a biology major, his knowledge of different trees and plants has become a unique conversation starter with clients. He shares, “I love plants! It’s actually great information to have for clients.
It’s fun, it’s funny.” To him, real estate is like a beauty pageant, and the front elevation plays a crucial role in attracting potential buyers. “I always tell people if I didn’t have bad allergies,
I would own a landscaping business, but I’m 41 years old, and I’m still getting allergy shots.” When asked about the most fulfilling aspect of his work, Jason’s answer was simple: people. Navigating the real estate journey with clients, whether buying or selling, brings him immense joy. Building trust and establishing authentic connections is at the core of his approach. He shares, “I get my joy from being able to navigate real estate with them. The components are there; we establish trust.” Looking ahead, Jason has set his sights on achieving a work-life balance and taking time off to explore life beyond real estate. He recognizes the importance of self-care and relaxation, which he aims to prioritize by following the advice from the book “The 5 Traits of Highly Effective People” in that he should be taking four vacations a year.
Collaborating with his trusted business partner, Jarrett Jost, he has found an organic and
seamless union that allows him to extend his personalized approach to more clients while ensuring exceptional service. Jason attributes much of the team’s success to the partnership with Jarrett, which began in 2020, stating,”Jarrett has allowed us to now service 50-80 wonderful people each year! I was overjoyed when we achieved our goal of $30,000,000 in production our first full year together.” Reflecting on his journey, Jason imparts wisdom to his younger self, emphasizing the value of authenticity and attracting one’s tribe. He encourages others to embrace their true selves, as there is no substitute for genuine connections.
In addition to his real estate expertise, Jason Dalton is passionate about finance and budgeting. He believes that it’s not just about how much money you make, but how intentionally you save and budget. Recognizing the importance of financial stability, Jason shares valuable advice with his clients and friends. He preaches the significance of having five dedicated accounts to support and manage finances effectively. The first is an emergency fund, which provides a safety net for unexpected expenses. Jason emphasizes the importance of having this fund readily available for peace of mind. The second account he advocates for is a house fund,
particularly valuable for new homebuyers - with homeownership comes inevitable repairs and maintenance costs. By setting up a checking account specifically for home-related expenses and regularly contributing to it, homeowners can cover these costs without financial strain.
Next on Jason’s list is a travel, or luxury fund. This account allows individuals to indulge in spontaneous trips or treat themselves to items they desire, such as those coveted expensive shoes. By consistently setting aside funds, individuals can enjoy life’s luxuries without compromising their financial stability. Jason’s fourth recommendation is a rental fund. This account serves two purposes: training oneself to assess purchase prices while preparing for future real estate investments. Saving for a down payment and becoming accustomed to managing a mortgage payment can set the stage for future real estate endeavors. Lastly, Jason suggests an operating account, comparable to a joint checking account for couples. This account is dedicated to covering monthly expenses and bill payments, ensuring smooth financial management.
Through his commitment to educating clients and friends on finance and budgeting, Jason aims to empower individuals to take control of their financial well-being. By following these principles, he believes that anyone can achieve financial stability and make sound financial decisions.
As Jason reflects on his journey in real estate, he acknowledges the importance of embracing one’s authentic self and understanding that it’s impossible to please everyone. As a self-professed perfectionist, he used to take it personally when he couldn’t meet everyone’s expectations. However, he has learned the valuable lesson that he cannot make everyone happy, and he reminds himself of this every day. By focusing on building genuine connections, providing exceptional service, and staying true to himself, Jason has found tremendous success in his career.
