**Recent Article Written About me by The Daily Record**
Dexter T. Craig, broker/owner of North Star Real Estate in Rochester, has a degree in electronic engineering, but his passion is real estate.
Craig used to work as a telecom engineer, but he said recently he grew tired of traveling every week. Eventually he saw business was slowing down.
"I knew someone in the real estate business and I had gotten my license and it all started out as a hobby," he said. "I soon realized I had a passion for the business and, when the telecom business went south, I had a chance to go into real estate full time."
Craig earned his agent's license in 2003 and his broker's license in 2004. He worked for ERA until March of this year, when he decided it was time to open his own company, North Star Real Estate.
"Having my own company was a goal I've always had for myself. I was getting ready to turn 35, and that's when I really decided to go out and do it," Craig said.
He opened his business on March 1.
Craig's day starts by answering phone messages, returning calls and checking e-mails. He prospects until about noon, and goes on appointments in the afternoon.
"My goal every day is to end somewhere around 5:30 or 6 p.m. and, of course, that doesn't always happen," he said.
North Star Real Estate started out with Craig as the sole agent, but he has slowly added to his team. He is now in the process of adding two agents.
"I want to keep the company small so I don't want to get too many agents, but I couldn't be happier with the people I am adding," he said.
Craig said he believes his experience in working with many different kinds of people sets him apart from his competitors.
Craig said he has traveled to just about every state in the United States and also has done work in some South American countries.
"I've dealt with a lot of individuals and have solved a lot of different kinds of technical problems due to my engineering degree, and I think that benefits me as real estate is changing and moving toward higher technology," he said. "I'm at home with high technology and that's what I can bring to the table. I can offer customers that high tech approach and I can also deal with customers on a one-on-one level, which is just as important."
Craig observed that the real estate business moves in cycles, just as everything else.
"One area, let's say the owner/occupant area, might be a little sluggish due to banks not being able to lend out money like in the past, but I still see a lot of buyers in our area," he said.
A regional trend Craig is seeing now is a slowdown in bank lending. Foreclosures also are picking up.
"What I've always tried to do is to diversify myself, so instead of just referring to myself as a westside agent or an eastside agent, I deal with all different kinds of clientele. So if something happens in the market in one specific area of Rochester, it doesn't affect me that much because I have clients all over the region," he said.
Craig said Rochester is unique from other U.S. markets because the cost of living is highly affordable, which enables more people the opportunity to purchase homes.
Craig, originally from Georgetown, Guyana in South America, came to Rochester in 1986 after his mother arrived three years earlier. He attending DeVry University for engineering technologies and graduated with a degree in electronic engineering.
Outside of working, Craig said he enjoys spending time with his family. Craig is very involved with his church, Memorial A.M.E Zion in Corn Hill, where he serves as a trustee and on the financial committee.
Craig said he hopes to see more young people enter the real estate business in the future.
"I see a lot of potential in the young people of the area, but I don't always see them having an avenue to really express themselves or follow through with goals," he said. "If I could do some mentoring or just be a positive role model and show young people how they can use their knowledge in the right way, it would be great. Giving back to the community is key."
For more information visit www.DexterCraig.com
Copyright 2007 Dolan Media Newswires
Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning Company. All rights Reserved
Licensed Real Estate Broker, Sales Master award - 2005, Sales Master Gold Award - 2006 and Sales Master Gold - 2007. ERA Leader Circle Award for number of units sold, Top Gun Real Estate Academy Graduate - Top 10% of Class