Real Estate Articles
The local housing market information is what counts, according to SILVAR 2011 president Gene Lentz
The motto on E. H. "Gene" Lentz's website aptly describes Silicon Valley Association of REALTORS®' 2011 president: "Working hard, so YOU can relax." It's not merely a motto; it is what he does.
Lentz's strong work ethic is exhibited throughout his career. Born in Portland, Lentz lived in Spokane, Wash. and Dallas, Tex. before he moved to the Peninsula to attend Menlo College and later, the University of Southern California, where he obtained a degree in business administration. His early career was spent in the top levels of professional motor racing, which took him all over the world, from Redding, England with the Formula 1 racing team, to exotic places like Monaco with the Indy 500, to Redding, Pa. with Penske's Indianapolis team, then back to North Hampton, England. When his son James was born, Lentz decided it was best to raise his child in the U.S. and settle in the Peninsula.
"I had been around the world to many interesting places, but I felt here was the best environment for my family," says Lentz.
Family is most important to Lentz. In addition to James, Lentz has two 10-year-old twin daughters, whom he adores – Addison and Bailey. Family is what eventually drew Lentz to real estate. After spending a decade in retail, wholesale and financing in the local automobile business, Lentz focused on real estate in the mid-90s.
"I had thought about it (real estate) several times and finally, just couldn't resist the flexibility this business offered," says Lentz. "In no other profession can you work hard and still be involved in your children's lives."
The mid-90s was not the best time to get into real estate, but Lentz decided to tough it out. It's been 15 years and Lentz has survived the ebbs and flows of the business. "I have seen ups and downs and in-between, all have had their own challenges," Lentz remarks.
Technology has changed the way agents do business, but it hasn't minimized the value of agents. "Real estate continues to evolve, but the agent has been and will always provide value to the customer," Lentz said. "The agent has insights on the value of the neighborhood. You can't get this from a computer."
Lentz emphasizes in real estate, it is news of the local housing market that counts, and it's not all bad news. "Everyone needs to regain confidence in the financial markets. We are fortunate to live and work in this region. Our area is probably affected least by the equity attrition," says Lentz.
He also chastises critics of home ownership, and stresses, "There's absolutely nothing silly about the American dream. It's only dead if we allow it to be dead."
Lentz is a REALTOR® with Red Hawk Real Estate in Menlo Park. He is a member of the following organizations and has held the following positions: California Association of REALTORS® (Director 2007, 2008), National Association of REALTORS®, Silicon Valley Association of REALTORS® - as Menlo Park District Chair (2007), Political Action Committee Chair (2006, 2007), Menlo Park District Local Government Relations Committee Chair (2002-present), and Menlo Park Citizens Budget Advisory Committee (FY 2005-2006).
Lentz and SILVAR's 2011 Board of Director will be installed on Thursday, January 13 at the Menlo Circus Club in Atherton.
The Silicon Valley Association of REALTORS® (SILVAR) is a professional trade organization representing over 4,000 REALTORS® and Affiliate members engaged in the real estate business on the Peninsula and in the South Bay. SILVAR promotes the highest ethical standards of real estate practice, serves as an advocate for homeownership and homeowners, and represents the interests of property owners in Silicon Valley.
The term "REALTOR®" is a registered collective membership mark which identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the National Association of REALTORS® and who subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics.
Variations of this article have appeared in local area newspapers.
For further information, please email or call the SILVAR office at (408) 200-0100.