Thrilled to be featured in Boston Agent Magazine! 🌟 Dive into my journey from mortgage professional to real estate expert. From building a successful business to giving back to the community, it's been an incredible ride. Read the full article below for insights into my background, career evolution, and personal passions. Grateful for the opportunity to share my story.

What was your most interesting job before going into real estate?

I have been in the real estate space since 2002. I was a mortgage professional from 2002 to 2012 where I worked for various local, national and international organizations. Being licensed in up to 10 different states as a mortgage professional. I started my own business when I was in my mid-twenties and grew a mortgage brokerage organization from zero to more than 15 employees and from zero to more than a million-dollar operation. 

When I moved on from the mortgage industry in 2012, I realized within about six months that I missed the consumer aspect of the day-to-day operations. Working through the financial crisis of 2007/2008 I also realized that many consumers were not properly educated on the home buying, selling and ownership process. This led me to start a non-profit for first-time home buyer and home seller education where I was the president in 2013. That organically led me back into the real estate space getting my salesperson license in 2016 and where I’ve spent my time perfecting my craft since 2018. In the years between 2012 and 2018, I was able to experience many various sales roles in the technology space which has allowed me to better understand the user experience. With a focus on everything from inbound marketing, YouTube marketing/advertising, CRMs, accounting software, databases and other various types of technology software – all of which I have been able to apply to what I currently do in the Real Estate space to constantly improve the user experience my clients, partners, agents and vendors have.

Where did you grow up?

I was raised in Newton and born at Newton-Wellesley Hospital. My family has been in Newton for over 50 years with many relatives and family connections locally. I owned a home in Newton for over 16 years as well.

Growing up, what did you want to be?

I can recall wanting to be a plumber. My dad is a master plumber and from a very early age, I would tag along with him when he went to work. I don’t know how much help I was but I loved being with my dad and loved seeing how good he was at his trade. Ultimately learning about small business and how taking care of clients on a one-to-one basis was something I loved seeing.

What do you do to relax when you’re stressed?

Spend time with my family and friends. And when I’m able to, give back to various philanthropic groups. I’m a diehard Boston Sports fan and am working on perfecting my golf game which is a work in progress.

If you could meet any well-known figure (living or not), who would it be and why?

This is a tough one for me. I think if we’re focusing on business and professional advancement it would have to be Warren Buffet

I would like to meet him to gain insights into his investment philosophy, learn from his wealth of experience, and understand his approach to financial decision-making. His down-to-earth personality, humility and commitment to philanthropy also make him an inspirational figure, and meeting him could provide valuable life and business lessons. Additionally, discussing financial matters and investment strategies with him could offer a unique opportunity to improve my overall financial literacy and make informed investment decisions.

The Boston sports fan in me would love to meet Tom Brady as I find his professional sports accomplishments out of this world. Being a diehard Boston Sports fan I love all things Boston sports; Red Sox, Bruins, Celtics and Patriots. International Soccer and F1 racing are other passions of mine. I’ve been lucky enough to attend three Super Bowls and see the Patriots win twice.

What is Boston’s best-kept secret?

The Larz Anderson Auto Museum. The Larz is known to be America’s oldest car museum and was designed by Edmund Wheelwright who was also the architect of the Boston Public Library. The lawn events are held every Saturday and Sunday from May to October and can feature many different types of cars on any given day.

What do you love most about the industry?

To help families or individuals achieve their dream of homeownership. Also to assist home sellers and/or investors achieve their real estate goals. I love the process and steps that go along with educating, growing relationships and ultimately helping people move into a new home or be at peace with moving from a current home to a new home.

How do you distinguish yourself from the crowd of agents?

I have the ability to lean on my vast experience in many various facets of the real estate and mortgage industry. I understand that every client and every transaction should feel like the best transaction ever for the client and all my partners.  Providing five-star concierge-level service is what I strive for every single day.

What is the most difficult aspect of your job?

Balancing my real estate career with family life and managing irregular hours can be challenging. I find that effective time management is crucial to allocate time to each role. Having a phenomenal support system around like my wife who can assist and be the best partner possible truly allows me to focus on my work when needed. Communicating with my family about my schedule and setting boundaries helps me maintain a healthy work-life balance.

What’s your best advice for generating new leads?

Look at the people around you, in your phone, in your emails … those are people you’ve interacted with and may need some help and or guidance.   Start by reaching out and connecting with those people. From there with diligent follow-up and a consistent outreach plan the leads will come!

What has been your greatest accomplishment?

From a business standpoint, I have been fortunate enough to win various awards throughout my career. National, regional, local and awards specific to my office. The properties I have sold have been featured in various print and digital media outlets. From a personal one, being the father of two fantastic children and having a one-of-a-kind wife is the best I have accomplished.

What are you binge-watching/reading/listening to lately?

Recently my wife and I have been watching the documentary “Welcome To Wrexham” about Ryan Reynolds and his business partner buying an English Soccer Team. Also, “Only Murders in the Building” with Steve Martin, Martin Short and Selena Gomez is must-watch TV for us.

What’s your favorite meal in Boston?

The Chicken Marsala from Carlo’s Cucina in Allston. It has some of the best Italian food I’ve ever had that wasn’t made by my wife or my family. It’s a little hole in the wall and never disappoints.

Architecturally speaking, what is your favorite building in Boston?

The Liberty Hotel on Charles Street is a captivating blend of history and modernity. This building is very cool in my opinion as it was originally the Charles Street Jail, built in 1851 and later transformed into a luxury hotel in 2007. Its stunning architecture includes preserved elements of the jail, like the original catwalks and jail cells, seamlessly integrated with contemporary design. There are a few restaurants within the hotel that highlight the history of the jail and preserve the original aspects of the building.

What’s the weirdest thing that’s ever happened to you on the job?

There are so many to list and not to embarrass or put anyone on the spot … I would say to ask me in person next time you see me and I can tell you a few interesting stories

What’s one thing people are surprised to learn about you?

That I’m also bilingual and that Italian was my first language.

What is your favorite vacation spot and why?

Nantucket. It’s such a great place to unwind from the hectic work schedule. Our family has visited the island annually for many years now.

In 10 words or less, what is your advice for someone new to the industry?

Focus on goals, believe in yourself and make it happen!

What’s your favorite real estate iPhone/Android app?

I would have to say database/CRM app, FollowUpBoss. It helps me keep track of all of my clients’ details and is super user-friendly. I’m a big fan!

Who are your favorite people to follow on social media?

Warren Buffett (@WarrenBuffett): The legendary investor often shares wisdom on financial matters, which can be relevant to real estate investing. Also, Ryan Serhant as I find his entrepreneurial focus to be very impressive. The fact that he went out and launched his own mega brand agency in the midst of the pandemic and has only grown exponentially has been awe-inspiring.

What are your social media handles?

https://www.instagram.com/mikepanzarealtor/

https://www.facebook.com/PanzaRealEstate/

https://g.page/MikePanzaRealtor/

http://www.youtube.com/c/MichaelPanza1

http://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelpanza

http://www.twitter.com/michaelpanza

http://tiktok.com/mikepanzarealtor

This article was originally published in Boston Agent Magazine.