An Interview with Erik Conover | Luxury Real Estate YouTuber

We were thrilled to sit down with Erik Conover, a successful YouTuber and real estate enthusiast based in New York City. Here's what he had to say about his journey, his passion for real estate, and the importance of social media in the industry.

Can you tell us a bit about your background and how you got started in real estate?

I grew up in a small town in New Jersey, but I always had big dreams of pursuing a career in the entertainment industry. After graduating college, I moved to New York City to pursue modelling and acting, and I was fortunate to have had some success in those fields. However, I quickly realized that the entertainment industry could be unpredictable, and I wanted to find a way to build a more stable financial future. That's when I started exploring real estate as a potential investment opportunity. I began reading books and watching videos to learn more about the industry, and I eventually decided to take the plunge and buy my first property in Brooklyn.

How did you transition from being a real estate investor to creating content about real estate on YouTube?

I've always been interested in creating videos and have a background in filmmaking. I started filming and sharing the process on YouTube when I bought my first property. Initially, I had no expectations, but the channel grew and attracted a following. I've created videos on various real estate topics, from property tours to investment strategies to market trends. In 2014, I turned to YouTube as a creative outlet after facing repeated rejection in my pursuit of acting. My first vlogs weren't of the highest quality, but they were honest, and as my audience grew, I shifted my focus to travel content. In 2018, I started creating real estate content, which took me three years to reach 300,000 subscribers. However, in just nine months, my subscriber count skyrocketed to 1,100,000, thanks to my home tours. My passion for creating videos and my interest in real estate came together uniquely, and I'm excited to see where this journey takes me next.

How do you approach content creation, and what do you think makes a good video?

Content creation is all about storytelling. I try to think about what story I want to tell and how I can best communicate it to my audience. I think a good video is one that is engaging, informative, and visually appealing. It's important to keep in mind what your audience wants to see and tailor your content to their interests. You also have to be authentic and true to yourself, as viewers can sense when someone is being fake or insincere.

What is the most challenging aspect of being a YouTuber, and how do you overcome it?

One of the most challenging aspects of being a YouTuber is staying motivated and consistent with content creation. It can be easy to fall into a rut or lose inspiration, but I try to overcome this by constantly seeking out new experiences and challenges to share with my audience. I also take breaks, give myself time to recharge, and come up with fresh ideas. It's important to remember that quality content takes time and effort, and sometimes it's better to take a step back and focus on producing your best work rather than rushing to put out content that may not be up to par.

What advice would you give someone wanting to start a YouTube channel or grow their existing one?

I advise finding your niche and being consistent with your content. Don't try to be someone you're not, and focus on creating content that you're passionate about. Engage with your audience and listen to their feedback, and always be willing to learn and improve. And most importantly, have fun with it! YouTube should be a fun and creative outlet, so don't take it too seriously and enjoy the process.

What are your long-term vision for your YouTube channel and your personal brand?

My long-term vision for my YouTube channel is to continue to grow and expand my reach while staying true to my values and maintaining the authenticity that my audience has come to expect. I also hope to use my platform to positively impact the world and inspire others to pursue their passions and dreams. As for my personal brand, I want to continue to build a reputation as a trusted and knowledgeable voice in the industry and to use my expertise to help others succeed in real estate and beyond.

What are your future goals for your YouTube channel and your personal brand?

My future goals for my YouTube channel are to continue to grow my audience and create engaging and informative content that my viewers love. I also want to continue collaborating with other creators and brands and explore new ways to innovate and push the boundaries of content creation. As for my personal brand, I want to continue building my reputation as a thought leader and influencer in the YouTube community, and use my platform to impact the world positively.

What do you think is the role of social media in the real estate industry today?

I believe that social media is an essential tool for real estate agents and brokers. It provides us with an opportunity to connect with potential clients and showcase properties in a way that is engaging and informative. Platforms such as Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok enable us to reach a broader audience and demonstrate our expertise. By creating content that is both useful and entertaining, we can build relationships with clients and establish a sense of community around our brand. Plus, social media has become a critical component of the real estate industry, and those who are willing to embrace it can reap significant benefits.

What do you look for in a property when you're considering it as an investment?

For me, the most important factors in property investment are location and potential for appreciation. I always look for properties in up-and-coming neighbourhoods with good schools, easy access to transportation, and other amenities people seek. And I try to find properties that have the potential for value growth over time, whether through renovations or market changes.

What common misconceptions about the real estate industry you've encountered?

A common misconception about the real estate industry is that it is a "get rich quick" scheme or an effortless way to make money. Real estate investing is often challenging and time-consuming, requiring thorough research, due diligence, and careful financial planning. It is a serious business that demands a significant investment of time and effort to succeed. Another misconception is that real estate agents are solely interested in making a sale and do not prioritize their client's needs. While it is true that some agents may fit this stereotype, I have found that the majority of agents I have worked with are dedicated professionals who genuinely care about helping their clients find the right property. They go the extra mile to understand their client's unique needs and desires, providing guidance and support throughout home-buying.

How do you see the future of real estate marketing and its role in the industry?

I believe that real estate marketing will continue to evolve and become even more important in the industry. With the rise of social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram, there are more opportunities than ever to showcase properties and connect with potential buyers. I also think that virtual reality technology will play a bigger role in the industry, allowing buyers to take virtual tours of properties anywhere. As the industry continues to adapt to new technology and marketing strategies, those who are able to stay ahead of the curve will have a significant advantage.

Finally, can you share some advice for those who are just starting out in real estate and looking to build their personal brand?

I would advise creating content and sharing it on social media platforms. Don't be afraid to put yourself out there and share your knowledge and expertise with others. Consistency is key, so ensure you regularly post and engage with your audience. Also, don't be afraid to collaborate with other industry professionals or content creators. Building relationships and networking can help you expand your reach and build your personal brand even further.