Building lasting relationships
The son of a New Jersey contractor, Steve Lorenz always knew he’d be involved in the home business in some way.
After working several years as a veterinary technician, Lorenz began his real estate career. He joined William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty Stamford offices nine years ago and is still there today.
Lorenz said he learned a lot about compassion, working with people and a good work ethic from his father, Irwin Lorenz. It’s those qualities that he uses today, he said.
“My father had his own business. Our basement was his workshop,” the Stamford resident of 11 years said. “I saw how much he enjoyed working for himself and the joy be brought to others. He got me thinking about a career in real estate. He taught me, number one, that it’s all about relationships and trust. Without those two things, it will just not work.”
Lorenz, who said his strong points are “listening, understanding my clients wants and needs and negotiating” said he thoroughly enjoys working with first-time home buyers.
“I enjoy getting to know them,” said Lorenz, who covers Norwalk, Wilton, Westport and Stamford with an emphasis on his home base of Stamford. “I have worked with first-time buyers as long as a year; it’s a long process. In the beginning, it’s all about listening to what they say they want.”
Lorenz added: “Once I start showing the properties, I listen to their responses and really know what about this house they like or do not like so we can find that it in the next house.”
Lorenz said working for William Pitt gives him an edge.
“They have great marketing and their website is No. 1 in the nation,” Lorenz said. “It’s everything they offer: the website, the brochures and the online presence. It’s all encompassing.”
He said colleagues in the office are a great resource.
“I don’t always have the answers but can send a blanket email out to my manager and colleagues and have many responses within a few minutes,” she said.