Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephen Lewis.
Stephen, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
My story stems from my early life watching my father work as a real estate agent to owning his own real estate company. He went through the housing recession as I was just finishing up undergrad and he became stronger because of it. His faith never wavered and that’s the kind of real estate opportunities I grew up around my entire life. Even after I graduated college I saw a different path for me but my path always brought back into real estate. I worked as a mortgage underwriter for JP Mortgage Chase and worked my way up to an AVP position.
I fell in love with the process of being in control of someone’s future. Because I have a heart that truly cares I always looked into the good of every transaction and wanted to say yes to everyone. But we know even the world denies you sometimes and that’s just the reality of it. Soon after, I founded a non-profit organization called Making Acceptable Homeowners where I was using my underwriting skills to help people qualify for a home. I pitched my program to the City of Dallas and Capital One and they gave us a grant to help Low-to-Moderate families achieve the dream of homeownership. We successfully helped twelve families over two years purchase a home. It was at that moment I realized I care a lot about what happens after they got approved. I renewed my real estate license in 2015 and closed my first home from a buyer that went through my program. I saw that my impact was getting buyers to their goal of homeownership every step of the way.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Starting a real estate company requires prayer and trust. So much of it… in the end, God will reveal what he wants your success to look like. Have we been perfect in our approach to success, not at all, but we’ve learned so much along the way and upped our game. When it comes to building relationships I truly believe that everything happens for a reason and I haven’t been apart of a real estate process where someone regretted their decision. Real estate is about being in motion and keep moving. This industry is so small that we are always working with someone’s client. I value everyone I have the opportunity to work with and it’s always something special. I’m starting to look at life very different valuing my time with others.
Please tell us about Ink Realty.
In 2016 my partner/cousin Robert Lewis and I opened Ink Realty Group in Dallas where we focus on the client experience of getting them to the closing table to Ink the Deal. There is one common thing with every real estate transaction that successfully closes, a pen always makes it a reality. And that is what we wanted to be the center of our focus, the end result. The experience and the details we put into each client is tailor specifically. I think that’s why we’ve been able to impact so many lives and in turn, our lives have been blessed as well. We build our business on cementing the relationship with each client first and putting their needs above our own. We truly do care. You are going to hear our thoughts about the process and the value of making the right decision about your home. Transparency is how we are able to go far in our pursuit of excellence. I have an underwriting background so my conversation is a little different than most. People ask why I’ve left an $85K job and industry where pay is guaranteed. I tell them it because I trust my God so much.
Now I’m working on a tech company called Homematchx launching Spring 2020 which is a real estate match-making platform that connects buyers and sellers together based on compatibility and expected target date. HMX allows you to be in control of your real estate journey when you want to and how you want. Whether both parties agree to close in 11 days or nine months you can contract a perfect scenario move comfortably.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
One of my most interesting memories as a child was running around in one of the investment homes my dad just purchased. We were playing tag and I remember running towards the back door outside. It was a sliding glass door that looked like it was open and I ran right through it shattering the glass everywhere. All I did was shook it off and was in shock like what just happened. Luckily I wasn’t injured and he was going to remove the door as part of his remodel. I guess you can say I hit real estate with a bang, lol.
Contact Info:
- Address: 1881 Sylvan Ave Ste 100
Dallas, Texas 75208 - Website: www.thisissteve.co
- Phone: 2149914147
- Email: stephen@inkrealtygroup.cojm
- Instagram: SteveInkRealty
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/743409592509854/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/SteveInkRealty
Image Credit:
Harbor Grace Co. LLC
Suggest a story: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
