Charlie Moreno: The "Bow Tie" Agent

Charlie "Bow Tie" Moreno is a top real estate agent. He sat down with Open House Journal to talk about his career, nickname and real estate trends for the future.

Q: You're known as "Charlie Bow Tie." When did you get that nickname?

A: When I started out in real estate, one of the agents in my office called me that. At first, I thought it was a slam or friendly competition. But I like my bow ties, so I kept wearing them. The name stuck.

Q: Do your clients call you by that name?

A: All the time. It seems to be an organic association they can't help but notice. I don't need to prompt them to call me "Charlie Bow Tie." They assume that's my name by telepathy, I suppose.

Q: Can you give us an example?

A: I was once sitting at an open house that had a lot of traffic. One couple in the crowd were very serious buyers who didn't want the other visitors to know they wanted to make an offer on the house. They left without getting my card. Later that day, they called the office and asked for the agent who wears a bow tie.

Q: Did you sell them that house?

A: Not that particular house. I showed them a few more that were more suitable to their needs and budget.

Q: Maybe they just like bow ties. Do you think you could start a trend?

A: I've noticed other agents wearing bow ties, including a couple of women. But I don't think it's the right look for everyone. I doubt it will become a trend.

Q: Speaking of trends, what's the latest in real estate?

A: Multi-generational homes. I get a lot of requests for "extra rooms or suites." And they don't mean guest rooms. My clients need to make room for boomerang kids or aging parents. In some cases, having more room is a necessity. In other cases, families simply enjoying being together and see no need to spread out. Gone are the days when companies insisted on moving their employees and paying for costly relocation. Today, I see the trend of sticking close together. That could mean in the same town, on the same block or in the same home.

Q: Even if that means losing a job?

A: Today, home buyers have more faith in the substance and stability of their families. Their lifestyle values, not companies, dictate where they live. Jobs come and go, but families are forever. In fact, we're seeing more families starting businesses together or individual members striking out on their own. Independence can generate more income than being a company man or woman. A lot of my higher-end clients seem to work for themselves.

Q: In a sense, so do you.

A: That's correct. Realtors are independent contractors. It's a work style that suits me. Like I said, we're all different. One person's bow tie is another person's worst look. For me, I'll stick with bow ties. And real estate, too.