Dave King

After working for eight years with Vista Sotheby’s International Realty, Realtor^® Dave King moved to Compass last February. He started his working life as a music teacher and football coach and then became a television actor and host, working for 14 years on home shopping channel QVC. He is a husband, a father of three and a member of the board of directors of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

How does your background enhance your work in real estate?

As a teacher at heart, I love educating my clients about the intricacies of the real estate market and escrow process. As an actor-turned-QVC program host, I told thousands of stories during my 14,000+ hours of live TV. That skill set gives me the unique ability to tell the story of my clients. Who you choose to tell your story matters!

What sets you apart from your peers in real estate?

Unparalleled client service. I always put myself in my client’s position and do whatever it takes to assuage their concerns, answer their questions and relentlessly advocate on their behalf.

What gives you an edge?

This is a relationship business. I pride myself on having a good relationship with most of the top agents in the South Bay. My clients benefit from that relationship because I can provide key market knowledge, off-market properties and sales information. 

I am an agent who other agents look forward to working with. I provide unparalleled service, and I work exclusively with a limited number of clients until they are completely satisfied before taking on new clients. This process is critical in maintaining my “service first” reputation as a Realtor.

What do you love about your job?

Without question, what I love most about my work as a Realtor is telling my clients’ stories or the story of their homes. Buying or selling a home is much more than just numbers. It is an emotional, life-changing event. When all is said and done, sellers and buyers want the same thing: the best price! But sellers also want buyers to love their home as much as they do. As your listing Realtor, it is my job to help potential buyers see the value you place on your home beyond dollars and cents, because it is a part of the fabric of your life. As your buying Realtor, it is my job to encourage sellers to see you as more than just another offer. I will show them who you are and why selling their home to you is the best decision they can possibly make!

What would you like potential clients to know about you?

That when they are watching television and they see an actor that makes them think, “Is that Dave King?” … it probably is!

How do you help your clients beat the competition? 

While it may seem simplistic, having the answer to one key question: “What’s it gonna take to get this done?” Then putting together the plan to do just that. You beat the competition through diligent preparation, relentless pursuit of market knowledge and opportunities, and consistently capitalizing on key relationships that foster the desired results.

What are your top tips for ensuring a successful deal?

Transparency and flexibility. It is always best to be completely honest when it comes to a real estate transaction. I tell my sellers, “When in doubt, disclose.” I tell my buyers, “Be up front with issues affecting the escrow.” Transparency ensures trust, and flexibility gets the deal done.

What advice do you have for buyers in the current market?

Be ready. By that I mean be preapproved— have your financing in place. Be specific—know what you are looking for, and if the property meets 90% of your “must-haves,” make an offer. Be aggressive—make an offer that the seller will have a hard time saying “no” to. Beyond price, make the terms attractive to the seller.

What do you see as the biggest opportunities in the market this year?

I anticipate a myriad of new programs from lenders incorporating adjustable-rate mortgages in response to the rising interest rates. Adjustable-rate mortgages represented 12% of the mortgages nationally in November 2022 versus 3% in 2021.

Is staging a home worth the cost?

That’s a great question. We know that staged homes sell faster and at higher prices, but think of it this way: You’re hiring a professional because this is important. Most brides do their hair and makeup every day, but on their wedding day they hire a pro, right? When it comes to your home, you should do the same.

What impact has social media had on your business?

95% of home buyers start their home search online, so it is imperative that your Realtor have a presence online. In addition to my website, I have nearly 50,000 followers on my social media pages on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn. I can get a client’s home in front of tens of thousands of potential buyers in a fun, informative and entertaining way. All of my listings and open houses are posted on Instagram and Facebook, and nothing makes me happier than when someone walks into my open house and says they loved the video and wanted to see the home in person.

DRE #01930073​​