In the ever-evolving world of real estate, James Lanigan stands out as a dedicated professional who entered the field during unprecedented times. His journey in the Pittsburgh market began just days before the pandemic shut down real estate in Pennsylvania, presenting unique challenges and opportunities. “I tried my best to make use of the down time by familiarizing myself with contracts, doing CMAs, and playing around in the MLS. But as soon as things opened back up on May 15th, it felt like I was thrown with all my clothes on into the deep end of the pool. I learned fast because I had to,” he says.

 

With a diverse skill set and a passion for understanding people, James has swiftly established himself as a trusted advisor in the industry. “The relationship is everything,” he says. “Clients look to me for answers and reassurance time and time again during a transaction. The fact that I earn their trust is important to me.”

 

For James, the most fulfilling aspect of his work is removing the stress from his clients' shoulders and allowing them to embrace the excitement of purchasing or selling a property. His relentless pursuit of knowledge empowers him to take on the responsibility of guiding clients with confidence and meticulous attention to detail. “I truly believe that the clients make the best choices for themselves if I provide them with the right information and perspective. By the time my clients and I are at the closing table, I like to say that they are halfway to being a REALTOR® themselves. Because my goal is to inform them every step of the way along the process.”

 

James has a background in freelance writing, corporate finance, and the oil and gas industry. Academically, he holds degrees in Psychology and History from the University of Pittsburgh, as well as a certification in clinical Gestalt therapy. His robust background has equipped him with a wealth of knowledge in various domains, and he prides himself on bringing a multidimensional perspective to real estate. For instance, he relies on his time working in finance to relate and explain vital financial information to his clients, while also utilizing his interest in therapy and cognitive biases to further fuel his ability to understand clients' needs and guide them through the real estate process.

 

James acknowledges the correlation between building relationships in both residential real estate and the oil and gas industry, highlighting the role of trust and connection needed for a successful transaction. “I learned a lot there, about how to stitch together a deal. Like residential real estate, that business is a business of relationships – people can work with anybody, but they have to want to work with you. After about a year in real estate, I noticed former clients would be inviting my wife and I over for lunch, even offering to babysit for us. During the World Cup final game, a client called me to talk about how good the game was. I think then I knew I was doing something right.”

 

Understanding that real estate involves an intricate web of factors, James believes in being a well-rounded advisor, well-versed in areas ranging from interest rates and the economy to home systems and design. By continuously expanding his expertise, he becomes a reliable one-stop resource for his clients, offering comprehensive guidance at every step of the process.

 

To me, I feel like I have to know about interest rates, the state of the economy, HVAC, plumbing, electrical, how Instagram’s algorithm works, paint colors, design trends, lighting, types of wood, the IRS tax code…the list goes on. Every bit more than I can learn allows me to be a better guide and one stop shop for my clients.” Citing an 80’s movie line from Mickey Rourke, ‘in any crime there’s 50 things that can go wrong…and you can think of 25 of them, if you’re a genius’. “Take away the crime part, and that’s how I feel about real estate. I always say that if you aced your real estate exam and you knew everything that you were taught in your classes before the exam (really, really well), then you would still be a bad REALTOR®.

 

Starting his real estate journey during the pandemic posed a unique hardship for James. While he faced the Catch 22 of needing experience to help clients, while also needing clients to gain experience, he approached the obstacle with determination and a thirst for learning. “It’s a tough sell in the beginning, ‘hey, I haven’t done this very much at all, but let me guide you through one of the biggest purchases of your life.’ I was constantly second guessing myself in the beginning, which is exhausting. But I learned fast and checked up on everything.” Through his perseverance and dedication, he developed a deep understanding of the real estate industry and gained the confidence to provide exceptional service.

 

Outside of work James and his wife, Rachel, enjoy spending time with their newborn, August and their two cats, Thomas and Penny. James is a HUGE movie fan and hockey nut, and his favorite spots to vacation are New Hampshire with his wife, Miami with his friends, Deep Creek, MD, and Cooper’s Rock, WV.

 

He’s also currently doing a big sponsorship with the Pittsburgh Irish Festival this year. “Last year I went to Ireland, where my great grandmother came from when she was a child. It was a wonderful experience and I have become more passionate about my heritage as a result.” Additionally, he has a soft spot for anyone who does outreach for stray animals, and in particular the Black Cat Market in Garfield is an organization that he supports.

 

James Lanigan personifies the dedication, adaptability, and genuine care that a top-tier real estate professional possesses. His thirst for knowledge, commitment to client satisfaction, and emphasis on building meaningful relationships, James has cemented himself as a trusted advisor in the Pittsburgh market.