Real estate suits former golf professional Luke Carlson to a tee. He started real estate 5 years ago and has $40 million in production thus far.

“I taught golf and ran golf tournaments in Minnesota,” shares Luke. He also taught junior golf and taught golf in Arizona. “I did everything golf,” he reflects. He attended Bethel University for a year and did undergraduate studies before transferring to the Golf Academy in Arizona for his management degree in Golf Course Operations.

 

How did he become a REALTOR®? “I had success flipping houses in the golf industry,” he explains. “I made some money and had a good eye for it. I just thought that I could share that knowledge and success, and better that service and experience in the industry as an agent.”

Working in the golf industry has made Luke who he is today. He comments, “It has shaped me to become customer service oriented and follow up with all the members. It’s a big part of who it has made me today.” Just as Luke followed up with his members, he now follows up with his clients.

When transitioning to real estate, Luke had to establish a new identity for himself. He explains, “I had to figure out how to get past people looking at me as a ‘golf guy’ and show them the success in the real estate world.” Luke wanted to be known as the “house guy” instead.

It took a year or two to establish himself in real estate and brand himself as a REALTOR®. Now Luke works with The Advisory Group at eXp Realty.

 

To increase his exposure, Luke shoots “Out and About” series videos on social media, which are all about neighborhoods. Luke aimed to do things differently with his videos to stand out from his competition.

“Marketing is definitely one thing I’m passionate about at my business,” he says. “Outside of selling houses, I am passionate about short-term rentals, Airbnbs, and investment properties.” This successful entrepreneur has an investment property in Cape Coral, Florida, and is always thinking about what is next. Short-term rentals in the right location can be lucrative.

A natural problem solver, Luke uses his analytical mind often to bring about desired results. His favorite quote is simple: Pain + Reflection = Progress. To get to where he wants to be in real estate, he evaluates where he is and where he wants to go.

“My family is my why,” says Luke. He is married to his wife Lydia and they have a dog named Vinnie, a Cavapoo. “Providing for my family makes me proud,” he adds. Having his family as his focus keeps him motivated on a daily basis as well as the future.

In his free time, Luke loves to travel. “Work-life balance is very much entrenched into our lives,” he says. “There are a lot of things that are real estate-related and rental-related.” Together, it works well together. Lydia, who is a copywriter and a website designer, also likes to travel.

To relax, it’s all about golf for Luke. He comments, “Golf is truly a hobby now. I enjoy it more than a full-time job.” You can find Luke hitting golf balls and playing 18-hole rounds with his friends. He cherishes his golf accomplishments of the past, including shooting 64 on a course at We-Ko-Pa in Scottsdale, Arizona.

In looking over his real estate career, Luke has a few tips for those who are looking to follow in his footsteps. He comments, “Find a mentor who is selling the number of houses that you want to sell.” He also encourages others to “join a team that provides value.” Investing in real estate is also important for building wealth.  

From working on his hole-in-one to helping his clients acquire the home of their dreams, Luke is a natural when it comes to real estate. His commitment to his clients, coupled with his winning spirit, has made him a favorite with others.