A Different Kind of Investment Education
Most people know me today as a real estate broker, someone who helps clients buy and sell property with a focus on smart, long-term investments. But before I was walking through open houses or studying market trends, I was spending time with a very different kind of asset—coins. Yes, coins. I’ve been a numismatist, or coin collector, for years. It’s a passion that started out of curiosity and quickly became a serious pursuit. In 2020, I was honored to be named a Numismatic Scholar by the American Numismatic Association, and I can honestly say that collecting coins has taught me some of the most important lessons I use today in real estate.
Numismatics might seem like an unusual background for someone in real estate, but for me, it laid the groundwork for how I assess value, make decisions, and advise clients. You’d be surprised how much the study of rare coins overlaps with evaluating properties. Both require attention to detail, a deep understanding of history, and an instinct for spotting long-term value.
Understanding Value Beyond the Surface
One of the first things I learned in numismatics is that value isn’t always obvious. Two coins might look identical to the average person, but a trained eye knows that small differences in mint marks, condition, or historical significance can mean one is worth a hundred dollars and the other is worth ten thousand. That skill—being able to look beyond the surface—is exactly what I use when evaluating real estate.
It’s easy to get caught up in appearances when looking at a property. A fresh coat of paint or trendy staging might catch someone’s eye, but I’ve learned to dig deeper. I look at the construction quality, the location trends, the zoning potential, and how well the property will hold up over time. Just like with coins, the real value is often hidden in the details.
This mindset has helped me guide clients toward smarter decisions. I’ve had buyers fall in love with shiny, overpriced homes that look good on Instagram but don’t hold long-term value. At the same time, I’ve helped investors recognize properties with strong fundamentals that might need a little polish now but offer great upside in the future. That kind of insight doesn’t come from guesswork—it comes from years of learning how to evaluate assets the right way.
Patience Is the Secret Weapon
If there’s one trait that both coin collecting and real estate investing demand, it’s patience. You don’t rush into buying a rare coin just because it looks good at first glance. You research, you compare, you wait for the right opportunity. Sometimes you hold onto a coin for years before its true value is recognized. The same goes for property.
In today’s fast-paced real estate market, it’s easy to feel pressure to move quickly. And yes, sometimes speed matters. But I’ve learned that long-term success comes from discipline, not impulse. I take the time to really understand a property and a client’s goals before making a move. I know that holding out for the right deal is better than jumping into the wrong one. That perspective was shaped by numismatics, where playing the long game is everything.
I’ve had clients thank me for encouraging them to be patient—whether that meant waiting for a better price, walking away from a bidding war, or holding onto an investment property a little longer before selling. Real estate, like collecting, rewards those who think long-term.
Every Asset Tells a Story
Another lesson from the world of coins is that every asset has a story. A rare coin might have been minted during a key historical moment or passed through the hands of someone important. That backstory adds to its meaning—and its value. I see the same thing in real estate. A property isn’t just brick and mortar; it’s part of a neighborhood’s history, a family’s journey, or a city’s evolution.
When I show homes or talk to clients about a listing, I always try to uncover and communicate the story behind the property. Was it owned by the same family for generations? Is it part of a growing arts district or a historic neighborhood? Those details matter—not just because they’re interesting, but because they create connections. And connection is what often turns a house into a home, or a building into a legacy investment.
This ability to recognize and appreciate an asset’s story has helped me stand out in the real estate world. I’m not just selling space—I’m sharing context. That perspective came from years of looking at coins and asking, “Where did this come from? Why does it matter?” Now I ask those same questions about every property I work with.
Details Make the Deal
In both coins and real estate, details can make or break a deal. In numismatics, you train your eyes to spot tiny variations that most people miss. That practice has made me meticulous when it comes to contracts, appraisals, and inspections. I’ve caught issues in property records or overlooked repair needs that could’ve cost clients thousands down the line. It’s not about being overly cautious—it’s about being thorough.
Attention to detail also builds trust. Clients know I won’t gloss over the fine print. They know I’ll do the homework and protect their interests. That’s the kind of reputation I aim to build, and honestly, I owe a lot of that to the discipline I developed as a coin collector.
Full Circle: Passion Meets Purpose
It’s funny how life works sometimes. What started as a quiet, personal hobby has ended up shaping the way I do business and serve my clients. Numismatics didn’t just teach me about coins—it taught me how to think like an investor, how to stay patient, how to evaluate true worth, and how to respect the story behind every asset.
In real estate, those lessons are priceless. And as someone who genuinely enjoys helping people build wealth and find meaning through property, I’m grateful for everything that early passion gave me. Whether I’m evaluating a rare coin or a condo in West Palm Beach, I still ask the same core questions: What’s the real value here? What makes this unique? And is this an opportunity worth holding on to?
For me, it’s never just about the sale—it’s about understanding the worth. And that’s something I’ll carry with me for life.