The Tucson metro area has endless appeal. With a variety of outdoor activities, from golf to hiking, and a thriving cultural scene, there’s never a shortage of things to do. UNESCO has even recognized Tucson as a City of Gastronomy. Real estate agent Tony Ray Baker can’t think of a better place to call home. “We are the great southwest,” he explains. “Tucson is really on the map right now. We have lots of stuff going on.” Passionate about his area, he even has an app called Tony Ray’s 5 Star Referrals, which refers people to the best restaurants, bars, and professionals in Tucson. His expertise in the region has helped him reach great heights as an agent. He decided to enter the field 28 years ago after struggling to decide what to study in college. “I always worked in sales and did well, so my mom encouraged me to become an agent,” Tony Ray says. He took the leap, earning his license and quitting his job to pursue real estate full-time.
Tony Ray Baker & Friends
Today he works with his partner, Darren Jones, and a small team by his side, including three part-time assistants who help with marketing, advertising, and paperwork. While the beginning of Tony Ray’s career was mainly based on referrals, the growing popularity of the internet helped him skyrocket. “Once the internet came around, I started building websites and just began nerding out online,” he says. His website reaches many people throughout the year and has resulted in 50% of his clientele finding him via online sources. “I still have the same amount of referrals, but I’ve been able to double my business because of the internet.”
Once those clients begin working with him, they are blown away by his service. His main goal is to get his buyers and sellers through the transaction with as little stress as possible. He’s developed systems to handle details and streamline the process. “We have a full team of people that can assist in anything they need before, during and after the close of escrow. Because we’ve been in business for so long, we anticipate their questions and educate them beforehand to prevent any worries.”
Over the years, Tony Ray has perfected his marketing strategies, allowing him to reach thousands of potential buyers. He offers professional photography, video walkthroughs, 360-degree virtual tours, and more. Once a listing is ready for the market, he distributes it to over 1,000 websites and locates niche buyers for it. “I have a list of buyers looking for specific styles, so I will send properties out to them when I have something that would suit their needs.”
Philanthropy & the Future
Loving his community, Tony Ray donates to various charities throughout the year, including those that benefit children and animals. When he’s not working, he’s traveling, gardening, and spending time with friends. Tony Ray is also preparing for the future, as he has big plans in place for his growth.
“I’m looking at building up a small, boutique, concierge service team,” he explains. No matter how much he expands, his love for what he does will undoubtedly remain. “There’s always something fun for me to explore and learn about. This career really allows you to discover different aspects about yourself and challenges you in the best ways.”
For more information about Tony Ray Baker, please call 520-631-8669 or email TonyRay@SeeTucsonHomes.com