Matt Cohen

The deeper side of sales

"Many people would say real estate is totally a sales business," says Matt Cohen, with Re/Max Alliance in the Denver West/Golden office, "but I really see it as a vehicle to help to make a difference in people's lives.

A Realtor for just four years, Cohen seems to operate from a deep sense of purpose. Or perhaps he is just more willing than most to see sales as more than a means to material gain.

"(In real estate) I really see the ability to apply consultative aspects to help buyers interpret information so that they can make choices and decisions," says Cohen, who primarily works with move-up and first-time buyers. "Where they live or what they live in helps identify where they are in their lives, what they want for their lives, their dreams. I have an ability to help digest complex issues, to help people digest the process."

Cohen may walk alongside his clients as partners in a maze of real estate decisions, but he still recognizes that the public perception of REALTORS is not always glowing. In fact, it was several negative experiences as a client that prompted Cohen to become a REALTOR himself.

Cohen attributes his dismal interactions to the agent’s lack of communication and poor communication. And, in many ways, those negative experiences provided him the perspective necessary to be a direct, communicative and empathetic agent today.

"I'm aware of the negative perceptions: REALTORS as schemers, and that couldn't be farther from the truth," says Cohen. "I want to make the process smoother and painless, to help people through the process with fair, honest and positive transactions. Sometimes it isn't positive and people need a fall guy and REALTORS become that."

During his three-year term to the JCAR Board of Directors, Cohen says he hopes to address public perception of the industry.

"I want to have a dialogue about how the public perceives us, how we can change our practices, address competition issues and help develop strategies facing the industry. There are just a lot of issues," he says. "I want to get involved and understand those issues."

In addition to the board, Cohen serves on the Government Affairs Committee, the Metro Denver REALTORS Foundation and the Candidate Interview Team.

Did you know?

Glamour Shot: If you think Cohen's photo resembles an actor's headshot, you would be right. Cohen, his wife, and their four children (ranging in age from one to 11) are professional actors. Cohen has worked extensively in theatre and previously managed nonprofit theatres.

Best Advice: Cohen's favorite nugget to live by: "There are a lot of Realtors but there is always room for one who works hard and does a good job."

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