Unique Homes Blog

Industry Ace Serves Up Success in Arizona

After decades of prominence, Walt Danley started his own firm and now is affiliated with Christie’s.

When Walt Danley headed to the tennis court one afternoon three decades ago, his focus was on his game. By the end of the day, it was on a new career.

Danley, the president of Paradise Valley-based Walt Danley Realty, an affiliate of Christie’s International Real Estate, made his first million-dollar sale that afternoon. He was already involved selling real estate, but realized the luxury market was where he wanted to be.

“I was playing tennis with some people and they wanted to see some property,” says Danley. “I took them out that day and was able to put a home under contract right away. It just clicked. I just felt more comfortable in the luxury space than the production home space. You have to find what you do well and where you are most comfortable.

“People say things happen for a reason, and I think that was one of those things. It’s one of the mysteries of life, but that led me to the career path I’ve been following for the last 34 years.”

Danley opened his own brokerage in July and became Arizona’s first Christie’s International affiliate soon thereafter. Through the first half of the year, his firm closed more than $70 million in transactions.

“I don’t think I’ve ever really ‘sold’ somebody a property,” says Danley. “I’ve just helped them in their decision-making as they worked their way through the process of buying a home.”

Money is never the motivation.

“If you’re in this business solely for a paycheck, there are a lot easier ways to make a living,” says Danley. “Sales records and accolades are nice, but I cherish the relationships I’ve been able to develop over the years. I just feel fortunate to do what I really enjoy, with people I really enjoy being with.”

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Hitting the Right Notes in Los Angeles

On the heels of taking part in an $85 million sale, David Kramer remains grounded through music.

Real estate agent David Kramer is no stranger to the entertainment world through his work at Beverly Hills-based Hilton & Hyland, but his interests extend beyond business. Every week, Kramer and his 8-year-old daughter, Ava, listen to a CD and discuss the music. It is a bedtime tradition they began as soon as Ava was able to talk.

“I’ve always been big into music,” says Kramer, a lifelong Los Angeles-area resident. “We’ve got such a great history with music and entertainment. It’s really been fun. We listen to rock, classical, opera, jazz, country — everything. She can listen to whatever she wants the rest of the time, but at least now she will understand that the new star she’s hearing on the radio got their inspiration from somewhere.”

Kramer’s inspiration for a career in real estate came from a friend’s father, who suggested Kramer, then studying for an economics and finance degree in college, might be well suited for the profession.

“I always loved sales, but I never knew how I could apply it,” says Kramer, who with Hilton & Hyland’s Rick Hilton and Jeff Hyland was part of the recent $85 million sale of “The Manor,” built by the late television producer Aaron Spelling.

“When I learned what real estate agents did, I found it fascinating. I still do. When you’re done, you’ve helped people through a stressful and personal time in their lives, which is very rewarding.”

Kramer recently took part in another rewarding activity. Working with singer/songwriter Chaka Khan’s foundation, he hosted an event at one of his listings. Khan’s organization seeks to empower children to reach their full potential.

“We wanted the kids to realize they should never let anyone tell them they cannot succeed,” says Kramer. “Never give up on your dreams.”

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