As a kid in Warrenton, Missouri, Rex Schwerdt daydreamed about being an architect. “But I’m far too social to sit at a computer and draft all day,” he says. “Now I have the best of both worlds: I get to be around beautiful homes and also enjoy plenty of interaction with clients!” The former hotel auditor has worked at Gladys Manion since 2009. “The bubble had popped, but I hopped right in,” he recalls. “I learned the business during one of the toughest markets on record.” He lives in Clayton.
FIRST SALE I’ll never forget it. I was working with a very nice family whose father had passed away, and we listed the home on Huntleigh. Once we closed, I remember thinking to myself, “Wow, I’m a real realtor!” FAVORITE PART OF THE JOB I love the way clients’ faces light up when we walk into the perfect home, or when we sell a home for more than they were expecting. These are the things that keep me going. LEAST FAVORITE Paperwork, paperwork, paperwork! PEOPLE SKILLS I can get along with just about anyone, so it’s pretty hard to bother me. I do, however, have a low tolerance for mean people. ESTIMATED TIME OF ARRIVAL Two or three years ago, I started to receive referral business from past clients. That’s when I knew I was doing something right. WHAT IT TAKES To be successful in any career requires persistence, patience, determination and hard work. If you develop these traits, it will pay long-term dividends. And a trust fund could be very helpful, in between closings. IF IT JUST WONT BUDGE If your house hasn’t sold, do a deep cleaning and rearrange the furniture, or maybe something more drastic like painting, landscaping or upgrading the finishes. Definitely insist on new photography to show off the new look. Your buyer will come! SOME LIKE IT HOT I love summertime in St. Louis, yes, even the humidity! I also love the fact that we’re relatively old for a Midwestern city, with a rich history and beautiful architecture from many different time periods. DOWN TIME I love to swim and play golf. The Schwerdt family sport is croquet, and I played a lot of it growing up. If you see me lying next to the pool at Shaw Park on a Wednesday afternoon, trust me—I earned it by working many late night and weekend hours! AND THE NEXT AMERICAN IDOL IS I wish I could sing and play the piano, but I’m not musically gifted. IN ANOTHER LIFE I think I’d make a great lawyer. I’m passionate about client advocacy.