Past Success, 2010 Goals and Tips to Move Real Estate
By Kadi Finlayson Meyer
Gage Park’s Romulo Corpuz of Prospect Equities is back on track. A lifetime of setting goals has enabled him to accomplish more than a whole group wouldn’t tackle–both in career and for his family. And Corpuz has geared up again. It’s written, prioritized “to do” lists for 2010!
What’s his greatest feat that successful goals have realized? Corpuz and family agree: Uncle Romy has put thirteen nieces and nephews through college—count them, one through thirteen. Speaking of giving, that’s unbeatable!
“Well, I’m not a millionaire, and all the kids have nicer homes than I, but I helped them establish a good livelihood. That’s what matters. If no one had helped, all that talent would have been wasted. When they get on their feet, I drop out,” concludes Corpuz who could not be more proud of the success of each. Their professions include: 2 doctors, 5 nurses, 1 nursing home owner, 1 marine engineer, 2 teachers, 1 physical therapist, and 1 restaurant executive, with some now living in the Philippines.
Corpuz immigrated in 1977 to the USA, and had worked for Coca Cola in Manila in the Philippines. Pepsi in Chicago hired him right off—a lucky break he says—as a chemical engineer to be Quality Assurance Manager. His department won Pepsi’s prestigious Caleb Bradham Award for product excellence in 1982, and his efforts saved the company $200,000 each year—except the two years when they paid for his graduate studies. He beams to recall the triumphant “Pepsi Challenge”.
With a good compensation and benefits from Pepsi, he bought a home in Wheaton, later moving to Gage Park on Chicago’s southwest side to minimize travel time. He needed to help his widowed sister who had also migrated to the US with four of six children. Those kids went to school with Corpuz funding their educations. Then, one by one, other nieces and nephews in the Philippines followed–until there were thirteen. When one nephew died, his daughter, Corpuz’s grandniece, went through school too.
“I don’t know where to begin, except to say we kids were very, very, lucky. We lost our father early and our uncle stood in like a father, financing us all through school. How many uncles would do that? His non-stop support continues today as he helps our cousins whenever he can,” says niece Maria Lourdes Dela Rosa of her uncle.
All the while, Corpuz himself aspired to greater achievement. He took advantage of Pepsi’s tuition reimbursement, and gained a master’s in business administration, majoring in finance, from Chicago’s Saint Xavier University in 1994. Ever focused, over time he got these licenses: Professional Engineer, Real Estate Broker, Loan Originator, Securities (Series 7, 63, 65), and Insurance (Accident/Health/Life).
So, after his chemical engineering career, Corpuz became a stockbroker and a financial advisor. He started in real estate in the late eighties, and the Chicago Association of Realtors honored him with the Golden Eagle Award in 2002 for Top Commercial Unit Producer in West Garfield Park. In 2001, his former office Century 21 Executives in Chicago named him Top Producer.
And now? Corpuz has set his 2010 goals: to help each client both secure a mortgage and buy the home, investment property or commercial building he selects. He sees the market improving and will help clients take advantage of the extended tax credit and low prices while they last.
His tips to buyers and sellers? Seek the help of a knowledgeable and reputable agent for guidance throughout your real estate transaction. When buying, don’t give up when traditional financing fails as there may be other options, like owner financing and lease/rent to own. Above all, don’t buy beyond your means. It’s better to live below your income level and invest extra funds in other retirement investment vehicles.
When selling, get rid of clutter to make a home look more spacious. Inexpensive paint can transform a home making it more desirable to buyers. Clean landscaping and a trim lawn increases marketability too.
Further, as bank loan modifications crawl along, Corpuz will help desperate applicants keep hope. He advises being hopeful and keeping applications accurate. He’s seen people derailed when not reporting the truth. With consistent inquiries to the bank, modifications can come through.
In 2008 with twenty years in realty, Corpuz joined realty firm Prospect Equities (PE), Inc. in Oakbrook for the broad opportunities it offers agents, including generous commissions.
“With great support, encouragement and a vision toward the cutting edge, PE remains ahead of everyone else,” says Corpuz.
Corpuz remains committed to providing clients straightforward, ethical, and expert service, which pays off. He serves clients with the same spirit in which he gives to family. One client from ten years ago couldn’t find Corpuz and hired, and fired, two other agents. Then the client tracked down Corpuz via past coworkers.
“Clients won’t forget and I always get referrals. Helping others comes back,” says Corpuz, who can’t count all the clients he’s helped with real estate.
In 2010 Romulo Corpuz is full speed ahead to build his real estate and mortgage businesses with his lifelong, unwavering commitment. As he honored and changed the lives of thirteen nieces and nephews, he will improve the lives of the real estate clients he serves.
“If you really work hard and don’t give up, you really can obtain something in the USA”, says Corpuz with a satisfied while humble face that has steadied many through the years.
Contact Romulo Corpuz: 708-203-9809 or at Prospect Equities: 630-629-8330 ext. 7337.
