In the bustling world of real estate, success stories often emerge from resilience, adaptability and a relentless pursuit of excellence. The Chernov Team, a Studio City-based team with The Agency, stands as a testament to this narrative. Led by Dennis Chernov, Managing Director of San Fernando Valley, this dynamic real estate group has navigated through challenges and transformed setbacks into opportunities, growing to become a team of 28 real estate professionals.
Q: Can you take us back to the beginning of your real estate career? How did you transition from working in mortgages to becoming a successful real estate professional?
A: I started my career in 10th grade as a telemarketer at a mortgage company, eventually becoming a loan officer. In 2009, during the recession, I lost almost everything and had to make a career change. Even with the market, homes were selling and I felt like I could bring a lot of value as a realtor so I decided to get licensed and go into Real Estate. Since then, I’ve been immersed in the industry, initially as a single agent in Studio City, and now leading The Chernov Team.
Q: Building a team of 25 people is no small feat. How did you manage to grow organically, and what role did patience play in the process?
A: Patience was crucial. Instead of rapidly expanding, we focused on hiring the right talent, step by step, that would ensure the right team dynamic. This approach allowed us to dominate the San Fernando Valley/Los Angeles market organically, and we now have a team of 13 staff members and 11 agents.
Q: Looking ahead to 2024, what are your goals for The Chernov Team, and how do you plan to achieve them?
A: Our goals for 2024 include continued growth and expansion of the team. We want to make sure we keep thriving and enjoying the industry and the work we do, and not allow negativity to affect us. We are so grateful for the clientele we’ve built over the years and we look forward to continuing to service them as best we can.
Q: Can you elaborate on the innovative marketing strategies employed by The Chernov Team? How do you ensure diverse exposure for your listings?
A: We have spent years working to identify the best marketing strategies/platforms and to fine-tune our approach. Through analytics, we know what works and we use a diverse marketing plan for each and every property. We also leverage our 11 agents as individual spokespeople, each presenting listings in their unique way. This ensures diverse exposure and attracts potential buyers who see properties from different angles. Our online and social media presence, along with connections with other agents, is the core of our business strategy.
Q: Overcoming challenges is part of any success story. What obstacles did you encounter, especially in a market where everyone is watching your every move?
A: The biggest challenge has been dealing with bad competition—agents resorting to questionable tactics to stay ahead. However, we’ve learned to focus on our goals, stay motivated, and continuously adapt to the changing dynamics.
Q: Collaboration with your wife seems to be a key element. How do your roles complement each other in running The Chernov Team?
A: My wife, Yana, handles internal and financial operations, runs the marketing and branding departments, and manages team dynamics. I focus on sales. This complementary approach allows us to bring different skills to the table. We have a well-rounded business dynamic.
Stay up to date with The Chernov team on Instagram at @chernovteam.
