It's a sellers' market, says local Realtor

Today's real estate market is in an upswing, says local Realtor Gustavo Olvera, Jr.

"We are in a sellers' market," he said. "It was a buyers' market; however, that is changing." Olvera works with local Realtor Tilo Cortez in his 7th Street office.

"Most buyers are looking for three-bedroom homes," Olvera said. "The price range from $190,000 to $215,000 is the most-popular price range on the market."

One thing that makes him different from other real estate agents is Olvera goes to the clients instead of making them come to him. "I'm very flexible and want to make it easy for them," he said.

"Cortez is my mentor," Olvera said. "I am fortunate to be able to work in his office. He has taken me under his wing and been guiding me in my career."

"I shadowed him in my spare time to learn how and why and what he was doing."

Olvera added that while working with Cortez, he is able to take the time he needs to learn the job thoroughly.

Real estate has reduced the stress in Olvera's work life, and he looks forward to actively engaging clients from all over the northern part of Kern County. "I have clients in McFarland, Wasco, Shafter, Buttonwillow and Delano," he said.

Olvera retired from the Shafter Police Department last August after 12 years. "I always knew I would need a backup plan once I retired," he said, "and I've always been interested in real estate, so it was a natural step for me."

Because he couldn't schedule classes around his work schedule at California State University, Bakersfield, he decided to take classes online at University of Phoenix, where he obtained both his bachelors and masters degrees.

Olvera is a Wasco High School graduate, and he married a Shafter woman. They now live in Shafter. They have three children, two boys ages 8 and 12, and a 15-year-old daughter.

"My family has a great relationship with everyone at the Richland School District, and we are happy there."

Olvera and his family relax by doing a lot of camping. "Our favorite spot is to camp along the Pismo Coast," he said.