Introducing Dave Grech

Day-Tripping: Design Trends: Hard Floors: Washington D.C. Outdoor Kitchens A Solid Choice Celebrating the Region’s Most Influential Real Estate Professionals Doing the Right Thing Dave Grech REALTOR® Faith, family and real estate

DID YOU KNOW?A FEW FUN REAL ESTATE FACTS In Scotland, Warren Buffet Monica’s A couple sold apartment homeowners paint is one of the richest an acre of land in their front door red men in the world from “Friends” is North Carolina to when they pay off and he still lives in estimated to cost Apple for $1.7 their mortgage. the same house he $3,500,000. million. They paid bought for $31,500 $6,000 for it. in 1958. The White House Aspen, Colorado The landmark is valued at $110 “Hollywood” sign million. has such high real estate prices that in originally read 2011, the cheapest “Hollywoodland” listing was a and was constructed $559,000 trailer. in 1923 as a publicity stunt to Builders in China sell real estate. are able to build a 30 story skyscraper in only 15 days!

Rainmakers are selected based on their sales Dave Grech accomplishments earning them a spot among the top 20% of Liz Moore & Associates’ top REALTOR® performers. In addition to sales volume standards, #1 GOAL Rainmakers share client-centric philosophies, a dedication to being masters of their craft, Do the right thing and a commitment to giving back to the communities they serve. SUPERPOWER I am thrilled to have been selected as the Power of prayer Dave Grechfeatured Rainmaker for the month! YEARS IN REAL ESTATE 32 PROUDEST MOMENT When my son Christian was born HOW I START MY DAY Sitting on the back porch BIGGEST MOTIVATOR Taking care of my family Dave was a pleasure during the entire transaction Bill & Patricia Wilson

Rainmaker Spotlight: Dave Grech “Real estate Dave Grech is a man who holds family and faith close. Dave’s ancestral roots are planted three for me is not generations deep on the small island of Malta, about 90 miles south of Sicily. His parents, children about making during World War II, survived starvation and German bombs there, fighting dogs for a scrap of bread. “They met at a Maltese soccer club dance in New York, married, and had my brother and hundreds me very young,” Dave says. of sales, but about building Every morning before he enters the Liz Moore and Associates office building in Williamsburg, relationships,” Dave sits in his own personal church, a car with personalized “NOVENA” plates, and prays. “I pray to Jesus for my family, and for the strength to do the right thing,” he says. Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Queens was Dave’s alma mater until middle school, when he moved and eventually graduated from Long Island City High. He then went to work for the power company. “A union man at ConEd, Dad got me a desk job answering phone calls. I was also taking college courses here and there, but I ended up staying for 23 years,” he says. When Dave had been working for ten years, a relative mentioned he might also be good at real estate. The very next day, Dave signed up for Realtor training. He soon joined an office, but kept his first job, too. “After just two weeks, I made my first sale. I thought, ‘I’m really gonna like this!’, and I haven’t stopped since.”

Dave was 40 when he met and married his wife, Kim. When he became a father at 42, he owned his own real estate business and a home on Long Island Sound, while Kim enjoyed a successful career in radiation therapy. “We were in good shape!” he remembers. The day after Christian’s birth, the new dad asked God for a sign about what to do next. While sitting by the water, Dave says he received a strong message. “I said to Kim afterward, ‘We’re moving; I’m not raising Christian in New York!’” Nine months later, in October of 1999, the family was in Williamsburg. Dave began selling over 600 homes in various communities for a builder developing in the area. Kim, now a full-time mom, staged houses for him and others. After 13 years, the company was bought out and Dave began working for Liz Moore. “I came running here!” he exclaims with a laugh. “She has an amazing reputation. Brokers were inviting me in, but I didn’t care what they were offering, I wasn’t interviewing anywhere else; I was going with her.” Among his various business awards displayed in the office, a photo of his dark-haired son as a child has a special place on his desk. Speaking of Christian, now grown into a handsome man of 20, brings a glow of love and pride. “My son is an actor and musician with amazing talent,” Dave says. Christian was only 12 when he won a talent show at Williamsburg’s Kimball Theater, and 15 when he auditioned for “The Voice.” He made it to L.A. and was one of 80 left out of 40,000 hopefuls before being cut. These days, he’s back from New York and living in Williamsburg, writing and recording demos, waiting for his next big break. Christian’s dad has sound advice for young folks just entering a career. “I tell them that you’re in business to make money, but you make money as the result of doing the right thing by people.” Dave’s plan has always been to make each client feel as if they’re the most important person in the world to him at that moment. “Just be nice to them. If you do that consistently, you’ll get referrals. But more than that, you’ll have peace of mind knowing you’ve done the right thing.” Following his own advice makes Dave Grech a man who thoroughly enjoys his life and his job. “The next chapter of my life is opening up right now, and nothing’s been written in it yet. Whatever happens, God’s in charge,” Dave says. “I’m good with that.”

TAKE IN Every year, mother nature puts on a vibrant display of beauty in Washington, THE BEAUTY D.C. when the cherry blossom trees bloom and line the Tidal Basin with delicate pale pink and white flowers for a few weeks every spring. This event OF 3,000 draws thousands of tourists from around the world but luckily for us this CHERRY spectacular site is only a short drive away. TREES IN FULL BLOOM This year, the National Cherry Blossom Festival runs from March 20th to April 15th. The peak bloom period will almost certainly be during the festival but will officially be predicted by the National Park Service on March 1st. The National Cherry Blossom Festival is a tradition that showcases the beautiful gift of 3,000 cherry trees that the city of Tokyo gave to our nation’s capital in 1912. The annual festival is a three-week, city-wide event featuring more than 200 cultural performances and special events. From arts and exhibits to cuisine and sports, there is something for everyone to enjoy! Getting around the city during this popular event can be challenging, especially on the weekends. Parking is limited in the city, so the best way to get to the Tidal Basin and the National Mall is by public transportation. Once you’ve arrived, the simplest way to enjoy the day is to take a stroll along the Basin and enjoy the breathtaking views of the trees and the city’s most iconic landmarks. The beautiful trees make a great background for photos so be sure to bring your camera along. The best time to walk around and avoid the crowds is early morning or early evening. You can expect more people on weekends and when the blooms are peaking. The east side of the Tidal Basin (between the National Mall and the Jefferson Memorial) tends to get the most congested. Aside from walking, there are so many fun ways to enjoy the beautiful blossoms and celebrate the season. Many guided tours are offered during the Festival and offer more information and details about the trees, Festival, monuments, and area. You can see the sights on a guided trolley tour, walking tour, by bicycle, by Segway, by DC Duck, and more. You can take a free walking tour with a National Park Service Ranger and learn about the history of the cherry blossom trees and more. Tours such as Cherry Talks/Walks, Junior Ranger Programs, and Lantern Tours are available. You can also enjoy the beautiful views from a boat cruise. Cruises range from a 45-minute sightseeing tour to a 2.5-hour dinner. Advance reservations are recommended for all of these activities. While viewing the blossoms you can mix in a little bit of history and culture. You can visit the monuments in sight of the cherry blossoms like the Jefferson Memorial, the National Mall, the White House, the FDR Memorial, and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial. All of the memorials have National Park Service programs that provide insight and history about 5 the historic sites.

For a different view of the blossoms, you can go The National Cherry Blossom Festival is not only paddle boating on the Tidal Basin. You can rent a a celebration of spring and the beautiful blooms, but paddle boat for two to four passengers and enjoy the also a cultural event that honors Japanese culture. spectacular views of the cherry trees and monuments Over 200 special events and performances are held from the water. It’s also a great way for the entire throughout the duration of the festival and showcase family to get some exercise together. Advance traditional contemporary music, dance, song and reservations are recommended during the festival. martial arts demonstrations. The stage is located at the Festival Welcome Center near the paddle boats. You’ll undoubtedly work up an appetite touring and Daily performances will run from noon to 6 p.m. paddling, and “Cherry Picks” restaurants are ready to The line-up will include a wide variety of cultural welcome you and continue the cherry blossom fun offerings including vocalists, bands, dancers, drum with special dishes featuring cherries. Cherry Picks performances, exhibitions, and more. highlights participating metro area restaurants with creative spring menus throughout the Festival. You If you decide to make your day trip an overnight trip, can try cherry dishes like pork belly confit with many area hotels offer special cherry blossom-themed cherry sauce, sherry cherry crispy goat cheese salad, packages which may include discounts, a free bloom- brie and prosciutto crostini with cherry chutney, and inspired cocktail, chocolates, meals, or more. many more! You can also enjoy special cherry themed cocktails like black cherry punch featuring cherry For more information, call the festival hotline at infused bourbon and cherry liqueur. (877) 44-BLOOM or visit the official website at www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org. DAYWTARSIPHPIINNGGT:ON, D.C. 6



Dave’s Favorite BBQ Chicken





Congratulations, Dave!