Today we’d like to introduce you to Rich Noto.
Hi Rich, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My journey into real estate started unknowingly when I needed a house and, under the bad advice of friends, co workers and family, went alone to builders. I purchased my first new construction house and noticed poor treatment on the sales end, but also the house ended up having hidden construction defects that caused leaks behind the walls. Then my second house was a similar experience but with different issues. I hired a realtor for it. During that time, I noticed a big knowledge gap based around having a standard realtor when touring homes. The agent did not understand how homes were built. This left me vulnerable to house issues and defects before the purchase contract, and then after contract up to the closing. After closing on the house I had months of time consuming struggles to get repairs made to the property. I thought no one should have to go through this.
I decided people deserve better. I could help them by filling the gap with what is needed in the process. The gap is where the standard realtors knowledge ends and the home inspectors knowledge takes over. Home inspectors only job is to report on findings while at the property. So I realized if I had someone with that insight from start to finish, who could evaluate properties visually before contract, and communicate to construction managers in Florida residential code and build standards, and debate right from wrong, Many issues could be avoided along the way.
The real estate industry needs a lot of change, including better standards on both the Realtor and Home Inspector sides. Hence I created the most well rounded Realtor service. One that is able to provide honesty and insight for every buyer with no gaps from start to finish.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The path forward was not smooth, some struggles included
Studying for both licenses
Taking advanced courses
Learning some Florida Residential Code and Manufactures installation instructions for various house components like Siding, Stucco, Framing, Foundations, Water Resistive Barriers
Understanding the talking points builders use to steer buyers away from a properly built house
Effectively managing the process and getting the homes repaired. I do have a high success rate with buyers, who have the right mindset. The average buyer can unknowingly be, their own worse enemy during a quick move in house purchase or build.
Overcoming the bad information that is online. Most buyers believe it all, even though its wrong.
Knowing the industry is not regulated well enough to reduce general issues that occur.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am known for specializing in Florida new construction homes, and bringing a higher level of oversight to the buying process. As both a licensed Florida Realtor and home inspector, my role goes beyond the purchase. I focus on how the home is built from the ground up.
My approach bridges the gap between the Realtor, builder and the inspection, and repair process By providing a clearer understanding of construction quality, workmanship, and potential issues before they become problems. I stay involved throughout the entire build. By assisting in the selection of inspectors, structural engineers, attending inspections, and meeting with construction managers to help ensure the home is built properly.
Coaching the first time buyer or experienced future homeowner of how to handle the process along the way.
Most of my work centers on buyers building new homes, at various stages of it or quick move ins, which are completed across Central Florida. My services are structured to align with builder-paid commissions, without adding extra transaction, broker, or service fees.
The focus is simple: better-built homes through hands-on involvement and construction-focused guidance.
The joy of seeing my customers close on their homes is the greatest feeling. The compliments received at the end makes the struggle worth it. The process is never easy for both myself and the buyer. But the end result is always the best built house in the area.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
My honesty, even when I know the information will cost the sale. Too much of the industry is based around those who put the money before the customer. its a numbers game for many.
The industry is full of very alpha personalities. And to succeed for the customer requires a strategy which thinks a step ahead of what will come. Along with a level of resilience to outmaneuver the opposition. But for the right customer, it is all worth it in the end.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://wintergardennew.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fl_realtor_homeinspector_noto/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RichNotoRealtor/
- Twitter: https://x.com/RichNRealtor
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsdFKf4TfxlQBMXsbgopUtA
