About
Hello and welcome to RaleigRealEstateTalk.com! My name is Bob Fortner and I’m a full time Realtor in the greater Raleigh area of North Carolina. I just have to tell you, I’ve got the coolest job on the planet! Every day I get to meet new people and discuss with them one of the most important decisions they will ever make. This is very rewarding for me and it is my Big Why. Seeing the satisfaction on someone’s face when we have successfully found them the perfect home is what gets me up every morning… it’s why I do what I do.
Helping someone decide where they will live and raise their families is a responsibility I do not take lightly. About 50% of my business comes from people who meet me through this blog. Many are relocating here from another part of the country. Over the years I’ve learned a great deal about the special needs of someone who is moving a great distance to become a part of our community. Helping newcomers relocate and get to know the area is something I really enjoy.
The other half of my business comes from referrals and repeat business. Much of it from past clients. This is the highest compliment I can ever receive. It really means a lot to me when someone has enough confidence in what I do to recommend me to a friend or family member. If you choose to refer someone to me, you have my word that they will receive my very best!
Okay, here’s what you wanted to know when you clicked the About button.
The professional me, in a nut shell
- Full time Realtor/Broker since January 2003
- Serving home buyers and sellers in the greater Raleigh, North Carolina area
- Business partner with Keller Williams Realty
- Served on Agent Leadership Council 2006-2007
- Keller Williams Market Center Instructor
- Member of National Association of Realtors, NC Association of Realtors, Raleigh Regional Association of Realtors
- Former Area Sales Manager for large international electrical equipment manufacturer
The educated me, cliff notes version
- Graduated Summa Cum Laude from NC Wesleyan
- Dual major in business administration and computer information systems
- A lifetime of on-the-job training in satisfying clients
The personal me, just in case you’re curious
I’ve been married to my wonderful wife, Diana, since 1992. We don’t have any kids, but we do have three cats, Chester, Leo and Luke, who have been known to create more ruckus than most kids. When I’m not working with clients I like spending time with my wife and just enjoying life. Hobbies include reading, studying history, traveling, and watching movies… especially old movies.
My favorite quote and my personal philosophy
“If you help enough people get what they want, you will inevitable get what you want” –Zig Zigler
You see, personally, I think this simple quote from Zig is pure genius. Everyone wants things in their life; happiness, love, wealth, and so on. And there seem to be two basic choices in how to go about achieving what you want.
One is to focus on achieving “things.” The other is to focus on meeting the needs of others and rely on God to keep His promise of supplying the desires of your heart. To be honest, I’ve tried it both ways. Helping others get what they want not only gets me more of what I want, it also gives me a level of satisfaction that can only come from making a significant contribution to another person’s life. It’s a pretty cool way to live.
Okay, there you have it. Everything you wanted to know about me, but were afraid to ask 
If you’ve been reading my stuff for a while I hope you’ll take the time to contact me when you need to buy or sell a home. I’d love to get to meet you and share what I know about the real estate business. You see, that’s the fun part for me. Getting to know people and understanding how I can contribute. I hope to hear from you soon!
Your friend in real estate!
Bob Fortner
