Harold Bloom has been selling homes in Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties since 1985. He can be reached at (650) 605-3928 or by email.
Howard Bloom: Still Having Fun
By James Florence, Diamond Certified Reporter
LOS ALTOS — When asked what inspired him to get into real estate, Howard Bloom says it was more fun than his day job. “Before I was a real estate agent, I worked as a hospital administrator. In 1982, I started buying and reselling government-repossessed properties. Pretty soon, I was buying two or three properties a year. Eventually, I decided real estate was more fun than being in meetings all day. Plus, I was using a lot of the same skills I used at my job: dealing with people, solving problems and negotiating contracts. In 1985, I began doing real estate full-time and have been at it ever since.”
Today, after more than 30 years in real estate, Howard is still having fun. “I enjoy every aspect of my job, from taking a fixer-upper and making it presentable to negotiating great outcomes for my clients. Plus, at this point in my career, much of my business is repeat and referral-based, so I enjoy maintaining those long-term connections and seeing how people have grown over the years.”
A resident of Los Altos (where he lives with his wife, Diane), Howard spends his time outside of work on a variety of pastimes. “I work 60 to 70 hours a week, but I still make time for a few interests and hobbies. I enjoy eating at good restaurants, going whitewater rafting and going to San Jose Sharks games—I’m an original season ticket holder.”
When asked about a professional philosophy, Howard says it’s all about delivering results. “Talk is cheap—a realtor needs to deliver the results they promise to their clients. That’s why I offer a satisfaction guarantee that allows each client to terminate their contract at any time if they’re unhappy with my services. However, I don’t worry about it, because after all these years, I’ve never had anyone take me up on it!”
When asked what his future retirement might look like, Howard says he hasn’t given it much thought. “I enjoy my job—it’s a good life, so I’m in no hurry to retire. Plus, I’m much better at real estate than I am at golf! At this point, I’m 33 years in, and my goal is to make it to 50 years in the business.”
Ask Me Anything!
Q: If you could instantly pick up a new skill, what would it be?
A: The ability to cook.
Q: What’s your favorite local restaurant?
A: Evvia Estiatorio in Palo Alto.
Q: What’s your all-time favorite TV show?
A: “Seinfeld.”
Q: Which “Seinfeld” character do you relate to most?
A: George.
Q: What’s your favorite holiday?
A: Thanksgiving. It’s a time to reflect on gratitude for what we have and consider those less fortunate than ourselves.
