Roland Velasco and longtime friend Eleanor Villarreal both plan
to keep current jobs
Gilroy – A city councilman and a prominent charity fundraiser have joined the real estate game.
Roland Velasco, a second-term city councilman who works as a policy aide for Santa Clara County Supervisor Don Gage, has teamed up with long-time family friend Eleanor Villarreal in a new real estate business. Many people are familiar with Villarreal through her involvement in local Democratic politics, as well as her role as a fundraiser and spokesperson for Rebekah Children’s Services.
After passing their real estate exams in March, Velasco and Villarreal signed up as agents with Century 21, located at 8050 Santa Teresa Blvd. Both plan to continue with their current jobs.
“I’ve always had an interest in real estate,” Velasco said. “With my nearly six years on the city council, I’ve certainly learned a lot about land use, planning, development. I’ve started thinking about my future and making sure my son is taken care of. I thought real estate might be a good fit.”
Villarreal said she has dabbled in real estate privately since 1973. She delayed her long-time dream of becoming an agent, however, when the market took a dive in the late ’80s.
“I thought I’d just wait,” she said. “I’m in a time right now where I’m planning for retirement. It takes a while to get yourself established, so I’m getting a head start.”
Patty Filice, a real estate agent with Intero Real Estate Services, said the business is extremely competitive nowadays, but she predicted success for rookies with name recognition.
“There’s a saying in the business – the people who already know you, like you, and trust you, are more likely to do business with you than strangers,” she said.
Villarreal, who attended school with Velasco’s uncle Herman Garcia, said she and her new partner share “a high level of trust” and cooperation.
“He’s the more reserved, careful, brainy guy,” she said. “I have more of the seller’s flair.”
To learn more, visit their Web site at www.teamgilroy.com.
