Soul of 78: David Norwood

Agent, Joseph Carter Realty

Words by Thomas Ingle | Image by Justin Hunter

David Norwood is using his coaching skills to score big in the real estate market.

Originally from Hartselle, Alabama, David coached football at Hartselle High School for four years before moving to Jasper to coach at Walker High School. He was an assistant with the Vikings for 8 years under head coach Bubba Davis.

In 1999, David became the defensive coordinator at Gardendale High School and later was promoted to head coach (2000-04). After Gardendale, he went to Austin High School before returning to Walker County to finish his coaching career at Cordova High School.

"My full intention was always to go into sporting goods sales after I finished coaching, and I was well on my way to doing that," David said. "But I coached a kid at Cordova, and his dad was a broker for Joseph Carter Realty. He is the guy who talked me into doing real estate."

David is now finding similarities between his previous career and his new pursuit, including managing client’s expectations. In real estate, agents must manage the expectations of buyers or sellers, while in football, coaches are required to manage players' playing time, as well as the expectations of parents and administration.

David says that one of the most challenging things about real estate is trying to keep a finger on the pulse of the housing market and knowing what the market can bear at that time. He keeps it all in perspective by maintaining open communication with everyone involved in the process.

"I'm on my phone a great portion of the day. I'm talking to clients and home inspectors, lining up inspections and showings," David explained. "At the end of the day, it's about communicating and doing the things you say you're going to do when you say you are going to do it."

From coaching on the field to closing deals in real estate, David knows how to manage expectations, communicate effectively, and score big for his clients. His experience and skills have proven to be invaluable in making his career transition a successful one. 78