From baseball player to real estate agent, my journey has been marked by perseverance, teamwork and a positive mindset to overcome any obstacles. Now, my clients are my team, and my passion lies in helping them win!
Growing up in Philadelphia, it was always my dream to play baseball. I moved to Raleigh, North Carolina, where I studied Business Administration and played college baseball. It was there that I met my wife, Jenny, and became a North Carolinian through and through. From there, my career truly started.
Playing in the minor leagues for the Mets and the Dodgers, I was living out my dreams and learning invaluable lessons about teamwork, perseverance and always striving to improve. These experiences translated to another 30 years in the sports industry, working as a minor league manager, coach and major league scout for the Mets and the Phillies. I was able to go to the World Series with some teams, which were huge moments in my career. Up to this point in my life, I lived and breathed baseball.
However, COVID-19 drastically changed the landscape of baseball. Many teams trimmed their staff, and I found myself, after committing a lifetime to the sport, in need of a new direction. With three kids in college—Hayes, Weston and Chase—I couldn’t afford to stay still. I had to find a new career to support my family and see my kids finish their education.
Real estate felt like a natural transition. Because my parents had invested in rental properties, I had seen firsthand how real estate could provide financial security. Moreover, I have always enjoyed home improvement projects. While some spent their weekends on the golf course, I found joy in building a fence or constructing a deck at my home. The choice to transition into real estate was easy.
Yet, the first six months were anything but easy. I had no clients and needed to build a business from the ground up. I applied the same dedication and competitiveness I learned from baseball—I worked harder than others and didn’t give up. By leveraging my connections, I managed to grow my business faster than most, reaching $14 million in sales by my third year. I was honored to be named the Selling Associate of the Year for my office in 2021 and 2022. I also received the Team Spirit Award, a peer-based recognition in which I was voted the most helpful, present and positive agent of 2022. I’m a team player and dedicated to the success of not only myself and my clients, but others, too. By 2024, I launched the Freiling Realty Group.
Although my identity shifted from baseball to real estate, the competitiveness, work ethic and "can do" attitude I learned in sports remains central to my approach in real estate. For example, if things don’t go as planned for my clients, we don’t panic and we don’t give up. Instead, I guide my clients into an alternative plan with a positive attitude, bringing a positive outcome.
I want my clients to win, which means I'll do whatever it takes to help them achieve their goals and transition into the next chapter. From talking with an insurance agent to get them on the same page as the lender to going into a crawl space to check for mold under the house, I’ll go the extra mile for my clients by handling issues and hiccups myself to ensure a smooth, enjoyable and stress-free experience.
The biggest thing for me is truly helping people. Their house will be the biggest investment they ever make, so I take pride in advising clients against a house that will not be a good decision in the long run. My clients are my team now. Helping them make a financially beneficial decision that will be great for their family is what gives me the greatest joy.
I do everything it takes to help my clients win, recognizing that each client is unique and requires a different approach. Whether it’s a luxury property, a first home, land, or commercial real estate, I have experience coordinating a wide array of transactions. Most importantly, I create a friendly, transparent environment where you can feel comfortable speaking honestly. I always joke with my clients that I have struck out with the bases loaded in the 9th inning in front of 20,000 fans, booing me off the field—whatever it is you have to say, you can’t hurt my feelings! Whether it’s a house that doesn’t quite fit what you need or specific features you don’t like, I want to know so I can help you find the perfect home for your family!
As a Certified Relocation Specialist, I handle everything from landscaping to handyman work, helping clients with every aspect of their relocation. I also excel at negotiations and problem-solving, gladly helping resolve any issues. It’s fun for me to be the frontman and take the pressure off my clients’ shoulders. My goal is that, no matter what comes your way, you feel confident that the issue will be resolved. My positive, genuinely helpful and proactive attitude will help you select the perfect home for your family all while having my full support and advocacy.
Sincerely,
Howie Freiling
REALTOR® | Lic#317197
Direct Call/Text 919-624-1110
hfreiling@fmrealty.com
reilingrealtygroup.com
