From Pakistan to the Jersey Shore: How Haris Naeem Built His Real Estate Career With Grit and Perspective
In this episode of Grit Won’t Quit, Tom sits down with Haris Naeem of MassMutual NJ NYC, a rising force in New Jersey real estate whose story begins halfway around the world. What follows is a conversation about adaptability, customer service, and the power of staying committed to your craft — even in one of the most competitive markets around.
A First Podcast Appearance — and a First-Class Story
Tom and Haris originally crossed paths through the Kchev networking community nearly two years ago. As Haris explains, networking events were his way of getting in front of people early in his career — long before he had years of closings under his belt. Sponsoring events, shaking hands, and putting himself out there became the groundwork for the brand he would eventually build.
This episode marks Haris’s first-ever podcast appearance, but the clarity and confidence of his story reveal just how much he’s learned in a short time.
Early Roots in Real Estate — Before He Even Knew It
Haris didn’t find real estate later in life; real estate found him early.
Growing up in Pakistan, he spent his childhood watching his father negotiate deals, meet buyers, and guide clients through transactions. At seven or eight years old, he didn’t fully understand the business — but he absorbed everything.
Those early experiences planted a seed that would grow years later when he moved to the United States, pursued a finance degree, and realized just how valuable his background could be in the world of high-end real estate.
Jumping Into the Shore Market — With Zero Fear
Three years ago, Haris entered the real estate world with no hesitation.
He didn’t start small. He didn’t dip his toes in. He went straight to the deep end:
For Sale By Owners, multimillion-dollar beach homes, corporate executives, and the Route 35 corridor from Point Pleasant to Seaside Park.
Most new agents tiptoe into the business. Haris cold-called homeowners of luxury properties in his first 60 days.
And remarkably, it worked.
His first deal? A home in Seaside Park purchased by a buyer moving from Connecticut — someone Haris met simply by showing up at open houses weekend after weekend.
Why Open Houses Became His Secret Weapon
While many agents see open houses as a waste of time, Haris built his career on them.
Every Saturday. Every Sunday. For nearly three years.
Whether it was Lavallette, Seaside, or Point Pleasant, buyers walking through the door grew accustomed to seeing the same face. Haris became a familiar presence in the local market — and with familiarity came trust.
That consistency didn’t just build his client base. It built his reputation.
Customer Service Over Everything
One of the strongest themes in this conversation is Haris’s commitment to service.
He answers clients within five minutes.
He gives advice that doesn’t always benefit him in the moment.
And he thinks long-term — not transaction to transaction.
One example: a client completing a 1031 tax exchange. Haris advised her to identify multiple backup properties, even though it meant she might choose a listing not represented by him. The guidance protected her from a major tax risk — and reaffirmed that Haris prioritizes integrity over commission.
In an industry where many people operate part-time, Haris explains how being fully committed makes a real difference. Beach homes aren’t casual purchases. These are major investments that demand responsiveness, expertise, and care.
Where Finance Meets Real Estate
Haris’s educational background in finance gives him an edge in both residential and commercial transactions. Whether it’s evaluating rental income, assessing cash flow, or helping clients understand affordability on a multimillion-dollar property, the numbers matter.
This skill becomes especially relevant as he begins entering the commercial real estate space — an arena driven far more by financial analysis than emotion. While he can’t yet share details, Haris hints that he has commercial deals currently in motion.
The Jersey Shore Market — Seasonal, Emotional, and Unique
Tom and Haris spend time discussing the distinctive nature of the Jersey Shore real estate market.
Beach towns are unlike the rest of New Jersey. Off-season activity slows, but the buyers who do come out are serious. Meanwhile, developments like Netflix entering Monmouth County are expected to increase demand and push buyers farther into Ocean County.
From summer rentals to second homes to investment properties, the Shore remains one of the most resilient and desirable real estate ecosystems in the state.
Building a Brand for the Future
Now three years in, Haris has put in the legwork. He has worked the open houses, made the connections, and built momentum in a challenging market. The next phase?
Building a stronger online brand and scaling intelligently.
He’s focused on elevating his digital presence so he can grow beyond physical open-house traffic — while maintaining the same customer-first philosophy that launched his career.
Where You Can Find Haris
Haris keeps it simple:
Whether you’re looking for a Shore investment property or want to explore the Jersey market with someone who truly knows it, Haris is just a message away.
This podcast episode was filmed at Wingman Planning in Belmar.
