Real Estate Done Right

As 2020 comes to a close, Elegant Island Living returns to its annual discussion with Patrick Dunn of Sea Island Properties about the health and status of the St. Simons Island and Sea Island market and what practices are required to succeed in today’s real estate environment. Patrick has held the status of top producing agent in Glynn County for ten years in a row, and currently has over 200 million in sales and pending contracts so far in 2020.

EIL: What are homebuyers in your demographic looking for? What’s important to them?

PD: Value is still number one. Buyers want a home that has a beautiful, clean look, with great potential. They also want an experienced Realtor knowledgeable about the market who they can trust to guide them through the buying process. Homebuyers today are not hesitant to purchase property and make renovations as long as they can see long term value.

EIL: What makes Sea Island and St. Simons Island attractive for buyers and the luxury housing market?

PD: Sea Island and St. Simons Island are an incredible community in which to live, work and play – a combination found in very few places. The people in our community are diverse, care about each other, and enthusiastically welcome newcomers of all ages. The housing market on St. Simons offers a wide variety of styles and price ranges. At Sea Island Properties, our goal is to provide professional luxury home services, marketing tools and support to homebuyers on both Sea Island and St. Simons Island.

EIL: What does it take to succeed in today’s real estate environment?

PD: I create a plan for success and hold myself accountable by setting goals and developing a business plan. In real estate, the natural inclination is to put all the effort into sales or purchases because Realtors often think that’s what clients want. Actually, it’s not. Clients are hungry for details and answers, and when I deliver them, my clients remember. Experience is also a great teacher, so I note things I learn as I work with clients and my broker. Follow up is also integral to success for a real estate agent. I always contact my clients about two days after I’ve shown them around a property or assisted them with a sale.

EIL: What challenges does the real estate market face in the year ahead?

PD: This is a tough question coming off of 2020, which has been one of the strongest primary and second home markets that any of us have seen in a long time. While the COVID 19 pandemic has certainly caused devastating health issues coupled with economic and social disruption in our country, the housing market has been a bright spot. The real estate market remained robust during 2020 in the Golden Isles with buyers expediting their decision to purchase their dream or retirement home. Families were able to work remotely, homeschool their children,and enjoy our islands’ amenities while adhering to federal and safety protocols. Families reconnected and found life a little simpler, less stressful and they were able to enjoy a peaceful experience in our beautiful environment.

Some national issues or trends facing the real estate market that we’ll follow closely as we enter a new year include economic issues (mortgage interest rates, housing inventory, the stock market, consumer confidence); a shifting political climate; generational changes, demographic and population trends; and evolving technology, communication and social media trends.However, our crystal ball focuses on real estate trends and issues that are local.

The good news is that the demand for housing will continue to be strong in the Golden Isles for 2021. The housing inventory has decreased substantially in 2020, however, so we’re entering a seller’s market. There will be ample opportunities to purchase but buyers need to stay close to their Realtor for current information regarding new listings. Constant communication with our customers and clients is the single most important thing that we can do as Realtors to keep all informed about the changing housing market.

EIL:How do you stay on top of your game and in touch with your clients?:

PD: Closing a transaction shouldn’t be the end of a client relationship. I view it as the start of something more. I maintain contact with clients and strategize on ways to keep in touch and stay in their lives. This leads to referrals, and there is nothing more valuable to real estate professionals. One way I stay in contact is through a monthly electronic newsletter focused on local market conditions. This helps me to keep clients informed and remind them that I’m available and ready to help them, or any of their referrals. And who doesn’t like a party? I host 2-3 events per year for my clients, ranging from cocktail parties to yachting excursions and upland bird hunts. It’s a great way for me to reconnect with clients, and more importantly, an avenue for them to meet other property owners in our area.

EIL: In what ways do you give back to the community?

PD: For me, it is important and imperative to give back to the community that has given so much to me and my family. I do this not only financially, but by through sharing my time and energy. I serve on the Davis Love Foundation, RSM Classic Foundation, The Boys and Girls Club, St Simons Community Church and YoungLife. This gives me the opportunity to meet other leaders in the community, learn about their needs, and the ability to work individually or collectively towards common goals. It is also a lot of fun to participate in the many local community events!

Patrick Dunn’s office is located at Sea Island Properties, 351 Sea Island Road, St. Simons Island. He can be reached at 912.222.0142 or by email at patrickdunn@seasisland.com.