4 minute read
View from the Top
The View from the Top
Sitting Down with Patrick Dunn of Sea Island Properties
912-638-5161 • seaislandproperties.com
FOR SALE
225 Aledru Way
For the past few years, Elegant
Island Living has met with the top producing agent in Glynn County for a conversation about real estate on St. Simons and Sea Island. Once again, our interview is with Sea Island Properties’ Patrick Dunn, who has been the top producing agent in Glynn County for the last five years with over $375 million in sales. We wanted to know what it is about his practices or personality that have led to him being recognized as one of the elite real estate agents in the country. Specifically, what does it takes to succeed in today’s real estate environment?
We have noted over the years that Patrick is very humble when it comes to talking about himself, but we were able to get a few insights into his continued success. He begins, “My approach to real estate is very simple and elementary, and can be applied to any business involving sales.” (By the way, he doesn’t particularly like the word “sales” and prefers to be referred to as a “real estate counselor.”)
Patrick shares that the most important key to his success has been building and sustaining meaningful relationships with his buyers and sellers over the years. He thoroughly enjoys forming genuine, close, and lasting friendships with his clients. He loves to take them fishing and hunting, or inviting them to special family events.
Patrick goes on to say that in today’s competitive environment it is imperative to provide an amazing client experience. The key is to differentiate yourself from the pack by providing a higher level of professional services, guidance and consultation that will exceed the client’s expectations. Again, this seems simple, but Patrick has seen real growth in his business because he developed a system of staying in touch with his clients before, during, and after each transaction. He knows consistent communication is important in order to assist his clients through the buying or selling process. More importantly, he stays in touch with them after the transaction has been completed to ensure he has met all their needs. He says, “If I’ve done my job and my client is satisfied, then they become my best source for future referrals.”
When asked to provide us with some other examples of what it takes to be a top producer,
Number of sales for 2017 vs. 2016 through November 1st on St. Simons and Sea Island
NUMBER OF CLOSED TRANSACTIONS
2017 2016
St. Simons Island.....719 St. Simons Island.... 679 Sea Island...................84 Sea Island ...................50
SOLD FOR SALE
Cottage 441
FOR SALE
208 Hampton Point Drive
SOLD
Cottage 558
Patrick Dunn with his family
Patrick stated that when listing a residence, he has developed a detailed marketing plan for sellers structured specifically for their property. He indicated that this also includes a detailed list of marketing items and other services that he commits to providing for the seller. This approach, coupled with the Sea Island marketing strategies, has enabled him to give his clients the best possible services and exposure for their property. Because he believes it’s important to keep all his buyers, sellers, and prospects abreast of the current market conditions and trends, he sends out a monthly newsletter to his database.
“You have to be an expert in your marketplace,” Patrick explains. “The client will accept nothing less. You have to possess great knowledge of the inventory in the area that you specialize in so that you can communicate with high confidence and accuracy. Buyers and sellers are looking for guidance and want a knowledgeable, reputable and ethical sales associate to represent them in the transaction.” He continues, “And above all of that, you need to be a great listener and communicator, and have excellent attention to detail.”
Finally, we asked him about our wonderful Golden Isles community. “Sea Island and St. Simons create an incredible community in which to live, work, and play. That’s a combination found in very few places. The people on the islands are diverse, care about each other, and welcome newcomers of all ages with enthusiasm,” he asserted. “I am passionate about my job and our community that has given so much to me and my family. It is important to me and I enjoy to giving back by sharing my time, energy, and financial resources in our great community.”
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.
