We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Hunter Burgarella. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Hunter below.

Hi Hunter, thanks for joining us today. The first dollar your firm earns is always special. We’d love to hear about how you got your first client that wasn’t a friend or family.

Securing my first client was an exciting step in my career as a realtor. After spending a year and a half as the Director of Operations for a top real estate agent, where I had managed approximately 60 transactions, I felt well-prepared to take on new clients on my own.

The opportunity arose during a trivia night when a friend mentioned that her boyfriend was seeking to upgrade from his condo to a single family home. Capitalizing on this lead, I worked diligently to find him the right property. Within a few short months, we discovered a stunning mid-century modern home in Nichols Canyon that was the perfect fit.

The transaction was far from straightforward however. The seller was demanding, making every negotiation and request for repairs a complex challenge. Drawing on the skills and knowledge I had acquired from my mentor, I was successfully able to navigate these obstacles. In the end I managed to negotiate a favorable price and secure the home for my client who was thrilled.

The satisfaction of turning my client’s vision into reality was fulfilling and it ignited a passion for helping others achieve their dreams of home ownership. This initial success was quickly followed by the efficient sale of his condo at a great price, further cementing my commitment to the real estate profession. The joy of making clients happy and the thrill of overcoming challenges continue to drive my enthusiasm for my work each day.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My journey to becoming a realtor was unconventional and diverged significantly from my childhood ambitions. Raised in a household with limited TV access, I became captivated by the nightly news, particularly ABC World News Tonight with Peter Jennings. From a young age, I decided I wanted to become a White House reporter and dedicated myself to this goal throughout my academic career by excelling in school, engaging in numerous extracurricular activities and volunteering at a local emergency room.

This dedication led me to the University of Southern California, where I pursued broadcast journalism and political science. It was there where I reported for the student-run news station ATVN, covering significant events such as the 2007 writers’ strike, a triple murder in Simi Valley and Malibu wildfires. It was also where I met my mentor/professor, Richard Reeves, a former Chief Political Correspondent for the New York Times, who helped me secure an internship with CNN’s political unit. This opportunity eventually led to a producer role on the Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer and the White House, where I won an Emmy Award while covering the 2012 presidential campaign.

Despite my professional success, I realized that my seven year career on the East Coast was not aligned with my personal desires. I longed to return to California, where my family and preferred lifestyle were based. After moving back, I worked as a Senior Media Strategist in tech PR as well as a role at E! News covering entertainment but soon realized they weren’t the right fit.

In a period of self-reflection, I revisited my childhood interest in real estate spending a lot of time looking at local properties for sale and open houses. That interest propelled me to shadow my friend in real estate which ignited my enthusiasm for the field. Shortly after, I transitioned from my role at E! News to become his assistant and later served as Director of Operations for a top Los Angeles broker, handling over 60 transactions.

With this extensive experience, I joined Douglas Elliman and established my own business in 2020. Since joining Douglas Elliman I have been recognized as a top agent nationwide for three out of the past four years. My success stems from my unwavering commitment to my clients, constant communication and ensuring that all client needs are met, whether they are buying a multimillion-dollar property or a one-bedroom condo. My negotiation skills and in-depth contract knowledge further distinguish me from the rest and unlike other top agents, I personally handle every aspect of the transaction, providing clients with a seamless and satisfying experience.

Any thoughts, advice, or strategies you can share for fostering brand loyalty?

Maintaining client relationships is crucial in real estate, as past clients can lead to new opportunities and repeat business. I stay connected through regular texts, monthly newsletters, market reports for their neighborhoods, and personalized cards for birthdays and home anniversaries. This ongoing engagement ensures clients remember me not just for real estate needs but as someone who genuinely cares about them. Many of my clients become close friends due to the strong bonds we form throughout the process, reflecting the personal touch and attention I bring to my work.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

The most effective method for acquiring new clients has been through in-person networking and attending events. I find that engaging personally in settings like birthday parties or casual BBQs often leads to valuable connections, as you never know who might need real estate services or know someone who does. Striking the right balance between professionalism and personal rapport is essential. Additionally, my deep understanding of market availability and pricing enhances my credibility, further establishing trust with potential clients. Excelling in these areas has significantly contributed to attracting clients, growing my business, and building a strong reputation.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://elliman.com/hunterburgarella
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hunterburgarella
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hunterburgarellarealtor/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hunterburgarella/
• Other: Email: [email protected]

Image Credits

Adam Latham