Joan Hardy Brown and Kim Lodge make a great team. Joan has been a Realtor® for over 23 years, while Kim obtained her license two years ago. Kim benefits from Joan's vast experience, while Joan gets to hear Kim's fresh ideas and new perspectives.
"Joan and I met through a house sale that we were both mutually involved with," says Kim. I was new to the business, but every time I bounced something off Joan, she would agree. It's just great to have someone to enjoy the process with."
Joan adds, "It's been a wonderful opportunity for both of us, and she's a quick study."
Both women work with Hall & Hunter Realtors in Birmingham, Michigan, a 70-year-old boutique agency that focuses on luxury markets (although it handles all price points). "Everyone gets the same luxury experience, red carpet treatment," says Kim.
The women immensely enjoy their careers. "I absolutely love helping people get their homes ready to go on the market and getting them the highest price possible," says Joan. One of the things I also love about this business is that it's different every day."
Kim and Joan utilize skills from their former careers in their day-to-day dealings. Kim was a nurse anesthetist for 30 years and still has a hand in it.
"Real estate is very similar to anesthesia in an odd way," she says. You deal with all kinds of personalities, and you have to be able to read them quickly and react in a way they understand. Plus, I think all nurse anesthetists are very detail-oriented, so that fits perfectly in this business as well."
Joan comes from a teaching background. "I find that a number of teachers end up in this industry because not only is it very detail-oriented, but you have to have incredible patience. That's a real asset in this business."
A few years ago, both Realtors became involved with The Agency, a global boutique real-estate brokerage. Founded in Beverly Hills by CEO Mauricio Umansky and a group of partners, The Agency is now recognized as one of the fastest-growing premier brands in the world. It's been named a Top Luxury Brokerage and has over 100 offices in over 12 countries.
The partners, explains Joan, came from a real estate background and wanted to form a company built around Realtors and what Realtors need to succeed in this business. "It's incredibly exciting to be a part of this company because we bring the tradition and great reputation of Hall & Hunter with us."
The Agency provides Realtors with extensive upscale marketing. "They also provide all kinds of IT," says Kim. We can connect those in the market for luxury properties with the right people in areas that they might like. If they want to be expats or buy a vacation home in Florida, we already know a great agent there."
Technology has become a huge part of the real estate industry and has changed how transactions are handled. "Everything is computerized and online," says Joan. Realtors and clients used to have to get together to sign documents. "We still do that if somebody wants, but everything can be signed electronically today.
"Also, because of technology, we are dealing with a more educated client, and in many regards, that's good for the client. But, in some cases, they're getting information that's not necessarily accurate, so they still need us."
Clients expect more luxury services than ever before. "We find ourselves hiring high-end photographers to shoot photos of the home and providing drone footage," says Joan. That has become a big asset in selling a home, especially if it's near water, like in the Grosse Pointes."
One thing that has stayed the same in the last few years after COVID-19 is the desire for homes that provide entertainment, like pools and outdoor living areas. "People are still looking at homes differently," says Kim. "They're looking for their own little oases."
Due to low inventory, including in the Grosse Pointes, it's a seller's market. "It's very slim pickings, but as we're getting into the spring season, we expect that to open up a bit," she says. "So, if you have a property that's well done and ready to go, and if it's priced right, it's probably going to sell for more than the asking price."
Joan adds, "Today, in most cases, you'll deal with a dual-income family. Everybody's working. Everybody's busy. Therefore, they're very interested in updated homes because they don't have the time to do it themselves. Those homes tend to be the ones that are getting multiple offers."
Even a real estate agent can still find a property. "I used to live in Grosse Pointe Park, and my husband and I were downsizing and sold a beautiful large Tudor," says Kim. "We had a bid on a house in the Farms that fell through, and we're still looking."
Both women agree that certain factors are key to success, whether in this industry or others. "Communication is tremendously important, as is listening," says Joan. I've always thought of myself as a good listener, and I think in business, and in particular in this business, you have to be willing to listen to what your clients want and need. Also, be friendly and be available when they need you."
"I would also say that you have to put aside feelings of discomfort, reach out to people, and stay relevant," says Kim. "Really take the time to gather your thoughts when interacting with clients. Try to diffuse stressful situations. At any price point, it's a big purchase, and you must be aware that people react differently to stress."
Adds Joan, "Sometimes you have to use humor to diffuse a situation."
When not working, both women like to destress in different ways. "I like to exercise, and I have a dog, so I play with her and take her for walks," says Kim. "Sometimes you'll see little Frida in our advertising."
Joan has two grown children and often travels to Nashville and Denver to visit them. "I'm also very involved with a local charity called Jimmy's Kids. It provides help mainly to less-than-affluent areas in southwest Detroit. We started collecting toys in the office, and then the next year, a title company that we do a lot of work with heard me talking about it and became involved, too. It's grown yearly, and now I'm the vice president."
Kim also strongly believes in giving back. "I sponsor a couple of kids in a program called Kenya Relief. It was spearheaded by another nurse anesthetist whose daughter passed away and whose passion was to go there. He started a hospital and a school, so I've done fundraising for them too."
To learn more and find or sell a property, contact Joan Hardy Brown and Kim Lodge at TheAgencyRe.com/Region/Michigan.
Looking to buy or sell a home? Realtors Joan Hardy Brown and Kim Lodge of Hall & Hunter Realtors are the dedicated team you want during your real estate journey.
"I absolutely love helping people prepare their homes for the market and get them the highest price possible," says Joan.
We can connect those in the market for luxury properties with the right people in areas they might like," says Kim.
