How Should We Divide A Property During A Divorce? – Antwuan Hawkins
On this episode of The Closing Table, we sat down with Antwuan Hawkins!
To watch the full episode, check it out on YouTube below. In the meantime, here’s a summary of the conversation…
Here’s what you missed from Antwuan Hawkins…
The conversation began with Antwuan presenting himself as a multifaceted individual with a strong connection to his faith and a deep passion for helping others. Beyond his real estate career, he proudly identifies as a man of God and a licensed attorney in the state of Michigan. He also takes on the roles of a mentor and a teacher, reflecting his genuine enthusiasm for educating and guiding others. This inclination towards teaching is a significant motivator in his pursuit of a career in real estate, as he finds joy in imparting knowledge to those around him. Above all, Antwuan is a people person, driven by a genuine desire to assist and engage with a diverse range of individuals.
As a real estate professional, Antwuan’s business thrives on cultivating strong connections and partnerships. He collaborates with two exceptional brokers from different brokerages, entrusting them with transactions characterized by integrity and a commitment to serving their clients’ best interests. In addition, he has surrounded himself with a dedicated team of experts, including Windowstill, who handles all his professional real estate photography and marketing, encompassing websites, virtual walkthroughs, drone photography, and more. He also benefits from the expertise of Robinson Realty and Marketing, who oversee his direct mail campaigns. In 2023, Antwuan welcomed a new agent to his team, with whom he shares the wealth of knowledge he has gained throughout his real estate career.
One of Antwuan’s notable specialties is his passion for being a listing agent. His competitive spirit comes into play when it comes to marketing, and he has developed a strategic approach that involves listing homes on a Thursday, a method that often results in swift sales if the pricing is right. Effectively pricing properties and deploying a range of marketing techniques, such as social media promotions, direct mail, and open houses, have been key elements of his success. Notably, in 2023, he achieved a significant milestone by securing a contract for a property valued at $1.1 million, overcoming various challenges through skilled negotiation. In 2022, Antwuan joined eXp Realty, an achievement that earned him recognition as an up-and-coming agent, culminating in an award for his performance in December of that year.
Geographically, Antwuan offers his real estate services throughout the state of Michigan, with a primary focus on Oakland County and Wayne County. Oakland County stands out as one of the state’s most affluent areas, with a median sale price of approximately $350,000. This region is known for its wealth of businesses and picturesque lakeside homes. In contrast, Wayne County boasts an average sale price of around $175,000 and is home to iconic sports teams such as the Detroit Lions, Pistons, and Tigers. This area is rich in entertainment options and attractions, making it a unique and vibrant part of Michigan’s real estate landscape.
When asked about heartwarming stories involving sellers emotionally attached to their homes, Antwuan shared his experience dealing with clients facing divorce. He emphasized that representing clients going through such a difficult situation can be emotionally charged because they may not initially want to part with their home. In these cases, his approach is to make them understand the necessity of selling their property, especially when it’s mandated by the court order. Antwuan ensures that he represents both parties zealously, keeping them informed about the process and the marketing plan. He emphasizes open communication, making himself readily available for any questions or concerns. He also recounted a specific instance where he intervened in a divorcing couple’s situation and successfully resolved their real estate matters.
Antwuan also highlighted some unique services that set him apart from other agents. He shared an example of a listing he secured when a client initially rejected a property in Green Acres. After the listing expired, Antwuan revisited the house, recognizing its potential. He improved the property, had professional real estate photos taken by WindowStill, and successfully sold it. In terms of marketing strategies, he mentioned his use of a “Best Bidder Event,” a unique approach that not many agents employ. This event involves setting a minimum bid for a property, allowing potential buyers to place bids and potentially make an offer. This method can be particularly effective for challenging listings. Antwuan also invests in various marketing tools, including websites, drone photos, and virtual tours to provide comprehensive views of properties. Additionally, he’s open to creating commercials and promoting listings on social media, recognizing the significance of reaching potential buyers through these channels.
Reflecting on his early experiences in the real estate industry, Antwuan acknowledged a critical lesson learned. He emphasized the importance of conducting a thorough client interview at the outset of a working relationship. Failing to understand a client’s specific needs and objectives can lead to wasted time and effort, as he once discovered. Antwuan recounted instances where he showed clients numerous homes without having a clear game plan, only to find that none of them resulted in a successful transaction. He also recognized a significant mistake he made when he eagerly took on clients without confirming their pre-approval for financing. He realized that clients without pre-approval were not genuine clients but rather individuals looking at houses without any financial commitment.
When it comes to working with family in the real estate business, Antwuan acknowledged the delicate balance between being a professional advisor and a family member. He pointed out that, in some instances, family members might still see him as the younger member of the family, but he emphasized the importance of asserting his knowledge and expertise in real estate. Antwuan emphasized that real estate is a complex and ever-evolving field, and not everyone’s previous experiences make them experts. He shared the challenge of managing transactions with family members who might assume they know better.
To illustrate, he mentioned a scenario where a family member wanted to see a house, but Antwuan ensured they followed the correct process by obtaining pre-approval, thereby maintaining his professional standards. He emphasized that he is always open to working with family members as long as they adhere to the proper procedures. While he admitted that it can be hurtful when a family member chooses to work with a different agent for their real estate needs, he also expressed his hope that family members would recognize his expertise and reach out to him first for real estate transactions, as that is his primary area of expertise and they know his dedication to the field. He also shared some deals he provides for his family members when necessary, but of course, when it came to his mom and grandmother, it was a very special deal for him.
Consistency in the digital space is a pivotal factor for success in the real estate industry, and it plays a significant role in Antwuan’s approach. He stressed that being consistent in the digital realm means maintaining a strong online presence and continually sharing content to keep people informed about his activities. Antwuan exemplifies this by sharing closing videos from clients, allowing them to share their experiences. Consistency also extends to making it clear which areas he serves, which not only attracts more listings but also sets him apart from other agents. In a competitive real estate market, consistency is a distinguishing factor that signifies a commitment to effective marketing, assuring clients that their properties will receive the same level of attention and consistency.
The conversation wraps up with Reflecting on key lessons learned, Antwuan highlighted his resilience as a defining trait. He emphasized that real estate is far from easy, and obtaining a license is merely the initial step. The real challenges come with navigating the intricacies of each deal, which can be rife with unpredictable variables. Deals that appear to be on the verge of closing can fall apart for various reasons. In light of these challenges, Antwuan has learned that real estate is not for the faint of heart. His resolute and relentless nature enables him to persevere and do whatever it takes to see a deal through to its successful conclusion, despite the obstacles and uncertainties inherent in the industry.
Check out Antwuan Hawkins:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/antwuan.hawkins.5
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/antwuanhawkins_esq/
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