Is It Worth Working & Living In Livingston County, Michigan? – Sebastian Cowgill
On this episode of The Closing Table, we sat down with Sebastian Cowgill!
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 Sebastian Cowgill…
The conversation began with a fill-in-the-blank icebreaker on how you add value to your home, what the real estate industry be like in 10 years, and more. Sebastian introduces himself as a young and energetic 23-year-old who strives to maintain a delicate balance between his real estate career and other activities typical of people his age. He leads an active lifestyle, with a deep passion for golf and the great outdoors. However, what truly shaped his life is his love for travel, which opened his eyes to the wonders of the world and provided him with valuable life experiences.
Sebastian is actively involved in serving the real estate markets of Genesee County and Livingston County. In Genesee County, he navigates a diverse economic landscape, with Flint still recovering from the aftermath of the water crisis, while other areas like Fenton thrive. Meanwhile, Livingston County is known as a commuter county, where residents typically work outside the county. It attracts people seeking a serene and rural environment, while still being within reach of major stores for their daily needs. Genesee County boasts a decent inventory of homes, with a specific focus on renovating existing properties rather than increasing supply. Thankfully, some developers have taken steps to address the shortage of starter homes through ambitious subdivision projects in recent years.
Sebastian’s workday doesn’t begin with the early hours; he prefers being a night owl. Typically, he arrives at work around 10 AM, as most real estate activities tend to pick up later in the day. The initial hours are dedicated to handling secretarial tasks, managing emails, and setting up property searches, all of which contribute to the smooth operation of his business. After addressing any ongoing deals or concerns from the previous 24 hours, he hits the road around 2 PM, embarking on a real estate journey that spans from Bay City to Downriver and Wayne. Sebastian’s dedication to his profession and extensive territory have earned him the reputation of being the go-to person for real estate matters across a wide geographical area.
Next, Sebastian recounts a memorable showing from a few months back when he faced an unexpected pet-related challenge. Despite the tools available to agents, like showing time and the MLS, he was not informed in advance that there was a pet in the property he was about to show. This lack of information made it difficult for him to prepare his clients for the situation. As they entered the property, the owner’s pet managed to slip past them, causing an unexpected disruption to the showing. Understandably, the clients were taken aback, and the showing didn’t go as planned. With quick thinking, Sebastian immediately focused on ensuring the safety of both the pet and his clients. He spent the next 30 minutes calmly and carefully trying to coax the pet back inside, using his experience as a pet owner to handle the situation delicately.
Reflecting on his past experiences, Sebastian recognizes that preparation and clear communication are essential in real estate. Learning from this situation, he now takes extra care to inquire about pets ahead of time and communicates any potential pet-related situations to his clients beforehand. This proactive approach not only ensures a smoother showing experience but also demonstrates his dedication to his clients’ safety and comfort.
In his first transaction involving a multi-family property, a four-unit apartment building for an investor, Sebastian admits that he made several mistakes. Looking back, he acknowledges that his initial purchase agreement might not have been as polished as it is today, and he had much to learn about the intricacies of the process. However, one significant lesson he learned was the importance of seeking help when needed. He reached out to the listing agent, acknowledging that it was his first offer submission and that he would appreciate some guidance. Contrary to his initial worries about potential judgment, the listing agent responded with understanding and assistance.
From this experience, Sebastian realized that being transparent about his level of experience was not a weakness but a strength. Seeking help and advice from experienced agents demonstrated his willingness to learn and improve, fostering a positive professional relationship with others in the industry. He learned that communication and humility play a crucial role in building a successful real estate career.
Sebastian admits that communication challenges are a common occurrence in the fast-paced world of real estate, especially during showings where lockbox issues and other technical glitches can disrupt the process. However, he recounts one particular incident during a transaction when communication with the listing agent became a significant obstacle. After the inspection, which revealed some concerning issues with the property, Sebastian had a legal obligation to notify the listing agent within a specific timeframe. However, he found himself unable to get in touch with the listing agent during this critical moment, which created uncertainty and potential problems for the transaction.
To overcome this breakdown in communication, Sebastian emphasized the importance of overcommunicating, especially when conveying bad news. He believes in promptly communicating any issues or challenges to all necessary parties involved, ensuring that everyone is well-informed and on the same page. Despite the mystery of why the listing agent was unresponsive during this incident, Sebastian’s proactive approach to communication helped salvage the situation and move forward with the transaction. He believes that maintaining open lines of communication and being proactive in updating all parties involved can prevent misunderstandings and keep the transaction process on track.
Following that, Sebastian believes that for individual agents, the most challenging aspect is staying focused, motivated, and disciplined. Although he was fortunate to start his career with a supportive team, he acknowledges that not all agents have the same level of guidance. For new agents, he recommends considering joining a real estate team that offers individualized support, rather than going to a large brokerage without a strong support system. Discipline is an ongoing challenge, even for him, and he suggests finding ways to stay motivated and disciplined, especially in the early stages of a real estate career.
Sebastian acknowledges that being observed during showings is a common occurrence, especially with the prevalence of video recording devices like doorbell cameras. To ensure professionalism and privacy, he emphasizes the importance of watching what you say at all times, as you never know when you might be under surveillance. Furthermore, he stresses the need for safety measures during showings, as real estate agents often find themselves in unfamiliar neighborhoods and homes. He recalls a particularly scary incident when a nosy neighbor confronted them during a showing, causing alarm for both him and his clients. Although it did not escalate to a dangerous level, it served as a reminder to remain vigilant and take precautions to protect oneself during showings.
Sebastian joined the industry during the pandemic in 2020, which led to significant shifts in real estate practices. With in-person showings limited, he observed a rapid transition to remote showings, virtual tours, and 3D walkthroughs. Some buyers even purchased homes without physically visiting the property. Recognizing the importance of adapting to changing trends, Sebastian advises agents to incorporate technology into their business. Utilizing virtual tours, walkthrough videos, and other digital tools not only improves the current business and sales but also safeguards agents from potential industry advances. Staying ahead with technology ensures that agents can meet the preferences and expectations of tech-savvy buyers.
The conversation wraps up with Sebastian sharing the book “Outliers” by Malcolm Gladwell, which he stumbled upon six years ago. The book’s central idea, emphasizing the significance of practice and the 10,000-hour rule to achieve mastery in a field, had a profound impact on him. Additionally, he mentions “The Compound Effect,” a book that highlights the power of small daily actions that compound over time. Both these books have shaped his perspective on personal and professional growth, emphasizing the importance of consistent effort, discipline, and continuous learning. The insights gained from these books have guided him in his real estate career and personal life, pushing him to strive for continuous improvement and success.
Check out Sebastian Cowgill:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sebastian.cowgill
Facebook Business Page: https://www.facebook.com/OurHomeAndCo
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sebastiancowgill/
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