Brandon Gilkey is a seasoned actual property skilled with over 15 years of expertise within the trade, at present serving because the CEO of Investor Offers Right this moment, a number one agency specializing in Single Household Residential Portfolio transactions in the USA.
Based mostly in Phoenix, Arizona, Brandon has established himself as a trusted skilled in actual property investments, with a deal with strategic planning, market evaluation, and property administration. He’s additionally the managing accomplice of a number of actual property holding firms, together with Sooner Enterprise Holdings, BVVA Holdings, and Oklahoma MHP Buyers below JB Capital, which collectively have amassed a powerful portfolio throughout a number of states.
Brandon’s journey in actual property started after incomes his Bachelor of Arts in Theology from Abilene Christian College, the place he additionally minored in Economics. He transitioned into actual property after a various profession in group service and management roles, together with serving as an affiliate pastor and dealing with youth organizations. This background has given him a singular, people-centered strategy to his work, emphasizing relationship-building, mentorship, and integrity. Exterior of actual property, Brandon Gilkey is actively concerned in his group, the place he enjoys mentoring aspiring professionals and fascinating in volunteer work, staying dedicated to giving again and fostering development each personally and professionally.
How did you transition from working in group service to actual property, and what challenges did you face alongside the best way?
The transition was positively an enormous leap, however I noticed it as an extension of my need to assist others. In group service, I used to be centered on supporting people and constructing connections, which truly laid a stable basis for my work in actual property. Once I first began, the largest problem was studying the technical elements of actual property, like market evaluation, property valuation, and negotiation ways. It felt like studying a brand new language. I keep in mind sitting in my workplace late at night time, studying articles, watching tutorials, and calling up mentors to know the nuances.
One other problem was adapting to the fast-paced nature of the true property trade. In group service, issues moved at a distinct tempo, and the stakes had been extra emotional. Actual property can also be about relationships, however it’s extra transactional, and that was an adjustment. I realized to steadiness empathy with enterprise acumen, and over time, I started to see how my background gave me a singular edge in constructing belief with shoppers. It was about leveraging my previous experiences to create a extra holistic, client-focused strategy to actual property.
What do you imagine units aside an ideal actual property skilled from a very good one?
In my expertise, the distinction lies within the capability to genuinely hear and perceive your shoppers’ wants. An excellent actual property skilled is aware of the market, has the abilities, and might shut offers, however an ideal one goes past that. They take some time to know their shoppers’ objectives, considerations, and motivations. It’s about constructing a relationship based mostly on belief and empathy, not simply seeing them as one other transaction.
I at all times inform my staff, “We’re not just selling properties; we’re helping people build their futures.” Whether or not it’s a first-time homebuyer or an skilled investor, I attempt to perceive the “why” behind their choices. This strategy has helped me create lasting relationships, and lots of of my shoppers have come again to me for a number of transactions or referred their family and friends. It’s that degree of belief and connection that elevates knowledgeable from good to nice.
How do you keep motivated in an trade that’s typically unpredictable and aggressive?
Actual property is definitely an unpredictable trip, however I keep motivated by specializing in the influence I could make. Every transaction represents a household discovering their dream residence or an investor securing their monetary future, and that’s what retains me going. Once I hit a tough patch, I remind myself that I’m not simply on this for the numbers – I’m right here to assist others succeed.
One other means I keep motivated is by setting private {and professional} objectives. I make it some extent to have fun small wins, whether or not it’s closing a deal, getting optimistic suggestions from a consumer, or studying a brand new ability. I additionally keep engaged by mentoring others within the trade, which retains me energized and permits me to move on the data I’ve gained over time.
Are you able to share an instance of a time when a deal didn’t go as deliberate, and the way you dealt with it?
There was a property deal a number of years in the past that appeared like an easy transaction at first. The customer was excited, and we had been transferring by way of the method easily. However then, per week earlier than closing, we found a serious difficulty with the property’s title – a hidden lien that hadn’t been disclosed. This threw a wrench in the complete deal, and each the customer and vendor had been understandably upset.
Reasonably than panicking, I took a step again and analyzed the scenario. I instantly contacted a trusted title lawyer and labored intently with all events concerned to discover a resolution. It took a number of additional weeks, and plenty of telephone calls and conferences, however we managed to clear the lien and transfer ahead with the sale. The lesson right here was about staying calm below strain and never giving up when obstacles come up. It bolstered the significance of thorough due diligence and at all times being ready for the surprising.
What function does expertise play in your day-to-day actual property work?
Expertise is a game-changer in actual property right now. I take advantage of CRM programs to handle consumer relationships, monitor follow-ups, and streamline communication, which helps me keep organized and responsive. Digital excursions and 3D walkthroughs have turn into indispensable, particularly with the shift towards distant interactions. These instruments permit shoppers to expertise a property with out bodily being there, which hurries up decision-making and broadens my attain.
One other means I leverage expertise is thru knowledge analytics. I analyze market traits, pricing patterns, and purchaser behaviors to supply shoppers with correct insights. It’s not about changing the human ingredient – it’s about utilizing expertise to reinforce the service I present. Embracing these instruments has allowed me to work extra effectively and keep forward in a aggressive market.
How do you steadiness your skilled life along with your private commitments?
Discovering steadiness is an ongoing problem, however I’ve realized that setting clear boundaries is essential. I’m intentional about scheduling time for my household, train, and private hobbies, and I deal with these commitments with the identical significance as a enterprise assembly. It’s simple to get caught up within the 24/7 nature of actual property, however I’ve realized that taking time to recharge makes me simpler in the long term.
I additionally prioritize duties and delegate when potential. I’ve an ideal staff that I belief to deal with elements of the enterprise, which frees me as much as deal with what issues most, each professionally and personally. It’s about high quality, not amount, and ensuring that once I’m at work, I’m absolutely engaged, and once I’m at residence, I’m current with my household.
What’s one piece of recommendation you’d give to somebody simply beginning in actual property?
Endurance is the whole lot on this enterprise. While you’re beginning out, it’s simple to get discouraged if offers aren’t coming by way of or should you’re struggling to seek out shoppers. Do not forget that success doesn’t occur in a single day, and crucial factor is to remain constant and continue to learn.
One other piece of recommendation is to construct real relationships. Actual property is a folks enterprise, and the connections you make will likely be your best asset. Take the time to know your shoppers’ wants and objectives, and at all times strategy every interplay with integrity and transparency.
How do you deal with tense conditions or high-pressure negotiations?
I’ve discovered that staying calm and composed is one of the simplest ways to deal with stress. Once I’m in a high-pressure negotiation, I deal with listening first, moderately than reacting. Understanding the opposite get together’s perspective permits me to seek out widespread floor and create options that work for everybody.
I additionally remind myself that not each deal will go completely, and that’s okay. By sustaining a level-headed strategy, I can suppose extra clearly and make higher choices, even when issues get tense.
How do you combine your values into your actual property work?
Integrity and honesty are on the core of the whole lot I do. I imagine that being clear with shoppers, even when it’s not the best route, is crucial to constructing long-term belief. For instance, if I feel a property isn’t the correct match for a consumer, I’ll be upfront about it, even when it means dropping out on a sale.
I additionally worth giving again to the group. A part of my mission is to make use of my success in actual property to help native initiatives and assist others. Whether or not it’s mentoring younger professionals or volunteering, I attempt to combine these values into my work at any time when potential.
What’s your imaginative and prescient for the way forward for actual property, and the way do you propose to adapt?
I imagine the way forward for actual property lies in adaptability and embracing change. We’ve already seen how expertise, like digital excursions and digital advertising, has reworked the trade, and I feel that pattern will proceed. However past expertise, I see a rising emphasis on sustainability and community-focused improvement.
My plan is to remain forward by repeatedly studying, being open to new concepts, and guaranteeing that my enterprise practices stay versatile and client-centered. The market will at all times evolve, however so long as you keep dedicated to your core values and adapt to new traits, there’s at all times a path ahead.
