We’re proud of the team of agents we’ve assembled here at Nest Realty. We think they’re pretty awesome, and we think you will too. During our “Meet the Agent” series, we sit down with our agents to learn more about them, what makes them tick, and why they’re passionate about the real estate industry. In this installment, we chat with Dan Barentine, a Broker at Nest Realty Wilmington.
Nest Realty: Tell us a bit about yourself! Where are you from? What brought you to Wilmington?
Dan Barentine: I was born and raised in Charlotte, NC. I moved to Tampa, Florida, after high school to start a business, soak up the Florida sun, and watch the sunsets over the gulf of Mexico. After seven years of tanning and toting a new degree in filmmaking, I returned to North Carolina and chose Wilmington as my new home, where I quickly started working as a motion picture camera assistant on various movies, TV shows, and commercials. Some years later I made a transition to start my own exclusive, lifestyle facilitator business, working directly for Hollywood stars when they came to town to film. I became the go-to guy to provide these high profile individuals and their teams with an unsurpassed level of personal concierge services that allowed them to seamlessly live the level of lifestyle they are accustomed to living in Hollywood while here in Southeastern NC.
NR: How did you get into real estate?
DB: After almost 16 years in the film business in NC, I became a family man and decided to pivot and start fresh. The film business had all but dried up due to politics, and real estate seemed to be a good fit. Providing excellent personal customer service is what I’ve been doing my whole life on a very elevated level, so I felt I could incorporate that level of service to people looking to sell or buy a home. Real estate is a highly personal and involved business and working with celebrities has prepared me to exceed even the toughest seller/buyers expectations.
NR: What led you to Nest Realty, as opposed to another brokerage?
DB: Nest just felt right. From the agents I’d met, to the Principal Broker, and simply the vibe of the firm, it fit my personality. I’ve always rebelled against the status quo of life and strived to be a little different and Nest is that way as well.
NR: What is your favorite part of being an agent?
DB: The personal relationships I create is the best. Real estate is more about people…anyone can read and send out contracts, but a good realtor is the one that gets to know his/her client in a personal way so that expectations are clear, which is imperative to know in order to meet and exceed expectations.
NR: Do you have a specific area of expertise to offer clients?
DB: My ability to think big and be ahead of a situation and/or challenge has always served me well in the fast paced world of showbusiness. I am a very affable guy and am comfortable working with anyone regardless their job description.
NR: What makes you different from other agents? What sets you apart?
DB: My very unique experience working with celebrities in sometimes the most adverse environments of filmmaking has given me the skills to stay ahead and creatively make the sometimes difficult situation seem like a non-issue.
NR: What are five adjectives that describe you?
DB: Genuine, affable, observant, jovial, handsome, and over-achiever…see I gave you SIX!
NR: Who would be your dream client?
DB: Leonardo DiCaprio…whom I know…he is a real estate mogul that most people don’t know about. His real estate investments out-earn his movie business by a large margin. Good guy and smart investor.
NR: If you had one piece of advice for a first-time home buyer, what would it be?
DB: Ask your realtor lots of questions. Make sure you are informed of everything that is to come down the road pertaining to your real estate transaction. Be forthcoming and honest in your expectations and listen to your real estate advisor. (Choose a good one first that lays all this out up front.)
NR: What is your favorite season in Wilmington?
DB: Fall…always my favorite—better weather, water is still warm, cool nights, and the water is clear.
NR: Besides getting married and having a child, what is the coolest thing that’s happened to you?
DB: I’d have to say flying in the Warner Brothers Studios G5 jet around the world in five days, promoting a movie along with a client, cast, and producers. Exhausting and exhilarating all at the same time.
Dan is a Broker with Nest Realty Wilmington. Providing the highest level of customer service and exceeding expectations is Dan’s goal in helping any client that is looking to buy or sell real estate. To learn more about Dan, visit his agent page.