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 Rachel Sutton, a Broker at Nest Realty Wilmington.
Nest Realty: Tell us a bit about yourself! Where are you from? What brought you to Wilmington?
Rachel Sutton: When I met my husband in San Diego, CA, he was a Marine helicopter pilot. We were transferred to the Marine Corps Air Station New River in Jacksonville, NC, for a few years and were both familiar enough with the area to know we wanted to live in Wilmington, rather than closer to base. When it came time to be transferred back west realized that we loved it so much here (the Atlantic Ocean is so much warmer!), we decided we would stay and start a family.
NR: How did you get into real estate?
RS: I think my passion for real estate started much like everyone else’s, HGTV, ha! I have a background in interior and landscape design, I love working with and meeting all types of folks, and I really enjoy exploring different time periods of architecture and design. Real Estate was a very natural step that combined several of my passions.
NR: What was your previous career? How has that prepared you for real estate?
RS: I owned my own business as a postpartum doula. Most people are not familiar with what exactly a postpartum doula is, so I will sum it up as being the right-hand to mothers immediately after they have their baby/babies. We provide support and guidance, anticipate their needs and make sure to take care of all the behind the scenes operations so they can focus on healing and bonding. In many ways, it’s similar to the service level that I provide to real estate clients. Home-buyers and sellers also want someone they trust completely to help guide them, anticipate their needs, and take care of the paperwork so they can relax and enjoy the process!
NR: What led you to Nest Realty, as opposed to another brokerage?
RS: I don’t even know how to answer this without stepping on toes, but there was no other option aside from Nest. Its quite clearly the best! Nest has a boutique family feel with incredibly appealing marketing, and a far reach that competes alongside the bigger firms.
NR: What is your favorite part of being an agent?
RS: Helping clients to achieve their goals, and in some sense dreams, is pretty fantastic.
NR: Do you have a specific area of expertise to offer clients?
RS: I love going into homes and imagining how they could be modified to the clients’ specific needs and styles. Even if its a several year plan, I think its fun to help people imagine the possibilities within reach!
NR: What makes you different from other agents? What sets you apart?
RS: I am not that far removed from buying my first home, it was only seven years ago. I still remember the excitement of the process, and I also remember all the uncertainty and stress. I have a laid back yet professional approach that helps keep my clients feeling excited from start to finish.
NR: What are five adjectives that describe you?
RS: Adventurous, creative, grounded, driven, and meticulous.
NR: Who would be your dream client?
RS: I developed an obsession with mid-century homes after living in San Diego and spending a lot of time in Palm Springs. So any time a client shows interest and appreciation for that time-period of architecture I get really excited to work with them.
NR: If you had one piece of advice for a first-time home buyer, what would it be?
RS: Ask all of the questions….*all* of them!!
NR: What is your favorite season in Wilmington?
RS: I love late spring when the flowers are blooming but its warm enough to take a nap on the beach.
Rachel Sutton is a Broker with Nest Realty Wilmington. With a passion for local history and natural treasures in Wilmington, Rachel enjoys working with clients to create new memories while preserving what already exists.To learn more about Rachel, visit her agent page.