We had the good fortune of connecting with Justin Swanston and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Justin, what are you inspired by?
My inspiration is derived from the power of God’s Universal Laws. Life is so mysterious because no one really knows what the day will bring. In any given moment, life can change drastically for better or for worse. God carries the unseen and the unknown right to you.

What inspires me most is the opportunity, the optimism—I live for those moments. I’m interested in the plight and the triumph.

What should our readers know about your business?
My business is a business for the people. Fundamentally, the work that I do is grounded in helping people achieve their dreams and that’s what sets me apart from most relators. For me, it’s about their stories, their why, their goals, and how I can best help them reach those.

My proudest moments come in the form of stories. Stories of my clients reaching out, thanking me for the home I got them in years ago that they’re now raising their children in. Stories of me making some of my greatest friends out of clients because of the trust I was able to build with them. Stories of me being invited to baby showers and cookouts because for my clients, I’m not just their realtor, I’m someone who is invested in seeing them accomplish their goals.

Some of my most proud moments are in those times I’ve helped my clients get what they thought they couldn’t whether it was putting them in touch with the right lenders, getting them money back in closing costs, or helping them obtain renovation funds at no out-of-pocket cost to them.

My journey as a realtor has not been easy and there’s still a long way for me to go but being able to touch people’s hearts the way I do when we successfully close is a feeling that not many things can compare to.

Along the way, I’ve learned that connections are everything and someone you met a year or two ago can be your client today. So, always treat people with the utmost kindness and dignity and don’t be afraid to reach out and have a conversation with someone you rarely speak to. You’d be surprised how much of an impact little thoughtful gestures make and the impression it’ll leave on people.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Once they flew in the driver would pick them up at the airport and take them to their first destination, which is Hotel Nikko in San Fransisco.

From there we dine at my favorite Michelin star restaurant, Spruce, in the city—lots of food, drinks and conversation because we’ve got some catching up to do.

During the first half of the week we will go on a Broker’s tour visiting some of the best Victorians, luxury condos and houses in the hills of the Bay.

Mid-week we will go to the San Fransisco Museum to check out the shoe exhibit. All the exclusives sneakers like Jordans, Nikes and Adidas will be on display.

Next, we head to Golden Gate Park and enjoy the peace and serenity of SF’s very own Japanese tea garden. We’ll gaze at the beautiful arches and Japanese architecture while sipping tea and eating crumpets.

Later that day, we’ll check in to a Napa Valley resort and spa where we’ll chill by the pool for the remainder of the day.

To end our week, we’ll travel down highway Pacifica One to Big Sur where I make reservations to stay at a Yurt to watch the sunset.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
A special thanks is due to my brother from another Demarean Middleton for giving me the idea to get into real estate. No matter where you are at in the world I will always have your back. My real estate teacher, Mrs. Charlotte. She was the best person God could have put in front of me to learn the fundamentals of real estate. Her experience working as a realtor in the Bay Area is profound! My mentor for almost two years, Jason Moon, such a great guy and amazing coach! And last but not least my wife, Symmadar, and two sons Cairo, and Zion. I wouldn’t exist without the three out them and I definitely wouldn’t be where I am today. Symmi, you’ve been there for me from ground zero…now we headed to the penthouse!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swanstonrealestate/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinrswanston

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SwanstonRealEstate

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/swanston-real-estate-compass-oakland-2

Image Credits
All photos were taken by Symmadar Swanston.

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