Once an Architect, Brandon Stewart Became a Realtor Because of His Love of Midcentury Modern Homes
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If you’re in the market for a Midcentury Modern home, chances are you’ve heard of Brandon Stewart. He knows mid-mods and the neighborhoods they can be found in like I know the words to “My Fair Lady” (read: extremely well).
But did you know that Stewart, who is remodeling his very own mid-mod in Lake Highlands, wasn’t always a real estate agent? In fact, he was once an architect. Still, the David Griffin & Co. Realtor is following his passion for modern homes and design. In the meantime, when he’s not taking a few moments out of his busy day to answer a few questions from us, he’s tracking his progress on his website as he renovates his home. Exciting!
CandysDirt.com: Where are you from?
Stewart: Kansas City, MO (a mid-western boy), but I’ve been in DFW since 1994.
CD: How did you get into real estate?
Stewart: In 2005 I bought a mid-century modern home and didn’t have a great experience. I felt misunderstood and came to the conclusion that the real estate community didn’t offer an option for clients interested in modern homes. I had no idea how popular modernism was about to become. In 2008, after 12 years in architecture, I left the profession and decided to pursue my interest in real estate with a focus on modern properties. It’s been a crazy ride since then, and I’ve never looked back.
CD: You’ve carved out a place for yourself in Dallas real estate as a Mid Century Modern guru, and I hear you’re renovating your own Mid Mod. How did that come about?
Stewart: I’ve been telling people how to remodel mid-century modern homes for years, so I figured it was time for me to put my money where my mouth was… We’ve taken our home down to the studs and into 2013 by adding a large master suite and completely relocating the kitchen to open on to the living room. It’s been stressful to take on such a huge renovation, but we truly believe it’s worth it to have a home of such character.
CD: Where is home for you in Dallas?
Stewart: My wife Ali and I will be living in our renovated MCM in Lake Highlands with our two dogs Chloe (basset hound) and Pablo (miniature pinscher).
CD: And you drive a … let me guess, Mercedes Benz?
Stewart: I wish! Actually I’m driving the new Ford Edge Sport because I’m a sucker for the lines, 22” rims, and having my entire 80’s mp3 collection on tap.
CD: What’s your favorite ‘hood in Dallas and why?
Stewart: There are many great neighborhoods in Dallas, but East Dallas is my favorite. I love Lake Highlands and Lakewood because of their proximity to White Rock Lake and the density of mid-century modern homes. They really are the most affordable modern housing option in the city.
CD: What was your best sale?
Stewart: I don’t necessarily equate highest price with best sale, but $600k is about my top. I’m mostly focused on affordable modern housing because of the strong demand. I work with many first-time home buyers and their enthusiasm and excitement is contagious.
CD: How quickly have you ever turned a house?
Stewart: A great MCM I listed went on the market at 5:00pm, had a showing at 7:00pm, and a full-priced offer by 9:00pm.
CD: How much did you sell last year?
Stewart: $5.75 million, and this year should be around $7.5 million.
CD: What have you learned about selling that makes you so successful?
Stewart: First of all, I listen to everything my clients have to say. I’m able to relate to my clients on a level not possible by most agents. I speak the language of design and strive to completely understand their wants and needs.
CD: If you ever change careers for an encore you’ll…
Stewart: I love real estate and won’t ever change, but if I was forced to I would focus on high-end modern residential architecture to keep myself in the same game … or become a rock star – Whitesnake still tours you know…
CD: Do you have a second home? If so, where?
Stewart: I do actually have two homes. The Midcentury Modern in Lake Highlands and we are living in a Newton Townhome in North Oak Lawn. The townhome goes on the market in March though.