When it comes to real estate, many people only see what’s on the surface—pictures of beautiful homes, stories of quick sales, and the occasional rumor about agents living the high life. But as someone who has spent years in the industry, I know that being a realtor is about much more than showing houses and closing deals.
On a recent episode of my podcast, I had the pleasure of talking with Sherine Duncan, a seasoned realtor from Hawaii whose insights are invaluable for anyone interested in the real estate industry. During our conversation, she pulled back the curtain and revealed the hard work, challenges, and rewards that real estate professionals face every day.
Watch the full podcast episode here.
Let me walk you through the key takeaways from that episode!
Sherine’s Background in Real Estate
Sherine’s journey into real estate is one rooted in family tradition and personal determination.
A third-generation realtor, she grew up surrounded by the business and, despite trying to branch out into other areas like lending and title management, she eventually found herself pulled back into real estate sales.
Starting from scratch, she transitioned into Hawaii real estate, relying on her determination to succeed. By her second year, she was ranked among the top 100 agents in the state, which is an achievement that mirrors my own experience of being in the top 100 in the San Francisco Bay Area for the past decade.
Sherine’s positive experience with eXp Realty is another highlight of our conversation. She was one of the early agents with this international brokerage in Hawaii, and the company’s model has helped her achieve financial success while maintaining her independence.
The Hidden Challenges and Rewards of Real Estate: Lessons from Sherine
Working in real estate can seem glamorous from the outside, but Sherine’s story reveals the hidden challenges that come with the job, especially in a unique market, like Hawaii.
Real Estate in Hawaii vs. California
Having worked in California myself, I was curious to hear how real estate in Hawaii differs from what I’m used to.
According to Sherine, while there are certainly regional differences, the core of the business remains the same.
Real estate is about people. No matter where you are, homes still have plumbing, electrical systems, and roofs, and clients still need guidance through one of the most significant financial decisions of their lives.
However, Hawaii’s market does come with its own set of challenges, especially when it comes to maintaining homes in a tropical environment.
Termites and Wood Rot
One of the most surprising things Sherine shared was how common termites are in Hawaii. In fact, according to her, many homes are tented and treated for termites every five to ten years.
Apart from termites, wood rot is another issue that homeowners face due to the island’s moisture and climate. To combat this, PVC piping is often used instead of metal.
These kinds of issues are a reminder of how much more goes into real estate than just buying and selling properties.
Land Value
In California, much of the value is in the structure itself, but in Hawaii, the land is the true asset.
Oceanfront properties, in particular, are highly sought after, and with limited land available, prices are driven up. Sherine made it clear that land scarcity is a major factor in Hawaii’s real estate market.
For anyone considering purchasing a home, finding the right mortgage brokers and lenders is crucial to securing the best financing solutions.
Challenges with Insurance
In addition to the unique environmental challenges, Hawaii’s real estate market is also grappling with an insurance crisis.
After the devastating 2023 Hawaii wildfires, many insurance companies have become hesitant to cover homes near the water, which, as Sherine pointed out, includes most of the properties she deals with.
It’s a frustrating situation that has led to delays in transactions, and it’s something that buyers and agents alike are struggling with.
Staying Positive in Real Estate
Despite these challenges, Sherine remains optimistic. Her positivity and persistence are truly inspiring, especially in a profession that often requires navigating difficult situations.
I know firsthand how easy it can be to get bogged down by the stress of the job, but like Sherine, I’ve found that surrounding yourself with a solid support system makes all the difference. Whether it’s family, fellow brokers, or assistants, having people you can rely on is key to staying motivated and focused on the rewarding aspects of real estate.
The Real Work of Realtors
Another important part of our conversation was the behind-the-scenes work that realtors do—work that often goes unnoticed. Whether it’s cleaning a property, managing repairs, or dealing with unexpected issues, real estate agents are constantly handling tasks that go far beyond showing homes.
Sherine and I both agree that the glamorous image of realtors doesn’t reflect the reality of the job. There’s a lot of hard work that goes into every transaction, and it’s this dedication that makes a difference for our clients.
Handling Title and Escrow Issues
Having managed a title company in the past, Sherine has a wealth of knowledge when it comes to the complexities of title and escrow processes.
She mentioned how each state handles real estate transactions differently, with some using escrow officers instead of attorneys to close deals. These differences can create challenges, but having a strong understanding of the process helps realtors navigate them more smoothly.
Importance of Mentorship and Network Support
Sherine’s success is a testament to the importance of mentorship and having a solid network of support.
Over the years, she has been mentoring young agents to help them get established in the industry. She also has a team of assistants, transaction coordinators, and marketing professionals who help her manage her $100 million sales volume.
For me, I’ve found that podcasting is also a great way to expand my network and build trust with other agents and clients. Working with a professional real estate podcast production company has been one of the smartest moves I’ve made in my career!
Follow the REalizations Podcast for More Insightful and Inspiring Conversations with Real Estate Experts!
Sherine’s insights offer a valuable look into the real work and challenges that realtors face. Her story is a reminder that success in real estate comes from hard work, persistence, and a strong support system.
If you want to hear more inspiring conversations with real estate experts, like Sherine, be sure to tune in to the REalizations Podcast.
And, if you’re looking to buy or sell a home in the Bay Area, get in touch with me, your trusted local real estate expert, to navigate your next move with confidence!
