fbpx vie magazine subscribe button

30 Questions with a 30-A Realtor

Photography courtesy of The Walton Group

With the real estate market around the country seeing tremendous growth the past couple of years, especially in resort destination areas such as the scenic Gulf Coast of Northwest Florida, we caught up with area realtor Brad Reese, leader of The Walton Group of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Beach Properties of Florida, to talk about real estate, his career, and the unparalleled beach lifestyle enjoyed along beautiful Scenic Highway 30-A!

Brad Reese
Brad Reese

1. As an adult, did you always want a career in real estate?

Yes! I watched my mother become a top-producing broker and my sisters succeed in real estate in the New Orleans market, and I always wanted to follow their lead.

2. As a child, what was your dream job?

I always wanted to be an astronaut.

3. How did you end up living in the 30-A area, being from Arkansas?

I grew up visiting 30-A on vacation and finally had the opportunity to move here in 2014—something I am grateful for every day!

4. What’s your favorite 30-A community?

If I have to choose one, I will say Rosemary Beach is my favorite 30-A community for its blend of West Indies, New Orleans, and European architectural styles and the New Urbanism walkability—and, of course, the exceptional restaurants there!

5. Which current home listing in the area would you most love to buy?

I would love to buy a home in Kaiya Beach Resort! The Villa Araya residence in the community’s Preserve Collection is a stunning home with seamless indoor-outdoor living.

6. Where is the best place to watch the sunset on 30-A?

Driving my 1990 GMC Jimmy directly onto the sand in Grayton Beach and setting up chairs with my girlfriend Jennifer and the dogs is always the best way to watch the sunset.

Brad Reese with his girlfriend, Jennifer, and dogs Paxton, Eve, Zoë, and Josie, enjoying the sunset on 30-A’s beautiful white-sand beaches
Brad Reese with his girlfriend, Jennifer, and dogs Paxton, Eve, Zoë, and Josie, enjoying the sunset on 30-A’s beautiful white-sand beaches

7. What is the number one question you get asked as a realtor?

Is the market going to correct, and when?

8. What’s something you wish more clients would ask?

Hmm . . . maybe, “Have you met my friends? They’re looking to buy!” Haha!

9. It’s Friday night on 30-A. What are your weekend plans?

I’m a homebody. My ideal Friday night includes a low-key dinner with Jennifer and a good Netflix show.

10. You’re an avid angler. What’s the biggest fish you’ve caught?

I’ve hooked up to some pretty large sharks, probably around 300 to 400 pounds, although we never get them in the boat—all catch and release.

11. Do you prefer fishing from the boat or the beach?

Definitely from the boat. There’s something about being out on the water that makes for a perfect day, whether we’re reeling in a lot of fish or catching nothing at all.

12. How can sellers make sure their home gets attention from an MLS listing?

We expect to see a slight softening of average prices as days on the market and inventory increase slowly from this fall/winter 2021 into 2022. We’re watching these factors going into spring 2022 and expect to see another uptick in prices.

14. What are your dogs’ names, and how did you come up with them?

Paxton, Eve, Zoë, and Josie. Paxton was an Alaqua rescue pup (shout-out to Laurie Hood and the amazing team at Alaqua Animal Refuge!). Paxton is the name they gave him, and I decided to keep it. Eve and Zoë are both Greek translations that mean “life” or “to live.” Josie is Jennifer’s dog, and you’ll have to ask her!

15. What’s your proudest career moment so far?

Sobriety is by far my most significant personal achievement in life and my career. Everything works better.

16. What’s something you’re always working to improve upon?

Communication is something I am always working to improve in both work and life.

17. Tell us a little about your team members at The Walton Group.

Our team is a dynamic group of experienced real estate professionals, each with unique skill sets, yet we all share the same dedication and work ethic. My team members come from different backgrounds, from interior design to small business owners, which brings important perspectives to every aspect of our business.

18. Where’s your favorite place to grab a coffee in the area?

Black Bear Bread Co. is a go-to for coffee and a good breakfast sandwich.

19. What’s your favorite 30-A holiday tradition?

The Christmas decorations that light up each beach town in their own style give 30-A such a warm, hometown feeling. Driving through them in the evening is sure to spark the holiday spirit.

20. What’s the most up-and-coming neighborhood in the area?

Kaiya Beach Resort! Everything, from the thoughtful floor plans and exceptional finish level of the homes to the luxury amenities with concierge services built into the resort and Kaiya Club, is unlike any other community on 30-A, new or old.

21. What can you tell us about the new Pinewood development off Highway 393 South?

Pinewood is another up-and-coming community that features luxury condos with some unique amenities, including a general store and coffee shop, a clubhouse with a zero-entry pool and firepits, an on-site restaurant that will be open to the public, and a dedicated rental management company. These condos start in the $400,000s, going up to $1 million-plus, making Pinewood an excellent opportunity to buy into the market for a primary residence or a short-term rental investment.

Pinewood condo development
Pinewood is a new condo development coming soon to Highway 393 South in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, with luxury amenities and a unique lifestyle for both full-time residents and rental investors to enjoy. The common areas, such as the library and lounge, are by Casanoah Design Group.

22. What advice would you give someone who just got their Florida real estate license?

Work on self-discipline. Be consistent. Show up and be available.

23. What’s your favorite style of home or architecture?

I love the classic coastal style with light, bright design, organic textures like pecky cypress and natural, woven light fixtures, and comfortable living spaces with impeccable views.

24. Since you live in a vacation destination, where’s your favorite place for a getaway?

I love a good mountain getaway, whether it’s Breckenridge, Colorado, or the Appalachian Mountains that are within driving distance! Visiting other tropical destinations is nice, but truthfully, no other beach compares to ours.

25. What do you love most about working with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Beach Properties of Florida?

The support I’ve received from this company is incomparable to my other brokerage experiences. Everything, from marketing support to administrative and tech help, motivation, and camaraderie, is unparalleled. Culture is essential to a successful business!

26. Your team has some home projects in the works—what can you tell us about those?

We do have some exciting new builds under construction along 30-A and some tremendous new inventory coming to market in the first quarter of 2022. Stay tuned for details!

27. What other areas do you work in outside the communities along 30-A?

I’m particularly fond of bayfront communities in our area. To live just a few minutes from the beach yet right on the beautiful Choctawhatchee Bay is the dream in my book.

28. What’s one of the best-kept secrets in the area?

The state parks and forests! About 40 percent of South Walton County is protected land, from miles and miles of state forest to pristine state parks like Topsail and Grayton Beach State Park. The Gulf-front parks help maintain stretches of our beaches as natural treasures, and they’re rarely crowded.

29. What makes this a great time to get in touch with The Walton Group?

There is almost no better time to sell or reposition your investment on 30-A. Sellers still have the advantage in the current market to sell into strength and price their home higher than it would have sold last year or in years past. At the same time, buyers also have the opportunity to invest in a strong real estate market with historically high rental revenue and certain assets that aren’t going anywhere—the white-sand beaches and memories to be made with family.

30. Is there anything else you would like to share with our readers?

We are extremely grateful to be part of the VIE family and look forward to growing our team, client base, and readership!

Thank you, Brad!

— V —


See listings by The Walton Group at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Beach Properties of Florida by visiting SouthWaltonFL.com or following on Instagram @thewaltongroup30a.



Read Responsibly

VIE Magazine September 2023 Jay Mercado
VIE Magazine - The Art & Design Issue November 2021
VIE Magazine January 2021 Special Commemorative Edition
VIE Magazine September 2020 Wanderlust Issue, Fancy Camps, The Idea Boutique
VIE Magazine August 2020 Art & Culture Issue, Nathan Alan Yoakum Art
VIE Magazine - Architecture & Design Issue - July 2020
VIE Magazine - Decor and Home Issue - June 2020
VIE Magazine May 2020 Entertainment Issue, Leslie Odom Jr
VIE Magazine - April 2020 Culinary Issue
VIE Magazine March 2020 The Fashion Edit, VONDOM, Alys Beach Fl, Digital Graffiti, Tres Chic, isidro dunbar Modern Interiors, Digital Graffiti Festival
VIE Magazine February 2020 Health & Beauty Issue
VIE Magazine - Travel Issue - January 2020 - Tanzania Safari Cover
VIE Magazine - Women's Issue - December 2019 - Tina Brown Cover
VIE NOV19 Goodness Issue
VIE Magazine, September 2019 Art & Culture Issue, Paul Hanninen
VIE Magazine - August 2019 - The Architecture and Design Issue
VIE Magazine - July 2019 - The Artist Issue
VIE Magazine - June 2019 - Fashion Edit
VIE Magazine - May 2019 - Culinary Issue
VIE Magazine - April 2019 - The Health & Wellness Issue
VIE Magazine - Special Entertainment Edition - March 2019
VIE Magazine February 2019 Luxury Homes & Technology Issue with Robbie Antonio of Revolution Precrafted
VIE Magazine - January 2019 - Southern Sophisticate Issue Cover
VIE Magazine - Special Anniversary Travel Edition - December 2018
VIE Magazine - The Goodness Issue - November 2018
VIE Magazine - The Art & Culture Issue - October 2018
VIE Magazine - Home & Garden Issue - September 2018
VIE Magazine - August 2018 Animal Issue
VIE Magazine - July 2018 Architecture & Design Issue - Subscribe to the magazine!
VIE Magazine - June 2018 Travel & Tech Issue
VIE Magazine - May 2018 Couture Issue
VIE Magazine - The Culinary Issue - April 2018 Cover - Chef James Briscione and Brooke Parkhurst
VIE Magazine - The Entertainers Issue - March 2018
VIE Magazine - February 2018 Destination Travel Issue
VIE Magazine - January 2018 Health & Beauty Issue
VIE Magazine, The Sophisticate Issue, December 2017
VIE Magazine - November 2017 Art & Culture Issue
VIE Magazine - October 2017 Home & Garden Issue
VIE Magazine | September 2017 | The Stories and Storytellers Issue
VIE Magazine - The Adventure Issue - August 2017
VIE Magazine - July 2017 - Art & Artist Issue
VIE Magazine - The Voyager Issue - June 2017
VIE magazine 2017 March-April Cover South Walton Fashion Week
VIE Magazine - January/February 2017 - The Health & Beauty Issue
VIE Magazine - Nov/Dec 2016 The Sophisticate Issue
christian siriano vie magazine september october 2016 vie magazine
the modern minimalist issue
Summertime!
the culinary and couture issue march april 2016 vie magazine
the voyager issue alys beach vie magazine january february 2016
cultural issue vie magazine november december 2015
home and garden issue vie magazine september october 2015
the art and style issue vie magazine july august 2015
the wedding issue 2015 May June vie magazine
the food and fashion issue vie magazine march april 2015
the travel issue vie magazine january february 2015
the music issue vie magazine 2014 november december
The Animal Issue vie magazine september october 2014
the home and garden issue vie magazine july august 2014
the wedding issue vie magazine may june 2014
emeril lagasse food and fashion vie magazine
the men's issue january february 2014
the music issue november december 2013 vie magazine
the home and garden issue 2013 october september
the wedding issue vie magazine july august 2013
the artist issue may june 2013 vie magazine
the food and fashion issue march april 2013
the men's issue january february 2013 vie magazine
The Holiday Issue
the love issue july august 2012
the all american summer may june 2012
the entertainment issue march april 2012
the fashion issue vie magazine winter 2011
the home and garden issue vie magazine fall 2011
the anniversary edition vie magazine summer 2011
the wedding issue vie magazine spring 2011
vie magazine the holiday issue 2010 Dec
vintage swimsuits vie magazine 2010 Fall
judith march designer vie magazine summer 2010
wedding giveaway vie magazine spring 2010
holiday gift guide vie magazine winter 2009
emarketing explosion vie magazine fall 2009
tribute to mother's day vie magazine summer 2009
james and robert redford vie magazine spring 2009
zz top vie magazine fall winter 2008
project dreams vie magazine new york fashion week
Sign-up for VIEmail

Sign up for VIEmail


X

A LIFESTYLE