When representing buyers, Shawn uses his knowledge of the market to aggressively seek out the best purchase opportunities. He puts his client’s needs first and focuses on the particular circumstances unique to each buyer’s situation.

A broker (not merely a salesperson) since 1991 and multiple sales award winner, Shawn was owner of Real Estate firms in Chicago and New York City. Shawn represented new construction projects for more than four years of his career. Appointed to $14 and $38 million (1992-1995 dollar) development sales teams, he gained thorough familiarity with the issues and problems unique to new construction contract negotiation and purchase.

Shawn commented during a recent interview, "Many buyers feel they can negotiate with the builder directly, hoping to gain a discount on the purchase by not having an agent represent them. They do not realize that having an agent does not cost them a penny- the builder has spread the commission expense across the entire project, not individual units. In fact, having an agent familiar with the new construction sales environment will likely save them thousands by negotiating a better deal while protecting them from the pitfalls inherent in working with builder sales teams. The people in the sales center work for the builder, not the buyer. I’ve lost count of how many buyers I’ve met over the years who’ve overpaid, missed out on upgrades or were bound by restrictive contract terms they could have avoided if they’d worked with me. Unfortunately the expensive lesson costs them more in the end."

While in Chicago, Shawn was selected by Fannie Mae (Federal National Mortgage Association) as a foreclosure agent and handled over a dozen REO sales before leaving for New York. In addition to determining market value and selling the property, he was responsible for maintaining property condition and managing needed repairs (obtaining bids, reviewing work contracts, approving lien waivers and making payments) while keeping all utility and tax accounts current. Shawn sold 50% of the properties to his own clients, successfully representing both buyer and seller parties simultaneously to bring about the sale. Shawn notes this intensive experience is particularly useful in working with relocating buyers and sellers.

Before establishing his own company here in Miami Beach Shawn was one of the Sotheby’s International Realty affiliate’s most consistent and frequently commended brokers and selected to their Winner’s Circle of top-producing agents. After the acquisition by Coldwell Banker in 2002, he was appointed a Luxury Properties Specialist. He credits his success to his thorough knowledge of property values and deep understanding of marketing and contract negotiation strategies.

Prior to his Real Estate career, Shawn was a top performer with AT&T at their Chicago-based executive headquarters, specializing in account management and contract negotiation. While in New York City, he gained invaluable technology and interactive marketing experience working with Ziff-Davis Publishing on the 1997 launch of its internet commerce web network, now part of ZDNet.

Later, he was a founding member in a commercial mortgage company. This experience along with his Fannie Mae relationship enables Shawn to offer an unusually detailed knowledge of the mortgage finance process to his customers. As a mortgage broker, he has access to wholesale loan rates and provides his customers below market rates. Shawn creates purchase and sale opportunities where others thought none existed and prevents financial problems or deal "fall through".

When not working, Shawn has spent time in more than sixteen countries, exploring different cultures and customs. He is particularly skillful at adapting to the varied business and decision-making styles of his clients; a characteristic he attributes to his world view.

Shawn explains, "There is a difference among real estate agents. If someone has their license, it only means they completed a simple eight week class and passed an exam- in many instances not on the first attempt. Having a real estate license does not prove a person has the skills and abilities necessary to properly handle a major financial transaction. I am an experienced broker, not just a licensed salesperson. A diversely-skilled and extensively-trained marketing professional with the highest expectations and standards for myself and my clients."

For expert opinion and advice contact Shawn and The Miami Dream team today.