After eight years in corporate sales, Brian Akers was ready to ditch the desk job and become his own boss. “Real estate allowed me to utilize my sales background while running my own business and my own schedule,” he says. In 2012, he partnered with his sister, Kim Eaves, to create the Akers Eaves Group at Coldwell Banker Premier, which recently expanded to include buyers’ specialist Jennifer Maness. Akers lives in the South Hampton area of St. Louis City.
[family affair]
Kim is very high energy and sometimes commits the crime of calling me early in the morning before I’ve had any coffee. But in all honesty, she’s the best business partner I could have asked for, and we couldn’t do what we do without her.
[first sale]
I remember the feeling I had walking out of the listing appointment with signed paperwork. Kim was with me. We high-fived in the car and felt like we had just won the Super Bowl.
[big deal]
Our biggest sale to date took place earlier this year in Town & Country for $730,000.
[it’s complicated]
The most difficult part of the job is negotiating property inspections. Spending time talking about furnaces and roof shingles isn’t an ideal Friday night for me, but it’s all part of the job, so we take it in stride.
[what sets us apart]
In today’s climate, clients don’t want a salesperson, they want an adviser. They don’t want a sales pitch, they want information. So we put a premium on being the most well-informed agents in the area, letting objective information be our guide when advising our clients.
[before you get your license]
Being an agent isn’t as glamorous as it looks on HGTV. There are a lot of long hours involved and it can be tough, but for the right person I think it’s a phenomenal career opportunity.
[advice for sellers]
Overpricing is a common mistake among people listing their homes in today’s market. Helping our clients get their home priced appropriately right out of the gate will help them not only sell more quickly, but also net them more money at closing.
[secret wish]
If I wasn’t an agent, I would like to be a coach and speaker. I have a passion for public speaking and for personal and professional development and would love to share that with those who want more from their lives and careers.
[time out]
To relax and unwind, I like to play golf as much as possible. I also do some cycling and love to read books on personal development and psychology.
Photo: Bill Barrett