Adam Burns
What was your first job in the realty industry? My first “job” in real estate was not as a licensed agent. My first job in the industry was as a landlord in upstate New York. I purchased my first condominium at 16 years old and quickly rented it out to my first tenant who was more than twice my age.
Where did you grow up? Unfortunately, I did not grow up in Boston, but this city has always felt like home to me. I grew up in Rochester, N.Y., about six hours due West of Boston.
Growing up, what did you want to be? Growing up I knew that I wanted a job that allowed me to create something for others to enjoy and deal with the tangible world. I knew very young that a job that was strictly paperwork with no meaningful ties to the outside world did not appeal to me. I wanted to have an impact. I followed a career as a computer engineer for a few years, but realized quickly that it was not the type of tangible impact that would make me happy. I left my steady job and have never been happier. I find absolute joy in helping clients realize their dreams of homeownership, fulfill their desire for a new space that fits a changed need or, in development, create something truly wonderful from nothing.
What do you do to relax when you’re stressed? Exercise. I am an avid crossfit athlete, training at Crossfit Southie. And I love the freedom of running.
If you could have lunch with a well-known figure (living or not), who would it be and why? It might sound cliche, but I would choose Donald Trump (not the one that is running for president, but the real estate mogul). I want to know, despite so many failures, how he still has become so wildly successful.
Where is your favorite place to hang out? My wife and I are complete foodies. If I am not putting in the hours for my clients or at the gym, you will find me checking out a new restaurant with her.
What do you love most about the industry? Picking just one thing that I love about the industry is a tall order. There are many things that I love about this lifestyle (I say lifestyle because this is not a job but a way of life). If I had to pick just one thing, it would be the joy that I can bring my clients when I help them reach their goals. There is no better feeling than sitting at the closing table and knowing you helped them reach the finish line.
How do you distinguish yourself from the crowd of agents? My integrity, my honesty, my knowledge and my view point. I try to conduct business in the most upstanding way possible, even if it loses me a deal here or there – I’d rather not have it if I need to do something that is against my morals to get it. I have almost a decade of experience in the industry, but I feel as if my time should have been measured in dog years. I have had my hands in every type of transaction you could possibly come across, from REOs to short sales, cash buyers to FHA buyers, off-market deals to on-market deals with 40-plus offers, and the list goes on. Not only that but I am sympathetic of my landlords, because I am one; I am sympathetic of my tenants, because I was one; I am sympathetic of my buyers and sellers, because I have done both; I am sympathetic of my builder/developers, because I have been there too. I can put myself in my client’s shoes, because I have first hand experience.
What is the most difficult aspect of your job? This one is easy. The most difficult part of my job is having to deliver bad news to a client. I hate to disappoint but sometimes things happen that are outside of our control and it becomes my job to bring the news to them.
Where do you go to network and meet new clients? This is something I could be better about. I do go to community events/functions and network within my fitness and friendship circles. I do rely on my current customer base for referral business and appreciate every one that I receive.
What has been your greatest accomplishment? I think that my single greatest accomplishment was following my heart and leaving my corporate job to do something I am truly passionate about.
What was the last good movie you saw or book you read? The best book I have read recently would have to be Jeffrey Gitomer’s “Little Red Book of Selling.” This is a must read for anyone selling anything.
What is your favorite restaurant? This is another tough one. As I said previously, my wife and I are foodies so it is tough to pick just one. My favorite food by far would have to be sushi, so I would have to call my local place for my sushi fix my favorite restaurant – Moko Sushi in South Boston on the corner of East Broadway and K Street.
Architecturally speaking, what is your favorite building in Boston? If we are talking about high-rise buildings, then I would have to go with the Millennium Tower. I love the sleek glass and sharp lines. If we are a little bit looser with the term “building” and just simply mean any structure, it would have to be 315 Dartmouth Street, which is a massive Back Bay Mansion. I love the ornate details and the nod to a time when true craftsmanship went into a home.
What kind of car do you drive? I drive an Acura. It maneuvers well in the city and the all wheel drive comes in handy in the winter.
Smartphone or paper? A little bit of both. I rely on my smartphone calendar to remind me of pending events, but I need to make lists and mark up documents on paper.
What is your favorite city after Boston? San Francisco. It has the same small city feel with ocean access that makes it very comfortable.
In 10 words or less, what is your advice for someone new to the industry? You only get out what you put in.
What’s your favorite real estate iPhone/Android app? I love the Houzz app! The pictures are very inspirational.
Who are your favorite people to follow on Twitter? Anybody with a unique perspective – not just real estate related, but I like to be forced to think outside the box.
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