About Kevin Howard

2. Can you tell us about your background and how you got into real estate? I began my real estate career in 2013, though my exposure to the industry dates back to the 90s due to my father's involvement in local development. He was a builder specializing in projects on Anastasia Island and introduced me to the field at a young age. Starting at just 10 years old, I assisted him on job sites and continued working alongside him for many years. Although I never anticipated a career in real estate, I'm incredibly grateful for the path life has taken me.

1. How long have you worked as a real estate agent in St. Augustine? I have been working at Endless Summer Realty since 2013. When I joined the company, there were only a few agents, and I have witnessed its growth to over 60 agents. I genuinely enjoy my workplace and the wonderful colleagues I get to work alongside.
   
   
2. What areas do you specialize in within St. Augustine? I cover areas ranging from Flagler Beach in the south to Fernandina Beach in the north, although I prefer to focus within St. Johns County.
   
   
3. What are some of your professional achievements and recognitions? I'm consistently ranked in the top 1% of all agents in St. Johns County based on closed volume. I hold several designations, including ABR (Accredited Buyer's Representative), CRS (Certified Residential Specialist), and SRS (Seller Representative Specialist). In 2023, I was honored as our company's top sales agent based on total volume
   
   
4. What do you enjoy most about working in real estate? I'm not a natural salesman and don’t enjoy pushing things on people, but I do love offering assistance and support when needed. More importantly, I have a deep passion for St. Augustine, with its unique history, vibrant culture, beautiful coastline, and distinctive charm. It’s incredibly rewarding to help clients achieve their real estate goals and share my love for St. Augustine with those who truly appreciate what this town has to offer.
   
   
5. How do you stay current with market trends and changes in the real estate industry? I genuinely love real estate, making it easy for me to stay updated on both local and national market trends. I'm an avid reader, regularly listen to a variety of podcasts, and continuously research our local market. My dedication to staying informed might be considered borderline excessive, but it ensures I provide the best service to my clients.
   
   
6. What inspired you to choose St. Augustine as your base of operations? Choosing St. Augustine as my base of operations was an easy decision—I grew up here and fell in love with the area at an early age. I wouldn't want to sell real estate in a place I didn't believe in. St. Augustine has so much to offer, and I genuinely enjoy sharing its unique charm with others.
   
   
7. Can you share a bit about your personal life and interests outside of real estate? I’m married and have two Golden Retrievers (Bruno & Banks). Both my family and my wife's family live in the area, adding to the many reasons we never want to leave. I love going to the beach, surfing, golfing, traveling, boating and spending time with friends.
   
   
8. How do you balance your professional and personal life? It's a constant challenge. Fortunately, my wife helps keep me in check. Additionally, I’m committed to my health, prioritizing sleep, exercise, diet, and overall well-being. This balance ensures I can give my best both at work and in my personal life.

Client Services

2. What services do you provide for buyers and sellers? For buyers, I offer comprehensive services that include personalized property searches, market analysis, and guidance throughout the entire buying process—from initial consultation to closing. I help clients navigate financing options, negotiate offers, and conduct thorough inspections to ensure they find their perfect home.
   
   For sellers, I provide market evaluations, strategic pricing, and professional marketing plans to showcase their property effectively. I handle all aspects of the selling process, including staging, advertising, and negotiating offers, to achieve the best possible outcome.
   
   My goal is to make the experience seamless and successful for my clients, and continue to be a valuable resource for them after closing.
   
   
3. How do you ensure that your clients get the best deal possible? I ensure my clients get the best deal possible by leveraging my extensive market knowledge, strong negotiation skills, and personal experience as a real estate investor in the area. I know what constitutes a good deal and treat my client's money as if it were my own. I conduct thorough market analyses, identify opportunities, and craft competitive offers for buyers while strategically pricing and marketing properties for sellers. My commitment to clear communication and meticulous attention to detail ensures my clients are well-informed and confident in their decisions.
   
   
4. Can you walk us through the process of helping a client buy a home? 
   1. Initial Consultation: Understand your needs, preferences, and budget.
   2. Personalized Property Search: Identify and update you on suitable properties.
   3. Property Tours: Visit selected homes and provide insights.
   4. Market Analysis: Determine the fair value of the property.
   5. Offer & Negotiation: Craft and negotiate a competitive offer.
   6. Inspection & Due Diligence: Coordinate inspections and review results.
   7. Financing Assistance: Guide on mortgage options and connect with lenders.
   8. Closing Coordination: Ensure a smooth closing process with all parties involved.
   9. Post-Closing Support: Offer ongoing assistance and recommendations. 
      
      
5. What marketing strategies do you use to sell homes
   1. Professional Photography and Videography
   2. Virtual Tours
   3. Staging
   4. Online Listings (Zillow, Realtor.com, etc)
   5. Social Media Marketing
   6. Email Campaigns
   7. Open Houses
   8. Print Advertising
   9. Networking
   10. Targeted Online Advertising
       
       
6. How do you handle negotiations to benefit your clients? I handle negotiations by thoroughly researching the market, understanding client needs, building rapport, communicating clearly, crafting strategic offers, solving problems proactively, staying composed, and leveraging my experience.
   
   
7. What kind of support do you offer clients during the closing process? I offer comprehensive support by coordinating with all parties, reviewing documents for accuracy, assisting with final negotiations, ensuring all deadlines are met, addressing any last-minute issues, and providing clear communication and guidance. 
   
   
8. How do you communicate with clients during the transaction process? I communicate with clients during the transaction process through regular updates via phone calls, emails, and text messages. I ensure they are informed at every stage, promptly address any questions or concerns, and provide clear, concise information to keep them confident and well-informed throughout the transaction.
   
   
9. What resources do you provide for clients after the sale is completed? After the sale is completed, I provide clients with trusted local service recommendations, home maintenance tips, market updates, and community information. As the local expert, I encourage them to reach out with any future needs or questions they might have.
   
   
10. How do you approach working with first-time homebuyers? I take a patient and educational approach. I guide them through each step of the process, from understanding their needs and securing financing to navigating the market and finalizing the purchase. I provide clear, detailed explanations and answer all of their questions to ensure they feel confident and informed. My goal is to make the experience as smooth and stress-free as possible, helping them achieve their dream of homeownership.
    
    
11. What advice do you have for sellers looking to list their property in today’s market? I advise pricing strategically based on a thorough market analysis and enhancing curb appeal to make a strong first impression. Effective staging to highlight your home's best features and aggressive marketing through online listings, social media, and professional photography is crucial. Additionally, being flexible with showings and open to negotiations will help attract more buyers and achieve the best possible sale price.
    
    
12. Can you describe a particularly challenging real estate transaction you successfully navigated? One particularly challenging transaction involved a historic home in St. Augustine with significant structural issues. The buyers were first-time homeowners needing extensive guidance. I coordinated multiple inspections, negotiated critical repairs with the sellers, and connected the buyers with reliable contractors and financing options for renovations. Through clear and constant communication, I ensured everyone was informed and comfortable. The transaction closed successfully, and the buyers were thrilled with their new home, reinforcing the importance of preparation, communication, and resourcefulness.
    
    
13. What steps do you take to ensure a property is market-ready? I start by conducting a thorough inspection to identify any necessary repairs or improvements. I enhance curb appeal by ensuring the exterior is clean, well-maintained, and inviting. Professional staging is used to highlight the home's best features, and high-quality photography and videography capture the property beautifully to attract buyers. A deep cleaning ensures the home is spotless and ready for showings. I set a competitive price based on a detailed market analysis and develop a comprehensive marketing strategy using online listings, social media, and traditional methods.

Endless Summer Realty

2. What is the history and mission of Endless Summer Realty? Endless Summer Realty was founded in 2007. Endless Summer Realty is committed to fostering a community-centered approach to real estate, where integrity, customer focus, mutual support, and teamwork are at the forefront of everything we do. Our mission is to provide unparalleled service by listening to and prioritizing the needs of our clients, promoting a supportive and collaborative work environment, and maintaining honest and transparent communication. We aim to build lasting relationships within our community through dedication, honesty, and a steadfast commitment to excellence.
   
   
3. How does Endless Summer Realty support its agents to serve their clients better? Endless Summer Realty supports its agents through training and mentorship, fostering a team-oriented culture that emphasizes integrity and prioritizes customer needs. 
   
   
4. How does Endless Summer Realty stay involved in the St. Augustine community? Endless Summer Realty is deeply involved in the St. Augustine community. We sponsor various local events and businesses, and during Christmas, we assist the Salvation Army with bell ringing. One of our standout initiatives is "Giving Day," a 24-hour online event that encourages community members to support local nonprofits. In 2024, this event raised over $530,000 from 2,434 donors, benefiting 62 local nonprofits. Since its inception in 2019, "Giving Day" has evolved from a simple idea into a movement, inspiring widespread community giving and raising over $2.4 million.
   
   
5. Can you describe the team dynamic at Endless Summer Realty and how it benefits clients? The team dynamic at Endless Summer Realty is highly collaborative and supportive, fostering a culture of mentorship and professional development. Agents work closely together, sharing insights and strategies to ensure the best outcomes for their clients. This teamwork is underpinned by strong communication and a shared commitment to integrity and customer service. As a result, clients benefit from a well-coordinated and knowledgeable team that is dedicated to providing exceptional real estate services and personalized support throughout the buying and selling process.

1. What makes Endless Summer Realty a standout brokerage in St. Augustine? Endless Summer Realty stands out in St. Augustine due to its exceptional customer service, deep community involvement, and collaborative team environment. The brokerage, composed mostly of passionate locals, maintains a laid-back vibe focused on helping people rather than making quick sales. Agents receive comprehensive training and mentorship, ensuring they are well equipped to serve clients effectively. With a strong emphasis on integrity and prioritizing customer needs, Endless Summer Realty builds trust and lasting relationships, making it a premier choice in the local market.