Once an Architect, Brandon Stewart Became a Realtor Because of His Love of Midcentury Modern Homes
Share News:
If you’re in the market for a Midcentury Modern home, chances are you’ve heard of Brandon Stewart. He knows mid-mods and the neighborhoods they can be found in like I know the words to “My Fair Lady” (read: extremely well).
But did you know that Stewart, who is remodeling his very own mid-mod in Lake Highlands, wasn’t always a real estate agent? In fact, he was once an architect. Still, the David Griffin & Co. Realtor is following his passion for modern homes and design. In the meantime, when he’s not taking a few moments out of his busy day to answer a few questions from us, he’s tracking his progress on his website as he renovates his home. Exciting!
Brandon Stewart bought this Lake Highlands Midcentury Modern and is in the process of a massive renovation project.
CandysDirt.com: Where are you from?
Stewart: Kansas City, MO (a mid-western boy), but I’ve been in DFW since 1994.
CD: How did you get into real estate?
Stewart: In 2005 I bought a mid-century modern home and didn’t have a great experience. I felt misunderstood and came to the conclusion that the real estate community didn’t offer an option for clients interested in modern homes. I had no idea how popular modernism was about to become. In 2008, after 12 years in architecture, I left the profession and decided to pursue my interest in real estate with a focus on modern properties. It’s been a crazy ride since then, and I’ve never looked back.
CD: You’ve carved out a place for yourself in Dallas real estate as a Mid Century Modern guru, and I hear you’re renovating your own Mid Mod. How did that come about?
Stewart: I’ve been telling people how to remodel mid-century modern homes for years, so I figured it was time for me to put my money where my mouth was… We’ve taken our home down to the studs and into 2013 by adding a large master suite and completely relocating the kitchen to open on to the living room. It’s been stressful to take on such a huge renovation, but we truly believe it’s worth it to have a home of such character.
CD: Where is home for you in Dallas?
Stewart: My wife Ali and I will be living in our renovated MCM in Lake Highlands with our two dogs Chloe (basset hound) and Pablo (miniature pinscher).
CD: And you drive a … let me guess, Mercedes Benz?
Stewart: I wish! Actually I’m driving the new Ford Edge Sport because I’m a sucker for the lines, 22” rims, and having my entire 80’s mp3 collection on tap.
CD: What’s your favorite ‘hood in Dallas and why?
Stewart: There are many great neighborhoods in Dallas, but East Dallas is my favorite. I love Lake Highlands and Lakewood because of their proximity to White Rock Lake and the density of mid-century modern homes. They really are the most affordable modern housing option in the city.
CD: What was your best sale?
Stewart: I don’t necessarily equate highest price with best sale, but $600k is about my top. I’m mostly focused on affordable modern housing because of the strong demand. I work with many first-time home buyers and their enthusiasm and excitement is contagious.
CD: How quickly have you ever turned a house?
Stewart: A great MCM I listed went on the market at 5:00pm, had a showing at 7:00pm, and a full-priced offer by 9:00pm.
CD: How much did you sell last year?
Stewart: $5.75 million, and this year should be around $7.5 million.
CD: What have you learned about selling that makes you so successful?
Stewart: First of all, I listen to everything my clients have to say. I’m able to relate to my clients on a level not possible by most agents. I speak the language of design and strive to completely understand their wants and needs.
CD: If you ever change careers for an encore you’ll…
Stewart: I love real estate and won’t ever change, but if I was forced to I would focus on high-end modern residential architecture to keep myself in the same game … or become a rock star – Whitesnake still tours you know…
CD: Do you have a second home? If so, where?
Stewart: I do actually have two homes. The Midcentury Modern in Lake Highlands and we are living in a Newton Townhome in North Oak Lawn. The townhome goes on the market in March though.
