Brandyn Brunelle recently became chief strategy officer as part of the executive team for Residential Properties Ltd., the largest privately held real estate company in Rhode Island, which has eight offices in the state and another in Massachusetts.
For the past five years, Brunelle, who received his Bachelor of Business Administration in marketing from LIM College then went on to study interior design at New York University, was chief creative officer for Lila Delman Real Estate, now known as Lila Delman Compass, and held a position as East Coast luxury lead for Compass, reporting to its headquarters in New York. Residential Properties CEO and President Sally Lapides said Brunelle’s “vast experience in luxury marketing, trend forecasting, communications and strategic planning” will be an asset to the firm and its clients.
PBN: You recently became chief strategy officer for Residential Properties Ltd. Can you tell us about this role and what it’s been like so far?
BRUNELLE: As part of the executive team, I’ll be focusing on strategy formulation and management. My main objectives will be to focus on the company’s vision and strategic efforts, overseeing planning and new initiatives. This includes, but is not limited to, strategic growth opportunities, development of brand identity, implementing new marketing tactics, promoting corporate culture, brand partnerships and, most importantly, supporting all Residential agents. I’ve been with the firm for just under a month, but we have some fantastic initiatives in the pipeline for 2023.
PBN: What can you tell us about Residential Properties as a company right now, in terms of its direction, goals and staffing?
BRUNELLE: Before joining Residential Properties Ltd., I was leading a family-run real estate company that was acquired by a national brokerage. I enjoyed the challenges but missed the impact I was able to make as part of an independent company with deep ties to the community.
Although RPL is the largest brokerage in Rhode Island, it still feels like a family-run company that is invested in the community, has a true understanding of market nuances and possesses leadership committed to remaining independent. We have collectively created a roadmap for 2023 that I know our agents and customers are going to be excited to see. I am thrilled to watch RPL grow a stronger presence in South County and on Aquidneck Island. With recent consolidations and franchises, agents and clients alike have a strong desire for a boutique brokerage that can pivot quickly to meet their needs.
Our staff is what sets us apart from other real estate brokerages – it includes an in-house marketing department comprised of eight industry experts, noncompeting sales managers who solely support their agents, phenomenal administrators and an extremely seasoned executive team that knows all facets of this industry.
PBN: What’s your thoughts on the real estate market as we head into 2023? What are your expectations for this year, in terms of the challenges it could present?
BRUNELLE: I’m optimistic that 2023 will bring a healthy and stable market similar to that of 2019, prior to the “COVID blip.” Over the past two years, we have experienced a market that was historically unprecedented with extreme demand and motivation. I am hoping that come the spring, we will see inventory increase, providing more opportunity for buyers who have been actively searching. Interest rates will be a significant factor.
I once overheard a great quote, “You marry the house, but you date the rate.” If you find your dream home, there is always an opportunity to refinance when rates fluctuate. I can say with confidence that Residential agents have been trained in the art of negotiation and are kept informed of the latest market trends to always advocate for their clients.
PBN: What are some of the ways that your company is trying to better help Rhode Islanders to move into new homes this year?
BRUNELLE: The experience for our customers will be enhanced, as Residential Properties continues expanding into new markets, with new office locations strategically opening across the state. In December, we opened a beautiful office on Bellevue Avenue in Newport, and in January we’ll be opening a brand-new office in [South Kingstown].
We are extremely invested in the Ocean State and want to be a resource to Rhode Islanders in every market, providing them with a white-glove experience, unparalleled service and top-tier marketing at every price point. I had always thought of Residential Properties as the No. 1 brokerage in Rhode Island because of its market share, sales volume and robust agent roster. Since joining, I have seen firsthand how invested in the community our agents and staff truly are.
PBN: You have a background in interior design. What are some of the latest trends with home design and how might this impact what people are looking for when home hunting?
BRUNELLE: Interior design has been, and always will be, a passion for me. I’m currently completing a restoration of a mid-century home with my partner on the East Side of Providence. During this project, I made it a priority to retain the architectural integrity of the home while focusing on current trends.
With lead times being extremely long due to ongoing supply chain issues, many buyers are looking for turn-key homes with updated kitchens and baths. Interestingly, trends are headed toward the use of more color and natural woods, compared to everything being white and gray for the past decade. Wallpaper is making a huge comeback for powder rooms and small spaces. The use of unlacquered brass hardware for fixtures is taking the place of chrome, and bold royal colors are being worked into decor and paint colors.
(UPDATE adds information in the second paragraph about Brunelle receiving his Bachelor of Business Administration in marketing degree from LIM College.)
Marc Larocque is a PBN contributing writer.
