Shomari Lewis recently joined Engel & Völkers Barrington East Bay as a real estate adviser, the real estate firm announced. Licensed to practice in both Rhode Island and Massachusetts, Lewis previously worked as a freelance web developer, Needham Golf Club bartender and Realtor in Boston at Castles Unlimited.
A Boston native, Lewis graduated with a bachelor’s degree in web and graphic design from the New England Institute of Art in 2016. Lewis arrives at Engel & Völkers after working last as a talent discovery specialist for Mastercard.
PBN: How did you end up in Rhode Island doing real estate, and what are your first impressions of the local real estate market?
LEWIS: I ended up in Rhode Island doing real estate because of COVID. It’s probably the case for most, that COVID shook up our worlds and made us look for something different. My girlfriend-turned fiancée, turned adored wife later, is originally from Portsmouth and so we had the opportunity to move out of South Boston to Common Fence Point.
The Rhode Island market feels a lot more approachable for the prepared buyer. And, coming from Boston, the price points were affordable. It felt like a great opportunity to help folks find their new normal in Rhode Island while I eased into mine.
PBN: You bring some expertise in fields such as hospitality and recruiting to your new job at Engel & Volkers. Do you think those past experiences impact the way you do business in the real estate world?
LEWIS: I do think my experiences have lent themselves to my current value as a real estate adviser. I worked in private clubs, working with members with particular preferences and personalities, to public establishments bartending for regulars and randoms.
Being able to provide stellar, anticipatory service to clients hasn’t changed for me; it’s elevated in real estate, and especially with E&V. I’ve spent years honing my skills of communication and negotiation, anticipating client or guest needs – in other words, problem-solving for problems before they arise so they don’t arise.
PBN: We've heard for a long time that inventory is more limited than usual. How do you deal with the challenge of low inventory?
LEWIS: Inventory levels have been a major topic not just in our market but as a larger issue we face as Americans. I’ve done, and will do, my best to continue educating my buyers about being ready, the strength of compelling offers and the realities of the buying experience.
Setting expectations around possible outcomes as we look at hot properties is key; I want to prepare my clients for any and all outcomes. Coupled with that is the training an E&V adviser receives on identifying off-market properties, [which] creates opportunities benefiting both our buyers and sellers, saving them from a bidding war or helping to profit more.
PBN: What's your best advice for home sellers that you work with in Rhode Island right now?
LEWIS: My advice for sellers looking to maximize profits is, of course, first, to get the right adviser for the job. Making a proper first impression isn’t exclusive to people. If a home hits the MLS [multiple listing service] and isn’t truly ready, the seller will find out very quickly. Things like small repairs and staging … can be the difference between thousands and just not selling. With my sellers, I emphasize to them what’s important and what may not be, preemptively solving any potential buyer objections or concerns as we start the listing process.
PBN: You said one of the things you appreciate about Engel & Völkers is how it uses technology to drive its success. How does the company use technology to elevate its game and what have you done throughout your real estate career to best utilize the latest technology?
LEWIS: E&V’s technology is top tier and their ability to market advisers and properties is elegant. With technology, E&V is able to market properties not just locally. We're a global network of advisers that provides an amazing resource to our clients, with the same amazing experience anywhere in the world.
Technology, as we know it, has elevated marketing and creativity in so many industries; real estate is no different. With social media marketing, I’ve been able to be more authentic and connect to a client pool, based on shared interest and ideas, through platforms like Instagram and Facebook.
You mentioned my experience in recruiting and hospitality. I’d also mention my degree in graphic and web design. Gratefully, by joining E&V, I’m getting some assistance to make sure my videos and graphics are engaging and providing value to the consumers.
Marc Larocque is a PBN contributing writer. Contact him at Larocque@PBN.com. You may also follow him on Twitter @LaRockObama.
