We recently had a chance to sit down with one of our newest agents, Brian McGrory, for a quick interview. We chatted about his personal and professional background, and advice for future home buyers. Here is what he said!
Q: Where were you born and what is your background in?
A: I was born in Glasgow, Scotland and was involved in PR & Marketing for a Private Members Club & Boutique Hotel. I left Glasgow when I was 24 to San Francisco to work in the .com industry but the day I arrived was when the crash happened so I ended up falling into the restaurant business. I started as a busser and worked my way in every position in the restaurant industry from bartender to Wine Buyer to General Manager. After 2 years in SF, I moved over to NYC, where I eventually went on to own my own group, in-which I owned and operated 4 very successful bar / restaurants. Following 17 years in NYC and 10 years of my own businesses I decided that it was time to change course and lifestyle and move out west.
Q: How/why did you get into real estate?
A: I have always been indirectly involved with Real Estate on the commercial side, from doing all the work with my restaurants. Additionally, my partner and I have built / designed many homes from the ground up. Some of which were featured in Architectural Digest, LUXE & Belle Magazine. It has always been in my blood and will always continue to be my main passion.
Q: What makes you passionate about real estate?
A: Aside from the business aspect, the contracts the negations etc., it truly is the creative aspect that gets me excited about Real Estate. I love seeing the potential in a property and I love it even more when one of my clients sees this too. I love the transformational aspect and of course nothing beats the rewards of seeing a happy client / family in their new home.
Q: What are the top 3 things you look for in a home?
A:
-Character, architectural details, space, open and plenty of outdoors space to have the quintessential L.A. indoor / outdoor living.
-Plenty of sunlight, and a view for the sunsets, after all that is why we live in CA!
-Worst house in the best area syndrome.
Q: What advice can you give to buyers?
A: Don’t be afraid of doing any type of work / upgrades, that may be re-doing a kitchen to renovating the bathrooms to putting in a swimming pool. Any way that you can enhance the property will of course make your quality of life superior and of course increase the value of your property.
Brian McGrory
m: 347.218.2242
e: brian.mcgrory@compass.com
CalBRE#02039141
