Real Estate Agent Magazine sat down with Adam Palmiter, Southern Vermont’s top real estate agent since 2010, to discuss his journey, innovative strategies, and community impact.
REAM: What initially inspired you to transition from web and graphic design into real estate, and how did you overcome the challenges of entering a completely different field?
AP: Real estate was a family business. I never thought I would get into it, but in 2004 after college, was looking at moving to Boston, and seemed a way to get into the city working right away, without getting into finance, since I was an econ minor, which was much more uncertain at the time. I got licensed in Vermont to learn the ropes, but ended up doing so well that I never left. I took a real estate CRS class very early on and asked the instructor if I was selling myself short getting into an industry which required no secondary education. He said something that stuck with me ever since. “Since you have so much education and training, you can figure out how to use that to your advantage to do things that others in the field cannot. This is what will set you apart.” This is what prompted me to create my own website and do my own marketing, photography, etc, to not only use the skills that I enjoyed, but to make them work in this new field. I think this statement can be applied to almost any industry crossover.
REAM: How has your background in marketing and computer technology influenced your approach to real estate?
AP: It has allowed me to stay ahead of the curve and stay on top. By paying constant attention to what others are doing, and what I can do better, I can keep topical, current, and creative.
REAM: What are some of the biggest changes you’ve seen in the real estate industry during your career, and how have you adapted to those changes?
AP: We had a very long downturn after 2007, and I applied myself more to take advantage of a time when other agents were falling back on other careers. My business started to improve as I was working harder to sell and convert listings that other agents were getting lazy with. I would send expired mailing packets to absolutely any listing that expired, and then would work hard to convert those to sales, and that garnered me a reputation of someone who could sell things others could not. Then when the market inclined dramatically during covid, I had already seen enough market shifts to be prepared to shift again to meet the new demands of clients. I started doing full tour videos of properties that people could not view in person, and adapting to allow my remote clientele to feel more comfortable pursuing options without needing to make long drives over and over again. Every year I try to incorporate at least one thing new to my arsenal, both for buyers and sellers, that will improve my business and also enhance my offerings.
REAM: Can you share a particularly memorable or impactful experience you’ve had working with a client, and how it shaped your approach to real estate?
AP: I had a client early on that came to me looking solely for condos. After bringing him out to see numerous properties, it became clear to me that a condo was not at all a fit for what he seemed to really want. I encouraged him to view a log home that checked a lot of boxes. Sure enough that was the property he jumped at and he has now owned it much longer than the area average as he loves it so much. Too many agents just show what a buyer asks for, and make no effort to help them through the process. This interaction made me much more aware that I needed to pay attention and be a guide rather than just a passive participant.
REAM: How are you involved in the local community? How do your community initiatives reflect your role as a local leader?
AP: I try to always be involved in ways that allow me to use my skills to maximize return. This isn’t always grunt labor, but often is more macro, as that is where my interest and skillset shine. I have created websites, organizations, and chaired boards on various charities including Vermont flood relief, raising $500k for local businesses, golf tournaments for athletes with life altering injuries, the chamber of commerce and local realtor board, and have participated in numerous fundraising events for causes that I am passionate about. Now I am chairing a local rec board to help enhance local athletic programs as my kids are at an age where that can be so impactful. I tell people that the most important part of volunteer work and fundraising is being involved in any way you can, but ideally in something that you are passionate about so that you don’t burn out or get lazy with it. And there is no shame in doing something for a while, and then handing it off to someone else, so that you can find excitement in something new. This is what keeps these organizations stimulating and not diminishing. My Mom always drilled into us that having a positive impact on other’s lives is one of the best things we can do as people.
REAM: What drives your passion for real estate, even after years of being at the top of your field?
AP: Honestly just staying ahead. I love being creative, and staying at the top just helps to drive that creativity. When you’re not #1 its easy to just emulate what the top people do. When I see others do that to me, that just pushes me to try something new.
REAM: What qualities or skills do you believe are most important for success in real estate, and how have you developed these over the years?
AP: I have heard from clients that they really appreciate that I am never trying to “sell” them on something. I consider my goal to be helping buyers to find applicable properties by paying attention to their needs, and then giving them the pros and cons of their top options. Ultimately, they make the decision, and if I have done my job only then do I get paid. This way they never feel the salesman vibe that so many people get put off by. With Sellers, I approach the process honestly and up front with pricing, and then use every tool at my disposal to present their property in the best and most honest light. In the past I have lost listings to other agents who gave unrealistic pricing just to “get” the listing. Those sellers often come back to me when that listing expires, as they realize that I was actually just being honest and looking out for them. Being honest and up front with my clients is what helps to build that trust for a long lasting relationship, rather than just looking to one singular paycheck.
REAM: Looking ahead, what are your goals for both your real estate career and your community involvement in the next five to ten years?
AP: I have always worked alone and pride myself on being the sole contact for clients so that they know they are getting me, and not an assistant or team. As I move ahead, I think I can continue to streamline my programs to provide even more services. I have also started being more discerning with clients to ensure that I don’t take on more than I can handle. At a certain level you lose quality if you grow unchecked. I now have some great agents that have learned from me, and I give them some business to help the next generation grow and improve. They are not on a team, as I don’t want to create any obstacle for them to grow. I also hope to continue to be an active participant in anything in the community that can have large impact for positive change whatever it may be.
REAM: What’s something unique about you that might surprise your colleagues?
AP: I think other agents look at me in business and think I am very aggressive and no-nonsense because I do my utmost to achieve my clients’ goals, even if that means not being buddy buddy with everyone. A lot of agents worry too much about how they look and less about the transactional outcome, which is not what we are hired to do. That doesn’t mean you can’t be conscientious and friendly, but it does mean you have to present your side of the equation however it best represents your clients, sometimes heavy handed. Often that can come across with a negative tone and many agents take it very personally, rather than treating each deal as a transaction. Outside of work I am quite light-hearted. My friends know me as very goofy and not taking things too seriously. I love dancing and singing with my kids, enjoying every fleeting moment in this limited time we have, and helping others.
REAM: Can you share more about your life and interests outside of work?
AP: As I used to be very overweight, I really enjoy fitness and athletic activities. As I get older this only becomes more important. As real estate is not a 9-5, and you don’t have a boss telling you exactly what to do, it requires a considerable work ethic. Taking care of your body, is a direct reflection of how you will work on your own, because you can’t cheat it. And I think if someone develops a strong fitness ethic, that will translate to better work ethic. I love swimming, golf, pickleball, skiing, and absolutely anything at all that my kids are excited about and want to do. I also have a soft spot for video games after a long day, as that is a very easy way to decompress while still working my brain.
