Meet John Cotter of KW Domain – Cotter Collective

Today we’d like to introduce you to John Cotter

John, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’m a 2nd generation Realtor. After college, I had an inkling that I would one day follow in my parents’ footsteps by going into the family business. But I wasn’t ready. I needed some real-life experience and personal development. With that in mind, I worked for 4 years, selling cars. It was a great experience and solidified my intention and enthusiasm to enter the real estate space and in 2005, I did, under the mentorship of my father. I enjoyed it a lot and learned a lot. Nothing could’ve prepared me for what hit in 2008, the financial fallout- the likes of which we hadn’t seen since the Great Depression. Bankruptcies, foreclosures, and short sales were prevalent. On top of that, if you managed to hold on to your home, you saw 40% of its value diminish overnight. It was a very difficult and sad time for most people, and it wasn’t a good market for a budding Realtor. So, in 2009, I left the business. In 2013, after a few hip surgeries, I started a business as a caregiver for the elderly. It was gratifying work and certainly resonated with the patient and compassionate side of myself. I was able to see a side of life many people don’t get to see. But seeing people who I had built a relationship with die, in frequent numbers- that took its toll on me. During that time, I never lost interest in real estate. So, in 2017, I made the move to go back in to real estate. I hit the ground running, and haven’t looked back since! I got married earlier this year and couldn’t be happier.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
One of my greatest challenges was having a double hip replacement. I was an avid runner before, and now can’t run. I now supplement my physical activity with long walks.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
I’m a full-time Realtor, serving the greater metropolitan Detroit area. My office is in downtown Birmingham and I advise and advocate for home buyers and sellers, while they go through the buying and selling process. I’m passionate about what I do and I think that resonates with everyone I work with, because I care. When someone has a need or a concern that requires help- they want competency, closely followed by care. The combination of these 2 attributes are what separates me from others. And remembering that people usually only sell and buy a home every 7-10 years needs to be at the forefront of your mindset. The statement “real estate isn’t complicated, but it isn’t easy either” exemplifies my business, but it goes further than that. It’s also fulfilling as a person. The satisfaction in knowing that the service I provide is making a real difference in people’s lives is truly rewarding.

We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
I go for 10-mile walks and my wife says I’m romantic.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.realtorsmi.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/agent.cotter/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/john.cotter.549436
• Other: https://www.johncotterrealty.com