If there's one thing Andrew Valdez Johnston knows well, it's that doing things properly and in order is always the right way to conduct business.
This couldn't be more evident in the reason why he stands out in Virginia Beach's crowded real estate market. Through his work with Hulett and Associates Inc., the active-duty Naval personnel member has created and honed a system - VJ's Complete Home System - that empowers buyers and sellers to take track of the many tasks required to buy or sell their home, while also ensuring the process is as stress-free as can be.
"Many people interested in becoming involved in a real estate transaction, whether it is first-time home buyers, sellers or investors, don't always know what they're getting," Andrew said. This prompted him to put all the details into extensive information packets, and it's part of why he chose to enter the real estate industry in the first place.
All Laid Out
Whether buying or selling, navigating the ins and outs of residential real estate is stressful even with the best realtor on your side. That's why Andrew put together guides for home buyers and sellers alike; it makes the process easy for them, and painless for him.
"These written materials make the process a lot smoother and keeps everyone on track," he said. "The seller's guide has information on home cleaning and staging, marketing the home online, and why you should be using a professional photographer. And the buyer's guide comes with a buyer's checklist, guidelines on how to secure a mortgage, and how to make an offer on a home."
For Andrew, putting VJ's Complete Home System together was an old hat. Andrew has been involved in real estate since 2016, when he purchased his first duplex. His investment goals were put on hold as Andrew's ship reported being away from home 45 percent of the time from 2016 to 2018, the highest amount recorded in the Navy over that time. When he returned a year later, he invested in a 4-plex and commercial dental office building and hasn't stopped since, especially after he earned his real estate license in 2020.
Since he has experience on both the buyer and seller side of real estate, he said he's uniquely equipped to serve his clients - particularly military families.
"One of the largest naval bases in the country is in my area, and it's often a huge adjustment for military families," he said. "I'm glad I'm able to help families looking to move to the Hampton Roads area, especially in this current market when it helps to have someone who really knows the lay of the land."
Client-Centric Focus
From his buyer and seller guides to his ethos around finding someone their perfect home, the clients are at the heart of everything Andrew does. He said he believes the real estate industry could be more client-centric in almost every way, from the accessibility of information related to financing to guidance on what it takes for a home to sell.
"I am committed to providing white-glove service and strong attention to detail to assure my clients are receiving astonishing customer service," Andrew said. "Trustworthiness, exceptional negotiation skills, and accountability for the interests of my clients are what my business is founded on."
Andrew's emphasis on ensuring his clients are well-equipped to make sound financial decisions has its roots in the start of his own business journey. After reading Robert Kiyosaki's "Rich Dad, Poor Dad," which speaks to the importance of financial literacy, financial independence and building wealth through investing in assets such as real estate, Andrew worked tirelessly to develop systems that worked for his clients.
"Getting that system together not only helps me keep myself and my clients on track, but it also gives me more time to focus on each client individually," he said. "There's also something nice about being able to supply my clients with these guides and checklists - I put together a mortgage guide as well, and checklists for home inspections and the entire home buying and selling process. My clients feel taken care of, and I know that everything they or I need to know is already in one place, so I don't have to wrack my brain and try to remember what it is we need to do next."
At the end of the day, he added, it's all about the passion he has for the real estate industry and his clients.
"I have a lot of passion for this industry," he said, "and as a result, I'm dedicated to providing exceptional service. That's what it's about."
About Andrew Valdez Johnston
Andrew Valdez Johnston is an up-and-coming realtor with H&A Realty. Based in Virginia Beach, Virginia, he has created the VJ 's Complete Home System model, a program he implements with his clients to ensure their buying or selling journey is as efficient and effective as possible. To get in contact with Andrew, visit here: vjr.realestate
