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Interview with Brad Hamann, 

Managing Broker at Hamann Sense, LLC.

Please tell me about your professional background and experience. 

I enjoyed an amazing four years at Butler University where I graduated with a degree in Marketing and minor in Psychology in 2004.  I worked in the hospitality, financial services, and telecommunications sales industries from the year 2000 up until I became a real estate agent in 2006.  I was affiliated with Keller Williams in Illinois & Indiana for over seven years before developing my brokerage, Hamann Sense, LLC.

Tell me about some of the high/low points of your real estate career.

There have not been many low points, but a very rare, failed real estate transaction probably qualifies.  I’ve been fortunate to assist in securing or selling homes for family, friends, and colleagues, but most notably, I had the opportunity to assist a client who later would become my wife!  Finally, I was awarded the “Rookie of the Year” Award for Keller Williams Mid-America for my 2007 sales results in Illinois and Indiana.

What are some of the biggest misconceptions in the business?

 One widespread myth is that bigger brokerages inherently provide better results. In reality, success hinges on strategic planning, education, and exceptional customer service—qualities that matter more than size. Another myth is that agents should be available 24/7. While responsiveness is critical for urgent matters, I believe in setting realistic expectations—the rest of the time, I manage client communication in a structured, intentional way while maintaining work-life balance. 

How is one broker different from the next?

By law a real estate agent needs a broker to “sponsor” his/her real estate license.  In order to sponsor the agent’s license, the agent must pay a portion of his/her commission called a “split” as a royalty for affiliating with that company.  That being said, most brokers also offer training and educational opportunities.  Some make this mandatory while others are more relaxed.  Some are very enthusiastic while others direct you to online training.  Many agents regularly switch brokers because of offers of free advertising, marketing, or office space fee specials.  In the eyes of the customer, it should not be about the broker.  It is really about the customer represented by an individual agent, nothing more, nothing less.

What is Hamann Sense, and how have you branded your business?

Hamann Sense is common sense for real estate.  Just as you would turn to a financial advisor for retirement planning or a physician when you're sick, it only makes sense—Hamann Sense—to work with a real estate broker who truly knows the business.  Hamann Sense is a boutique brokerage built around the idea of quality over quantity. I intentionally work with a select number of clients at a time, allowing me to give each one the focused attention and strategic guidance they deserve. I’ve positioned my brand to reflect high standards, honest communication, and a no-compromise approach to client service. At this point in my career, I’m fortunate to be able to direct my time and energy where it matters most—delivering the best possible outcomes for my clients.

Please describe a client who will get the most from Hamann Sense?

This client is cooperative and trusts in my expertise.  He/she/they are not micromanagers and are willing to follow my lead as I help navigate them through a very competitive process.  Trust and empowerment are essential.  As I work with a number of different personalities, it is hoped that the client will understand that my role is to help them.  The ideal customer qualities include someone who is flexible, optimistic, and excited while open to ideas and feedback.   I am always open to your feedback!  Those who are team players will encourage positive results.

What should a client have in place make to help the process move smoothly?  A client should have access to a computer for communication, showing feedback, and the ability to sign via “DocuSign." The real estate business can be very phone heavy.  It helps to have regular access to email.  This is the best way to reach me to set-up a call, arrange showings, or to answer questions.  Finally, it is strongly advised that a buyer have a pre-approval or proof of funds letter available before the process begins.  It would be a shame for someone to fall in love with a home only to discover they were not approved to buy.

What can I expect from your real estate process?

Clients should expect a very thorough, detailed process, with lots of questions to best understand their needs.  Buyers tour 8-12 homes on average before making a decision.  Some buyers only need to see a few homes and others require more time.  I have never shown more than 30 homes to a buyer, but in the end, they have always found their home!  Sellers should have their homes clean, presentable, and ready for the “ultimate showing experience” when potential buyers tour.

Could you describe some of the basic challenges you face?

Real estate is a business of “circumstance.”  Buyers and sellers are looking for a move based on something that has occurred or they are planning to happen in their lives.  A couple may be relocating to the Midwest as the result of a job transfer.  Sellers might be selling because their kids have left for college.  Buyers may wish to purchase a home because of its walkable location near their friends.  Whatever the reason, this is a business of circumstance.  Each client brings their own challenges to the table.  Clients bring their own personalities, understanding, and expectations to the process which can sometimes cloud judgment.   When a home is closed, however, those challenges hopefully made it worth it for all parties.

Please describe ways in which the real estate business could improve?

 Communication among agents needs significant improvement. While I’ve had the pleasure of working with some outstanding agents who have helped my clients tremendously, overall communication—especially on time-sensitive issues like offer responses or notifying when a home has received an offer—is often lacking.  For example, it’s crucial for sellers to get the highest price possible, and for buyers to have the chance to adjust their offers strategically. When communication breaks down, those opportunities can be missed. I refuse to take the path of least resistance—I’m committed to going the extra mile to ensure my clients are fully informed and well-represented throughout every step of the process.

What are your office hours? 

To best serve my clients, my office hours are 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM daily, with Thursdays reserved as my day off. I always prioritize time-sensitive matters and will address them promptly.  However, for non-emergency or non-urgent situations, I typically do not answer phone calls late at night. 

Have you ever regretted taking a break from work on a holiday?

No.

What is your relationship like with other brokers in the business?

I’ve been fortunate to build strong relationships with many excellent brokers. While some brokers enjoy extensive conversations, I focus on being as efficient as possible for my clients. Building rapport is important, but my top priority is always delivering the best results for those I represent. 

Tell me a little more about stress levels of being a real estate broker.

Stress levels can vary greatly depending on the situation.  I have experienced clients asking to terminate a transaction on the night before closing!  Some of the more stressful situations have involved purchasing and selling within months, threatening lawsuits, discovery of airborne asbestos or mold, or involvement in triple offer situations.  I’ve had showing requests on all major holidays.  Needless to say, the plate is usually full, and time-blocking is essential.  Enlisting my assistance will greatly increase your odds of success.  I once read an article that real estate brokers have the #2 most stressful career in America. 

How does a real estate broker earn an income?

A real estate broker earns an income through a commission, which is a percentage of a sales price paid for by the seller at closing.  The term “salary” in this business is basically non-existent.

How are you different from other real estate brokers?

I take the most-efficient, dedicated, no-nonsense approach to assisting my clients.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I love spending time with my wife and family.  We love to travel, play games, cook, watch movies, and bike together.  We are big supporters and loyal season ticket holders for the Butler University Men’s Basketball team.  I served a four year term on the Butler University Young Alumni Board where my final two years were as Vice President and President.  I also enjoy mentoring Butler University students.

How is a real estate broker able to take a vacation?

Good question.  This takes quite a bit of planning and adjustments.  I will never miss a beat.  I typically refer those clients who are the most time-sensitive to another broker so that items can be handled.

Which do you prefer, email or phone communication?

 It really depends on the situation, and I often notice generational preferences in how clients like to communicate. Personally, I prefer email for several reasons:

1. It helps me stay organized amid a busy schedule.
    
2. It provides a written record I can refer back to regarding your home selections or questions.
    
3. Emails can be answered even when I’m unable to take a phone call.
    
4. Email saves time and streamlines scheduling appointments.
    
5. Phone conversations can sometimes be unpredictable in length, making email more efficient.
    

Clients often receive faster, more detailed responses via email. However, phone calls remain essential for urgent matters, advice, or clarifications. Ultimately, the best communication happens in person, where I can provide you with direct, personalized guidance.

Why did you decide to leave a major brokerage and start your own?

I have respect for my former brokerage.  It was a financial decision, but other than that, not much changed.  My clients did not notice a difference either.  It did not make sense for me to continue to pay my broker for an office I did not use or for clients that it did not refer.  All agents within a brokerage are independent contractors, and the “team concept” can be a little deceiving.  It is possible that several agents from the same firm are competing for the same clients.  On the financial side, though, I was spending significant dollars on office expenses in two markets. Simply put, I was and always have been the source of my own clients.  I am branding myself no matter where I am working.  I believe that my “sphere of influence” will follow me.  Brad Hamann is Brad Hamann whether he has a Century21, Keller Williams, or Re/Max sign in your front yard.  I just prefer a “Hamann Sense” sign!  I have all of the same capabilities of any agent in the marketplace.  I have been blessed to have an amazing clientele who have trusted me for nearly a decade.  Thank you!

What is your future with Hamann Sense, LLC?

The future is very bright with an outstanding client base and more flexibility to focus on them.  The business is exactly where I thought it would be at this point.  In some ways, it has beaten expectations as I turned my Illinois business from full-time to referral-based.  The future of Hamann Sense will allow my clients the opportunity to enjoy maximum efficiency and effective communication in a competitive market.  This brokerage is not volume-based like most, but instead, it is a boutique brokerage.  This means that it will continue to be personalized and tailored to the client, for whom this is all about.  I also anticipate more time invested into land, income-producing properties, and potential property management.