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Jan 2022 Newsletter | Team Member Spotlight: Matt Payne

Matt Payne joined Firefly Realty as a newly-licensed agent on March 16, 2020 - if that date seems like an odd one, it is! The same day Matt started his new career, businesses and offices were just starting to shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic. After some uncertainty in the first month or so, the real estate market picked up and hasn't slowed since. Matt finished 2021 - his first full year as a Realtor - with the highest number of closings for a buyer's agent on the Firefly team for the year - 28 homes sold, with a total of more than $10 million in sales volume. 

Prior to getting his real estate license, Matt was a general manager of private golf clubs. He had several other fascinating careers before moving to Asheville, from working at Disneyland to working as a boat captain and a golf instructor - you'll have to book an appointment with him to hear some of his great stories! Matt was drawn to real estate because of the dream of what his life could be like if he had the freedom to set his own schedule and spend more time with his family, with no limit to how much money he could make and the possibility to be directly responsible for his own income - in his words, "a successful real estate broker has all of that within grasp, and that is what I wanted to do."

The decision to join the Firefly team came down to team owner Katie Prendergast. Matt said,  "Her presence and thoroughness  during the presentation and interview process was something I never went through before. She spent an incredible amount of time and energy ensuring that I would be a good fit, and painting the current and future picture of where the business was going. I immediately wanted to be part of the team, and I feel fortunate every day that I am."

Whether he's working with first-time home buyers or seasoned investors, Matt exudes patience, competence and kindness. His wish for his clients is that they will get their own wish - whether it's finding a home or an investment property with a great return and a stress-free transaction, he wants to be part of the solution that achieves that wish for each of his clients. 

"Matt was there for us from the get-go. He was patient in explaining all the ins and outs of the home-buying process as we were first time buyers. He was always asking good questions to let us think through what we wanted. On top of all that he had a great personal connection that made you know he was there for you and had your best interest in mind. Can't thank him and Firefly reality enough for all their help!" - Client review posted on Zillow

In addition to being there for his clients, Matt is an ideal team player. He collaborates with the operations team on new systems and programs, he is always ready to help out other sales agents to work through tricky situations, and he is active in the local Bigger Pockets real estate investing network. Firefly is positioned for lots of growth in 2022, and Matt is committed to being part of that journey. He would love to see each person on the team greatly exceed their personal and professional goals - who wouldn't want that outlook in a team mate? 

When Matt is not crushing his goals at work, his world revolves around his family: his wife Devon and two daughters Sofia and Stella. They also have two cats named Luke and Leia.