MELISSA ZUPNER MONTGOMERY - Top Agent Magazine

MELISSA ZUPNER
MONTGOMERY

MELISSA ZUPNER MONTGOMERY
Melissa Zupner Montgomery, a REALTOR ® at
Wailea Realty Corporation, consistently achieves
multi-million dollar sales by not only selling
homes, but selling the Maui lifestyle. “Maui, with
its beautiful beaches, tropical climate, and
mellow pace, is a dream destination for people
around the world. When someone looks for
property here, they are seeking to capture that
Aloha Spirit for themselves. I know, because I
came here for the same reason. I’m able to
connect with my clients on that level and
integrate this mutual love for the island into the
work I do on their behalf.”
Montgomery, a native of La Jolla, CA, came to
Maui fifteen years ago after earning a degree in
Applied Design from San Diego State University.
In 2005, a broker, working with her to sell her
home, encouraged her to pursue a career in Real
Estate. “It required a tremendous leap of faith, but
I went for it. I was fortunate to be hired by Wailea
Realty Corporation. They were the first realty
company in Wailea and they are one of the most
experienced and well-respected organizations on
the Island.” Montgomery’s career flourished in
the boutique environment of Wailea Realty
Corporation. “With only 20 agents at our firm, I
was provided with a very intimate and personal
setting in which to grow my business. I was
mentored by some of the most experienced and
successful agents on the island. I have gained so
much knowledge being amongst these brokers.”
Though the luxury market of ocean front
properties and high-end condos can be hard to
break into, Montgomery’s hard work and perseverance
manifested the luck that can be so
elusive in the highly competitive atmosphere of
Maui real estate. “The competition is considerable
since there are a lot of REALTORS ® in the area,
but if someone is serious about what they are
doing, they will be successful. I have been able to
sell some amazing properties over the last seven
years, but it’s been the result of a lot of effort…
Luck is when preparation and opportunity align. I
could take advantage of the opportunities that
came my way because I was educated on the
market and committed to working hard.” Since
most of her clientele come from the Mainland or
from abroad, Montgomery devotes much of her
efforts to building and sustaining these long-
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distance relationships. “75% of the properties I
sell are vacation homes or second residences.
Most of my business is done with people who
don’t live here. I will meet someone who is only
in Maui for a week and then they’re gone until the
following year. Creating and maintaining
relationships with these people is a major part of
my business. It can take anywhere from one to
four years before someone decides to buy a piece
of property, therefore it is crucial that I remain in
contact with these clients and keep them
informed on any recent developments in the
market.” Her extensive knowledge of the island
and her commitment to customer service has
earned her an ever-growing client base. “I know
the island well and I’m dedicated to finding the
property that best suits my client’s needs. Since I
handle each transaction personally, I’m involved
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“WHEN SOMEONE LOOKS FOR PROPERTY HERE, THEY ARE SEEKING
TO CAPTURE THAT ALOHA SPIRIT FOR THEMSELVES. I KNOW,
BECAUSE I CAME HERE FOR THE SAME REASON.”
from beginning to end, ensuring that the process
goes smoothly and my client receives the personal
attention that they deserve.”
Another factor in Montgomery’s success has
been her visibility within the Wailea community.
“I have been able to build a strong network of
business relationships because I’m present in the
community. I do utilize print advertising and
direct mailings, but the most effective way to
come in contact with potential clients, or get
referrals, is by being seen around town. Whether
I am at my office, on the golf course, or spending
time at the beach, I meet people and am able to
form a connection with them. This has really
helped me grow my business. “
In the future, Montgomery plans to capitalize on
her client base and continue selling the Maui
lifestyle to others seeking the same happiness
she has found on the island. “My goal is to
continue selling beautiful homes and to become
one of the top agents on Maui and in the state. I
have been fortunate to find a career I love, in one
of the most amazing places in the world, that
allows me the opportunity to help others
integrate the Aloha spirit into their lives.”
MELISSA ZUPNER MONTGOMERY, R(S)
WAILEA REALTY CORPORATION
WAILEA, HAWAII
808-281-1751
MELISSA@WAILEAREALTY.COM
MELISSAONMAUI.COM
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