In recognition of Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we spoke with Scottsdale REALTORS® member and real estate consultant Kurt Nishimura.
NISHIMURA: I worked my way up Corporate America, but all of my positions were related to real estate. I became a REALTOR® in 2008 after the financial crisis. I believed I could be a better agent than the one I used to buy my first house. She refused to show me houses I requested because they were “well below” the amount I qualified for. She is no longer in business.
SAAR: What do you do as a real estate consultant for KN Realty?
NISHIMURA: I have a MBA from DePaul University in Real Estate Development. My core competencies are in pro forma development, underwriting, asset and construction management and negotiations. I use my KN Realty consulting to get larger asset management and brokerage assignments for complex deals. My regular brokerage assignments run through Coldwell Banker.
SAAR: When did you first become involved with the Greater Phoenix Chapter of the Asian American Real Estate Association of America (AREAA)?
NISHIMURA: I first became involved in the Arizona Chapter as education chair and became president after the name changed to AREAA Greater Phoenix. That led me to serve as the AREAA National Commercial Chair and a Global Board member. In 2023, I will serve as the national president.
SAAR: The year you were chapter president, you also served as vice chair for SAAR’s Global Connect Committee – how did you find time for all of this volunteer work?
NISHIMURA: I put my personal life on hold during that year, but I did it because I am passionate about AREAA and Arizona. This is a great place to live and work, and I want the rest of the world to invest in what is happening here.
SAAR: As national president in 2023, what will your plans be for AREAA?
NISHIMURA: I want to Stop Asian Hate that has been going on for years by building public awareness about all the contributions Asian Americans have done for this country. I want to continue to fight for things that will help close the gap in home ownership for ALL diversity groups. Everyone who is here legally, has the right to pursue the American Dream.
SAAR: What sort of alternative credit ideas does AREAA support?
NISHIMURA: The biggest thing is making the credit evaluation process more inclusive by utilizing rental, car, utility and insurance payments.
SAAR: What do you remember about the first house you ever sold?
NISHIMURA: It was a Lennar Home in Layton Lakes, Gilbert. I sold it to the son of a very close tennis partner of mine.
SAAR: What about your first commercial property?
NISHIMURA: It was a 1031 exchange buyer who just sold a hotel he had owned for 30 years.
SAAR: Without naming names, who was your favorite buyer or seller?
NISHIMURA: My favorite buyer was the one who walked into my first open house. We communicated for four years before she finally saved enough to buy a home. I got her into an assistance program that paid half of her down payment and half of her closing costs. I think about that sale a lot. The feeling I got on closing day was priceless.
SAAR: What was your most lucrative real estate transaction?
NISHIMURA: The “most lucrative” was helping an old friend buy a house that resulted in five more referrals. I define success differently than others.
SAAR: And if you had one piece of advice to give new agents?
NISHIMURA: The customer is not always right, but ALWAYS deserves your RESPECT.