There’s something exciting about stepping into unfamiliar territory, whether that means traveling halfway around the world, trying octopus for the first time, or buying your first home. For Devon McGuire, one of the newest REALTORS® to join the CENTURY 21 Northland Alpena office, embracing new experiences is something he knows a little about.

Earlier this year, Devon checked a big item off his bucket list with a trip to Japan, spending roughly two months in Tokyo and Osaka, experiencing Japanese culture and, of course, sampling the food. “I had the time of my life,” Devon says. “I loved the ramen the most, and I really want to go back there one day.” He even ventured into slightly more adventurous culinary territory with takoyaki, a popular Japanese dish made with pieces of octopus cooked in balls of batter. “It was surprisingly good and very strange, but I liked it,” he says.

One of Devon’s favorite photos from the trip was taken at Katsuo-ji Temple, surrounded by hundreds of bright red Daruma dolls, traditional symbols associated with perseverance and good fortune. That curiosity about people, places and new experiences is just one piece of who Devon is.

Ask Devon who has influenced him most, and his answer comes quickly: his parents. “My father and mother have influenced my professional path the most,” he says. “They are the most hardworking people I know. They have supported me in everything I have ever done and have been the two best examples in my life. They’ve influenced me to be a better person.” Those close relationships also shape Devon’s definition of home. To him, home isn’t simply an address, a building or four walls. “It’s more like a place where you are happy with your family and friends and can truly be yourself.”

When he’s not working, Devon gravitates toward those same things. He enjoys spending time with friends and loved ones, watching a good TV show or movie, reading, going to the gym and playing basketball. And while Japan may have won him over with ramen, he has a local food recommendation, too: Crêpe Diem. “It’s a wonderful little spot with the best crepes I have ever had.”

As Devon begins his real estate career with CENTURY 21 Northland, he’s particularly excited about helping people navigate decisions that can have a major impact on their lives. “I am most excited to help people make these big, life-changing decisions when it comes to buying houses and make it as easy as possible for them.” For Devon, a successful transaction isn’t simply one that makes it to the closing table. It’s one that leaves his client feeling confident about the decision they made. “Success looks like clients coming to me for help and leaving satisfied with exactly what they were looking for and leaving happy,” he says.

His goal for both buyers and sellers is refreshingly straightforward: take as much stress and work off their shoulders as he can. “I’d love to make it as easy as possible for someone looking to buy or sell a home so they have to do as little as possible.”

One of the things Devon appreciates most about the Alpena community is how willing people are to help and support one another. It’s also part of what attracted him to CENTURY 21 Northland. “The people are amazing and are very helpful,” he says. “I’m looking forward to working more with them and developing deeper relationships with them.” And relationships are exactly what Devon hopes to build in the years ahead. He wants to become someone people know, trust and feel comfortable calling when the time comes to make a move. “Over the next few years, I’m looking to build relationships with lots of people and get my name out there, so when people are looking to buy or sell a house, they will be comfortable working with me and put their trust in me to help them.”

That may be the best introduction to Devon of all. For him, real estate isn’t simply about finding someone a house. It’s about helping them find a place where they can be comfortable, happy and themselves. Because, as Devon already knows, that’s what makes a place home.

We’re excited to have Devon joining our Alpena team and beginning the next chapter of his career with us. If you’re thinking about buying or selling in the Alpena area, get to know Devon and connect with him at 989-324-9410 or DevonM@C21Northland.com.

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