by Tara Gilligan Reimer BELLINGHAM, WA-August 3, 2022 From Bali to Bellingham, Quentin Sermet has traveled and lived, observed and learned. Thanks to his parents and grandparents in Indonesia and France, he's a global citizen. With a stellar training team, he's a licensed broker with RE/MAX Whatcom County and now an independent agent. Quentin started at RE/MAX in the global referral network, "just to orient myself at the beginning," he says. Then, he joined Keith Cook's BuyerMax team. "I was immediately in the deep end," Quentin laughs. He did learn to thrive, of course, and he's proud to have put together eight deals last year, while also helping close other deals as well. "Everything I know about real estate-contracts, organization skills, how to talk to people-I learned from Keith and his team," he says. ... Seeing the contours With traveling and gaining life experience, Quentin says he can identify the contrast between cultures-including languages, manners, relationships-which has aided him in seeing variations within the real estate business. Quentin explains that he now understands that real estate is "not a sales pitch." From his time on the BuyerMax team, Quentin says there is one tip he keeps close to heart: "It's all about serving your client." He says that it's not about "outdoing" people on your team but about working together. "A lot of people don't understand that you're not competing with other brokers. You're in partnership with other brokers." Importantly, Quentin points out, "Bellingham is a small market." That density makes the relationships, especially with brokers, key to preserve and strengthen. ... Traveling the world Quentin's ability to read a room or a market comes from his beginnings. Born in Los Angeles with some time in Walnut Creek, California, he moved to Indonesia when he was six years old. He lived in Bali for 12 years with his family. That's where he picked up French and Indonesian, too, languages noted on his broker website and bio. "I understand the specific and varied needs of people from all walks of life," Quentin says. That's all strength in real estate. ... Working with people he admires Strength also brought him to the front door of RE/MAX. Quentin works out at the same mixed martial arts gym as well-liked and respected broker, Emily Wyss. Quentin explains Emily convinced him to interview at her brokerage. He interviewed at other companies, but you all know the familiar refrain. "What RE/MAX has done in Whatcom County, plus the education and the people That's why I'm here," says our world traveler on why he calls this brokerage home. ... Going beyond expectations In his website bio, Quentin writes honestly about being "young, committed, and energetic" in his chosen field. He also touchingly wraps up the interview, citing his mentor: "Keith says, 'I've been doing this for 40 years, and I'm still learning.'" Quentin sums up, "Real estate is never the same, never boring." Need a collaborator on a deal, a connection to a sweet villa in Bali, or a recommendation for a Pacific Northwest fishing or camping adventure? You can go to Q. And, lucky for us, you can find him learning, working, and practicing his passion at RE/MAX. About Us Thirty years ago, a local girl (Sehome High School, Washington State University, and Western Washington University grad) launched a small start-up with a big dream. Little did RE/MAX Whatcom County founder and CEO Lori Reece know that her company would become not only the most successful brokerage but also respected nationally and across industries. Her team, 90+ sought-after professionals, leads by serving thousands of clients and building market share. Learn, collaborate, be kind. When you're doing all that-together-you know you're in RE/MAX Whatcom County, the house that Lori built.
