28 PUNCHMAGAZINE.COM {quickpunch} What drew you to real estate? I was first exposed at the age of 12 when my mom started in the business. I would overhear her conversations with clients while doing my homework and had lots of questions. As a kid, did you imagine your dream home? I always wanted to build one—and did, with my wife, Nana. What’s the quirkiest complaint you’ve heard about a home? Any ghosts? Can’t kiss and tell. What’s your biggest home-related pet peeve? Open toilet seats … Come on, people! What always surprises people about the home buying process? How intricate it is. Once buyers are well informed about the difference between good and bad quality, and the nuances of what brings value, they feel relieved and empowered being in-theknow. They often start eliminating homes that they previously would have been wowed by. If you could pick a superpower, what would it be? Definitely to fly. I am intrigued by the squirrel wingsuits, but don’t have the nerve. Tell us about being an exchange student in Italy? Studying abroad for an entire school year while at UC San Diego was a life-changer for which I am forever grateful! All the buddies, THE Q & A BRIAN CHANCELLOR both Italian and American, sobbed when it was time to go home and many are among my closest friends to this day. What do you consider a must-do on your bucket list? Did it! A safari in Africa. Sabi Sabi Lodge next to Kruger National Park was incredible. I went out twice a day for two weeks and was ready for more. What’s one of the riskiest things you’ve ever done? I contested a baboon who was stealing a woman’s purse at the Cape of Good Hope Old Lighthouse in South Africa. It ended up in a standoff with just the two of us (everyone else ran). I played it cool, but I was petrified. My wife is still mad that I initiated it. When we got home, I secretly looked up videos about baboons—only to learn it could have ripped my arm off. What age would you choose to be again and why? None. Every year is a blessing! That’s not to be cliché. Anyone who has experienced great loss knows what I mean, but I hate it when people complain about getting older. What’s a song you can listen to again and again? Maxwell’s “Sumthin’ Sumthin’.” How did you get started mentoring young African-American men in East Palo Alto? It has been close to 30 years since I was a Reading Buddy at Beechwood School, and the young guys and I are still in touch. The most satisfying thing is that they are great, enthusiastic dads today. Neighborly real estate agent relays his property pet peeve, travel escapades and facing down a hairy purse-snatcher.
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