Following his heart and his passion for surfing, Neal arrived and settled on Kauai’s North Shore more than 35 years ago. Realizing quickly after his arrival that he had discovered his paradise, he made the decision this was where his home and future would reside. Planting more than his own roots, Neal developed a passion and love for organic farming and founded Kauai Organic Farms and Hawaii Naturals. As CEO of both companies, Neal grew them into successful enterprises and became one of Hawaii’s largest producers of organic products and produce.
As a broker with Kauai’s premier real estate company, Neal has continually been one of Kauai’s top producers and most requested agents for more than twenty years. Neal’s unparalleled knowledge of Kauai’s properties and land combined with his hard work and determination have earned him and his company the top position in Kauai’s growing real estate market.
Here, Neal shares with Haute Residence why he chose real estate and what makes Hawaii a paradise.
Why did you choose Real Estate?
I have been a passionate woodworker since the age of 13, I bought and remodeled my first house at the age of 19, and I then did four more houses in my early 20s near a beautiful ski area in Utah. I have always been interested in architecture, woodworking, building, and functional design. Real estate was the perfect place to combine all my skills and passions with the intent of making it a lifetime career.
What was your journey to where you are today?
I was born and raised in Florida and as a traveling surfer, I left at 16 years old for better waves and better places. My love of building and living in great places eventually guided me to Hawaii where I have since embarked on a more than 40-year career in real estate, building, and development. Reminding me of my own journey, nothing makes me happier than finding an amazing property for a beautiful family in pursuit of making memories in this great place.
What is your biggest success story to date?
There have been quite a few over the years, but I work with so many ultra high net worth clients and part of my commitment to them is not discussing these achievements. I have sold numerous properties over $100M in aggregate on different occasions and to different clients. These properties are the best of the best and it's an honor to work with such properties in Hawaii and around the world. From five acres on the beach with an amazing luxury compound to 3,000 acres of waterfall and river-laden mountainous agricultural land, my experiences in transactions at this level collectively culminate in the greatest success of my career.
What makes your market unique?
I predominantly work in a secondary market where most people I sell to don't need what they're buying, but want it. These properties are not close to their work or their children's schools, and most people are buying property as a vacation second home for an extended stay, and they do, in essence, become part-time residents of the area. This feature of the market makes the purchasing process a more emotional experience because nobody needs what they are buying. My clients are buying these properties because they have quite literally fallen in love with this place. It's a beautiful process to play a part in.
For more information, please contact Neal Norman at neal@hawaiilife.com or visit NealNorman.com
Neal Norman is one of the exclusive agents representing the Kauai Island, HI real estate market as a member of the Haute Residence Real Estate Network. View all of his listings here.
