Years of serving in high-stakes environments taught me one thing clearly: when decisions matter most, people deserve honesty, structure, and someone who truly has their back.

 

I got into real estate because the purchase of my first home was a disaster—like, a total disaster. Our REALTOR® was extremely pushy. I didn’t even like the house, but as a naïve first-time homebuyer, I was persuaded that it was the only option. Once my wife and I moved in, we realized the house needed extensive work and remodeling. We spent thousands of dollars—money we didn’t have—to fix a home we never loved.

 

That experience was foundational. It permanently shaped how I view real estate—how delicate and consequential it is.

 

At the time, I was serving in the Army, where I would spend over 20 years. Most of my career was in Special Operations, a world governed directly by the Under Secretary of Defense.

 

My role required constant international travel, and I loved it. As a military child, I was already used to relocating and adapting to new environments, including cultures abroad. I have Spanish, Italian, and Armenian roots, and I grew up in Miami surrounded by Cuban cousins. Being immersed in diverse cultures felt natural to me.

 

Those experiences likely played a role when I was selected to represent U.S. foreign interests internationally. In Europe, I served as an advisor to the Special Operations commander for North and West Africa. In Africa, I was the liaison to the U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria and the Defense Attaché. I especially loved my time in Africa—the locals were incredibly inclusive. We played basketball twice a week, and I was often invited to family gatherings. Living abroad gave me a deeper appreciation for human connection and family.

 

Simply put, I loved my job. I regularly worked with ambassadors and senators; in fact, ambassadors were my direct supervisors. I was given a great deal of autonomy, trusted to do my job in the way I believed was best. That responsibility built confidence. During those years, my wife and I also grew our family, welcoming Nicholas, Noah, and Destyni into our lives—now all grown and forging their own paths.

 

Still, I knew I wouldn’t stay in the military forever, and my interest in real estate never went away. One of my best friends is a REALTOR®, and I watched him navigate complex, interesting challenges that sparked my curiosity. My friend, Tramale, encouraged me to give it a try.

 

When COVID hit and I was suddenly homebound, I got really bored: perfect time to get my real estate license! I began selling homes part-time while still in the military. I did that for three years before retiring from the Army and becoming a full-time agent.

 

The transition had its challenges, especially stepping out of a military mindset after over two decades. I was used to rules, clear commands, and precise execution. Real estate is different—there are countless opinions and approaches, not all of them detail-oriented or carefully thought out. That contrast explains a lot about why the industry can feel chaotic.

 

I’ve learned to stay flexible, collaborate with other agents, and focus on solving the issue in front of me. I’m incredibly grateful to have built a career in real estate that I truly love. I don’t do this just for the income—I do it because I care about people, and I know firsthand how much the right guidance can change someone’s life.

 

My mantra is “people over profit.” I believe people should always come first and sales second, especially in an industry as confusing and overwhelming as real estate. It bothers me to see buyers or sellers be underrepresented, so I work hard to coordinate every detail and make the process as easy as possible. For buyers, that means helping them find the right home, coordinating inspections and repair evaluations, negotiating repairs, and even personally covering services like professional cleaning and a home warranty to provide peace of mind. For sellers, I invest in professional photography, social media advertising, cleaning services, and contractor coordination when fixes are needed.

 

For every client, I provide exceptional oversight of all the moving parts involved in a transaction. I work with a trusted team of lenders, attorneys, title companies, and other professionals to ensure clients have everything they need. Having lived in Raeford for over 20 years, I also bring strong local knowledge and deep community connections, allowing me to match clients with homes and opportunities that truly fit their lifestyle.

 

Sincerely,

 

Sean McDonough

Broker/Owner | LIC# 321850

Direct Call/Text (910) 870-5009

sean@hiverealtygroupnc.com

hiverealtygroupnc.com