About Michael Braxton

NO DAY BUT TODAY

It was a crazy-hot summer day, and the Bighorn fire raged in the hills over Oro Valley. "The fire had been burning for six weeks, dangerously close to the city, and the whole area was smoky," recalls Michael Braxton. As you probably remember, the monsoon rains never came that summer, and the temperature outside was a scorching 112 degrees. "I had scheduled an afternoon open house at my own listing, but I didn't think anyone would show up." Michael adds, "I didn't even want to leave my house." Michael pushed through and held the open house as planned.

As it turned out, Michael would not be the only one to brave the heat and smoky skies that fateful afternoon. "I sold my listing to someone who came to the open house. I made two deals from it because I got both sides of the transaction." The buyer, accompanied by her mother, expressed interest in a nearby property, which Michael promptly sold to her. It didn't end there! Both of these buyers had homes to sell also, and Michael secured the listings for those properties. "A few hours later, another couple came into the open house, intending to buy it, but I had already sold it." Undeterred, Michael swiftly pivoted, showing them another house just a few blocks away. It didn't take long for them to make an offer, and yes, they, too, had a house they wanted to list with Michael.

In a remarkable turn of events, that hot and smoky summer day saw Michael Braxton sign an astounding seven deals and secure lifelong clients who've pro­ vided several referrals. It's one example of the determination and resourceful­ ness that have come to define Michael's journey in real estate and life.

Before real estate, Michael worked as a promoter of live entertainment events, specifically traveling Broadway shows. He traveled the country, bringing the magic of live theater to audiences far from the stages of Broadway. For 15 years, it was Michael's dream career, and it started in the most unlikely way. "I answered an ad in the paper placed by a marketing department for Broadway tours. The interview unfolded into a unique opportunity to design a role for myself, creating charity fundraisers with Broadway show components and promoting the shows as they toured smaller markets."

Three weeks before the largest opening night of his career, Michael's world turned upside down. "I had been planning and preparing for this opening night for the last two or three years." Not only was this opening night happening where he lived, Salt Lake City, but it was also his biggest market. The day started like any other on the third floor of the office building where he worked. "There was a construction crew working on renovations around the building, including the carpet in the stairwell. A worker walked away from his project, leaving the carpet folded back on the top step. I didn’t see it, my shoe caught under the carpet, and I flew down the stairs like superman. I crashed head-first through the wall at the bottom of the stairs."

Opening night came and went as Michael lay in bed with his neck in a brace. “When you have an accident and wake up in the hospital with a nearly-broken neck, reality crashes down… Life is short." Michael didn't work for three years as he recovered. The physical pain was undeniable, and the financial hardship was very difficult, but the psychological toll proved to be the greatest challenge.

"'No day but today' is my favorite quote from the Broadway Show, 'RENT'. The first time I heard the line, it resonated with me. However, the words held new significance when faced with the fact that tomorrow is not guaranteed." As Michael reassessed his life and career, he considered his interest in real estate. "I had always been intrigued by real estate, I had bought and sold around nine or ten houses on my own. I was every­ one's go-to for real estate advice."

Michael made the decision to relocate to Arizona to be closer to his mom, who had retired in Sun City Oro Valley and could help him with his recovery. He decided to give real estate a try. Life had thrown a curveball; however, Michael was determined to adapt and make the most of the opportunity he had in his new home. 

As he embarked on his real estate journey, Michael was grateful for the support and mentoring of fellow Long Realty agents, Fran Napolitano, Lisa Bayless, Michelle O’Brien and others. Michael fondly remembers his first transaction. I had to write my first contract at the table with only pen and paper, the knowledge I had from real estate school, and the clients staring over my shoulder!" Michael laughs and adds, "I rushed back to the office in a panic. Fran babied me through the process without making me feel like an idiot. I'll forever be grateful to her!"

As Michael helped his mom find her perfect retirement home in Tucson, he discovered his niche. Having guided his mom through the process, Michael brings that compassion and understanding to each of his transactions. "I treat everyone as if they were a personal family member. Everybody gets the 'Michael Braxton's Mom's Special Treatment.'"

Michael entered real estate hoping it would be comparable to his first career; he was in for a surprise. "Real estate is suited for my personality perfectly-it's beyond my wildest expectations! I should have become a REALTOR® at the beginning of my career, rather than waiting 20 years for an accident to force the change.''

Michael's skill and passion are evident in his success. In his first year, he achieved the highest level of recognition at Long Realty-Circle 26. He continued to earn it every year after that. Faster than any other new agent in Long Realty history, Michael earned his place as an Executive Vice President Member of Long Realty's Executive Council in 2023.

Outside or real estate, Michael loves to travel. "I have visited all 50 states and 78 countries.'' Michael shares some of his favorite memories from his global adventures. "I celebrated the summer solstice off the coast of Norway on a ship. Of course, seeing the northern lights was incredible. While on vacation in Thailand, I attended cooking school, which was an unforgettable experience!"

For Michael, it all comes together at his client appreciation event. "Each year, I treat all of my clients to see a Broadway Show at Centennial Hall (U of A). We’ve recently experienced the national Broadway tours of  “Jersey Boys” - "12 Angry Men"' and ”To Kill a Mockingbird.” This March, we’re all going to see, “SHREK – The Broadway Musical.”  For Michael, it's the best part of the year, "It melds my two passions together, it's the best of both worlds.'' A beautiful reminder that the best parts of life often arise from the ashes of adversity.

MICHAEL BRAXTON

(520) 833-1404

MichaelBraxton@LongRealty.com www.MichaelBraxton.com