OUR DIFFERENCE

One of the best parts of our business is that we built it to reflect,

refine and harness what each of us truly loves the most of what we do:

Partner with a client to solve their needs.

When you do that, no one loses and everyone wins.

Proven Process

Some realtors just don’t have the sales plan, process or connections to find the dream home you want. 1st Premier does.

With more than 50 years of local real estate experience – in which one of our principals was named one of the Top 5 Brokers in the Country by The New York Times – 1st Premier has a proven process that works in most market conditions. From our unique use of technology, approach to customer service and training our agents to think of themselves as consultants rather than salespeople, we add value, provide superior real estate experiences and negotiate far superior deals than the competition.

Experience Equals Honesty

Not all agencies are created equal!  Many agencies, though they may have experienced staff, often put a novice, a first time real estate agent in charge of one of the biggest investments you’ll ever make. We don’t think that’s good business.

Our team is comprised of seasoned, experienced professionals who have been successful agents for three or more years. While the novice agents may give false information or set up unrealistic expectations, our team will be open, honest and frank with to give you the peace of mind knowing you have an expert on your side.

MEET THE TEAM

1st Premier is so much more than a full service real estate firm. We’re a group of talented people with a passion for finding the best way of living. People who make every effort to help you live who you are. Simply put, when you put together a team that loves what they do, everyone wins.

Bill Howell

BROKER

The son of missionary parents, Bill graduated from Riverview high School in 1977.  He attended University of Florida and has served as a local Firefighter for 25 years. Since 2008, Bill’s team that has completed more than $235 million in sales and has facilitated over 2000 transactions.
Along with running a successful business, Bill is a longstanding member of Bayside Community Church and is an avid supporter of Walking in Love Ministries.  As Bill explains, “We change lives in Nigeria by building schools, orphanages and hospitals.  We help drill wells, so that children have access to clean water.
For every transaction completed by 1st Premiere, Bill ensures that a donation is made to either Walking in Love or the Humane Society of Sarasota County.  “Homes matter,” he explains, “for people and for animals.”
Bill’s first real estate investment was a home that he bought in 1980.  He sold it to members of his church; over 30 years later, it is still owned by the same family.  Bill credits success to a belief that businesses can continually improve and that community is important: “I believe in the ‘team’ concept of business.  I surround myself with people who can bring fresh and new ideas into our model… There is no ‘I’ in ‘team’.”
A father first, Bill has three children and two grandchildren.  He is blessed to live in Sarasota and enjoys cooking, and entertaining. He is a fan of the Florida Gators, Dallas Cowboys, and the Baltimore Orioles.

Ryan Howell

BROKER

Born and raised in Sarasota, I am an Eagle Scout and a second generation graduate of Riverview High School. After obtaining a degree in Economics from the University of Florida, I decided to follow my passions and got my Real Estate license in 2012 and Broker’s license in 2014. Since joining the TEAM, my team has substantiated $200 million in closed business and I have had the opportunity to help many people find and sell their dream homes.

I am an proud musician, playing the Euphonium as a member of the Tampa Bay Symphonic Winds. I am also a member of Beta Xi, the UF chapter of Tau Beta Sigma which is a service organization dedicated to improving and assisting collegiate bands. When I am not working or playing Euphonium, I like to unwind through Martial Arts, and have obtained Black Belts in Shuriryu Karate as well as Go Dai Henka Jiu Jitsu. I also have training in Kutao, Arnis and Muai Thai. To me, hard work matters and so does giving back. Helping people to pursue their dreams is what motivates me.

As a competing Broker of three Real Estate Companies, I oversee transaction management and business development, and credit the skills I learned as a Scout with helping to grow the company. I REALLY love real estate, and working with so many fantastic people. Spending time in the woods teaches you the importance of problem solving. Finding alternative approaches and thinking outside of the box allows me to assist my clients in realizing their dreams.

Dave Swenson

BROKER

Dave Swenson is originally from the suburbs of Minneapolis, MN. His Mom was a piano teacher and his Dad a chemist.  Growing up he took private piano lessons through High School and then attended college as a music major at North Texas State University in Denton, TX. He got ill and had to return home. After some time considering his options, he decided to serve in the Marine Corps as a Teletype Technician from 1982-1986. After the Marines he returned home for the summer before moving to Ft. Myers, FL with a friend to work in the wallcovering business.  He met Marsha (his wife) at work and they were married in 1988.  He got his Associates Degree in 1989 with honors from Edison Community College before moving to Sarasota to attend New College to become an Industrial Psychologist.  Alas, liberal arts were not the right fit for him, but he DID love his new home in Sarasota.  He tried several direct sales positions before deciding to start his own business as a wallcovering contractor.  He owned and operated D’nM Wallcovering through 1993, shortly after getting his Real Estate license in 1992.

His first position as a Realtor was with Coldwell Banker. After about 3 years he moved to an independent firm named Creative Realty of Sarasota.  He became its sales manager and subsequently earned his Broker’s license and ended up purchasing the firm in 1997.  He continued as an independent until 2005 when he became a Franchisee with EXIT Realty. At one time Dave had 28 Sales Associates working for the firm.  After the Great Recession he decided to sell his building and merge his firm with an independent company called Atchley International Realty.  In 2016, Atchley affiliated with Better Homes and Gardens.  In 2019, Dave decided he wanted to work with an Independent firm that focused on International Real Estate. He was invited into Ownership at 1st Premier International Properties in July of 2019.  Dave’s vision is to build a team of dynamic multicultural professionals who wish to expand their real estate businesses locally and around the World. As an avid and seasoned traveler (67 countries to date) he has had first-hand experiences in all the continents, except Antarctica. Dave just earned his CIPS (Certified International Property Specialist) designation in November 2019.

Dave and his wife Marsha live in the South Gate community, and they have a cockatiel named Kiwi.  Dave has an active ministry at assisted living facilities where he shares his piano talents, and he’s taken it on the road to several other States in the US.

OUR PARTNERS

We work with the very best. We are proud of our partners, who work with us to deliver the best in homeowner services.

OUR PROMISE

No request is too big or too small for our team. If it matters to you, it matters to us. Let us make your home buying experience perfect.

Your home will likely be the greatest financial investment you’ll ever make. With the help of a trained real estate agent, it can also be your wisest. Give yourself every opportunity to come out on top by working with a professional.

Get All the Listings

New homes for sale hit the real estate market daily. Your representative will be in regular contact with sellers and other real estate agents to ensure you see all the newest listings right away, whether or not they’re made public. Often, buyers can put in offers with little or no competition and walk away with an impressive deal on the property of their choice. Your agent will save you valuable time by making sure you only see properties that meet your needs and investment preferences.

Inside Information

As you compare the best deals, your agent will provide you with important information about the home, its neighborhood, zoning issues, utilities, and nearby plans for development.

Professionals on Your Side

Many real estate transactions include an extensive negotiating process. Your agent will represent you and get you the best deal possible. Expect them to attend property inspections, make sure any and all agreed-upon repair work is carried out, and to handle the paperwork related to the sale. An agent can also help set up the financing for your investment, and work directly with a broker to provide you with a seamless service package.

Get the Best Deal

Working with a dedicated agent on your next home purchase will save you time and add professional assurance to every step of the process. With the guarantee of a solid investment, the decision could also make you more wealthy when it’s time to sell.