Pleasanton, CA — April 4, 2025 — NextHome is proud to announce our newest addition to the franchise, NextHome Midlands, located in Columbia, South Carolina. The brokerage joins the growing NextHome franchise that currently has more than 600 active office locations across the country.
NextHome Midlands serves clients throughout Columbia, Blythewood, Elgin, Eastover, Hopkins, and the remainder of Richland County. A team of community-centered agents are ready to provide knowledgeable guidance across a wide variety of real estate needs including first-time home buying, relocation, investment, and new construction.
NextHome Midlands is owned by Trey Brave, a connected and compassionate REALTOR® with almost two decades of local real estate expertise. Trey is converting his independent brokerage, Brave Realty, into a NextHome franchise.
Trey has been focused on relationships-based real estate since obtaining his license in 2005. His talent for focusing on the client and their needs made Trey stand out among his peers. From the beginning, Trey was among the top 5% of salespeople at his office.
After four years with a franchised firm, Trey and his wife Katie made the bold choice to open their own independent office. Katie has also been a licensed real estate professional since 2006.
“I still remember the fold out table and borrowed chair we used to set up that office,” Trey recalled with a smile. “It’s incredible to think about how far we’ve come over the past 15 years and how much we’ve learned.”
Trey and Katie’s decision to open Brave Realty in the middle of a historic market downturn grabbed a lot of local attention. By leaning into exceptional service and client connection, Trey was able to build a thriving business despite market forces. Eventually, that small office expanded and attracted exceptional real estate talent from across Richland County. For the past 15 years, Brave Realty has consistently ranked among the top 30% of agencies in the Columbia market.
“Trey’s career has been defined by tenacity and resilience,” Katie said. “We started off so small, and growing required a lot of hard work. That courage to get the job done no matter what extends to his clients as well. Trey will work tirelessly for his clients no matter what obstacles get in the way.”
Reflecting on his career, Trey’s proudest accomplishment is helping more than 700 families find their home.
“I don’t look at people as just a transaction,” Trey said. “This is somebody whose life I will be impacting on a really fundamental level. It’s important to me to treat people the way I hope my family would be treated in a similar situation.”
In 2023, Katie and Trey began looking into different franchises and how converting their office could elevate their client’s experiences.
NextHome’s tools, technology, and marketing stood out among all of their real estate franchise options.
“As NextHome Midlands, we can offer even more tools and services to make your experience better,” Trey said. “We’re not changing who we are—we’re just raising the bar for client service. That was one thing that really attracted us to NextHome; this company allows us the flexibility to remain true to who we are, while offering industry-leading advantages.”
Today, NextHome Midlands is a knowledgeable and connected resource for anyone interested in pursuing homeownership.
“We’re here to stay, and this move makes the next 15 years even more exciting,” Trey said. “With NextHome, we have everything we need to serve our area better than ever.”
A dedicated member of his community, Trey is on the Housing Committee for the local United Way. He enjoys spearheading projects that help make homeownership possible.
Trey and Katie are the proud parents of three daughters: Taylor (17), Reagan (15), and Peyton (2). The family enjoys cheering each other on through church service, sports, extracurriculars, and community involvement.
“We care about people,” Trey said. “NextHome Midlands is people first, always. If someone only knows one thing about us, that’s what I hope they know.”
Please join us in congratulating Trey, Katie and their entire team at NextHome Midlands on the opening of their office in Columbia, South Carolina!
Interested in being a part of the NextHome Real Estate Franchise? Contact VP of Sales Charis Moreno at Charis@NextHome.com.
Each office is an independently owned and operated business.