Damian Bruno is a real estate professional based in Sedona, Arizona, and a Resort and Second-Home Property Specialist (RSPS) in Sedona. Through these credentials, he positions himself not just as a general residential real estate agent, but as a specialist in resort, vacation, and second-home markets.
Professional Designations & Certifications
- Associate Broker: This is a higher level than a standard sales agent in many jurisdictions. It often allows more authority (such as supervising agents) and signals additional experience or credentialing. Damian holds this role. Coldwell Banker Homes
- RSPS (Resort & Second-Home Property Specialist): A certification offered via the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR). It is specifically aimed at agents who want to deepen their expertise in resort, vacation, and second-home markets.
- CIPS (Certified International Property Specialist): Damian also lists the CIPS designation among his credentials. Coldwell Banker Homes+2Instagram+2 This is a credential for those working in international real estate transactions.
These credentials are meaningful because they require coursework, membership in NAR, and adherence to ethical and performance standards set by NAR.
Geographic Focus & Market Area
Damian and his partner Danielle Giann lead the Sedona Village Real Estate Group, operating through Coldwell Banker Realty. Their core market includes Sedona, the Village of Oak Creek, and the broader Verde Valley in Arizona.
Career History & Experience
- Damian and Danielle moved to the Sedona area in 2004 from New York City.
- They have nearly 20 years of combined real estate experience in the region.
- Over recent years, their team has averaged ~30 sales per year.
- They have secured top rankings within the Sedona Verde Valley Association of REALTORS, often placing in the Top 10 or Top 20 among ~650 plus agents.
- In 2021, for example, 19 of 26 property sales closed at or above asking price, totaling ~$25 million in sales.
Damian primarily handles seller-side transactions, while Danielle works more with buyers. However, both are involved across the spectrum and support a client base that includes retirees, investors, families, and vacation rental owners.
SPS: What It Is & Why It Matters
Definition & Purpose
The RSPS certification is offered by NAR and is intended for REALTORS® who specialize (or wish to specialize) in resort and second-home property markets. It provides training and recognition in dealing with the unique challenges of vacation homes, resort communities, and properties intended for recreation/investment.
Core Topics Covered include:
- Market trends in vacation & second-home sectors
- How to adapt standard real estate skills to resort/second-home contexts
- Legal and regulatory issues unique to vacation properties
- Marketing and branding strategies for second-home clients
- Understanding buyer motivations (vacation vs investment)
This specialization is valuable because buying or selling a second home (especially in resort areas) typically involves extra complexities — such as seasonal demand, rental income projections, remote management, tax implications(always consult a tax professional), financing, and lifestyle expectations. RSPS gives agents a structured education and a credential to signal to clients that they’re more than a generalist.
Client Types & Services Offered(Resort and Second-Home Property Specialist (RSPS)in Sedona
Damian serves a variety of clients:
- Second-home buyers: People buying a vacation or part-time residence
- Investors/vacation rentals: Clients who plan to generate rental income
- Sellers of resort style or vacation properties: Owners who want to optimize pricing or occupancy
- Relocators & retirees: Those moving to the area or buying a home for retirement
Marketing, Technology & Differentiators
- Damian and Danielle were early adopters of video marketing and virtual methods (e.g. FaceTime, Zoom) to serve clients who may not be local
- They integrate both digital (social media, video) and traditional media (print, local outreach) strategies
- Their team prides itself on responsiveness: having someone on call 7 days a week, which is especially critical for clients across different time zones.
- They are deeply connected with community groups (local volunteer efforts, civic associations), which builds trust locally
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What does RSPS stand for?
RSPS means Resort & Second-Home Property Specialist, a certification by NAR for real estate agents specializing in vacation, resort, and second-home markets. - What extra challenges do resort/second-home properties have?
They often involve seasonal demand, rental income modeling, remote management, tax/insurance complexities, HOA rules, and maintenance during vacancy. - Why choose an RSPS-certified agent over a general real estate agent?
An RSPS agent has specialized training in vacation/second-home markets, giving them better insight into niche issues, client expectations, and marketing strategies for that segment.
Summary & Takeaway
Damian Bruno is not just any real estate agent: he is an Associate Broker and Resort and Second-Home Property Specialist (RSPS)in Sedona, a professional with 20 plus years of experience in the Sedona area, with two decades of local experience, strong performance metrics, and a team approach. His RSPS credential adds a layer of specialization in resort and second-home properties, signaling to clients that he is equipped to handle the complexities and lifestyle nuances of vacation-oriented real estate. That said, credentials are tools — the real difference lies in how effectively they are applied.
For more information on the RSPS designation visit: https://www.nar.realtor/education/designations-and-certifications/resort-and-second-home-property-specialist-rsps
