Trina Braafhart Is One Of Downtown Des Moines Best Assets
Trina Braafhart is one of downtown Des Moines best assets. If you’ve been around here much you know that she was previously with The Kirkwood and had amazing success there. She was so good, in fact, that when Gateway Lofts were searching for a property manager they had one in mind, Trina. They went after her, because they wanted to bring her abilities and amazing success to their project.
Unlike other property managers (that you’ll hear about later this week) Trina actually cares. She wants downtown to be an amazing success. She wants each person that resides in the buildings she manages to love it! She really is the best property manager downtown has.
And if I had a property downtown in need of a manager, my list would only include one name…….
How did you become the property manager at Gateway Lofts?
I first became entrenched in the downtown development scene two years ago when I took over the property management duties for The Kirkwood. Once I was able to fill that property, I thought my property management skills could be put to use for other downtown properties. The Gateway Lofts offer a unique and differentiating option compared to the Kirkwood, and I was excited about the potential of this new development, so that’s how I came to find the Gateway as my new home.
What’s it like to be the best property manager that downtown Des Moines has?
As soon as I find that person and ask them - I will let you know! (you’re embarrassing me!)
Is there any inside information about Gateway Lofts that you can share? Any secrets you would like to share with us?
Oh, I have my secret gems … but those are reserved for those who chose to come check us out! So those interested in quality downtown loft living, come see me and I’ll give up all the inside scoop.
There’s a reason that The Kirkwood filled up so fast, and why Gateway Lofts is moving faster than any other project downtown. If you’d like to find out more about Gateway Lofts be sure to contact Trina soon–before Gateway Lofts fills up!


#1 Hater Says:
I wonder how the rest of the downtown developments feel. Trina started after them and has moved 1 1/2 buildings before they have sold a couple units.
The rest of the market has the “best” and you have to pay for it.
Sounds like Trina gives customers the best and charges less then the value to the customer.
Trina must not have read the manual for how to move units downtown?
I will break it down.
Be mediocre
Don’t ask customer what they want
Market to customers in family areas of dsm.
Don’t stand out.
Blame the market for when sales don’t add up.
Always say its a good time to buy.
Always say you have the best and complain your prices are not to high.
Serve your own ego first, then the developers, then worry about the customer.
No one in downtown likes to give more then what you have to pay for.
Although its funny when they do that, how fast buildings fill up.
It kills me to say this, but good job Trina!
#1 Hater
Posted on October 11th, 2007 at 2:44 pm
Scott Says:
Anonymous commenters that get off flaming blogs make me laugh. Grow up. At least be man enough to use your name. You do realize that it would be trivial for the owner of this blog to track down where you are, don’t you?
Posted on October 12th, 2007 at 6:41 am
Trina Braafhart Says:
A compliment from #1 Hater- wow, I’m impressed. Thank you!
Posted on October 12th, 2007 at 11:46 am
Tina Johnson Says:
You’ve done a fabulous job Trina. Our city is fortunate to have you. Congrats!!!
Posted on October 12th, 2007 at 12:48 pm
Josh Says:
Admit it, you enjoy watching it though……..I do, Hater makes me laugh.
Posted on October 12th, 2007 at 1:36 pm
Josh Says:
I was surprised too. You deserve it though!!
Posted on October 12th, 2007 at 1:41 pm
Scott Says:
Of course! That’s what the interwebs are for.
I do suspect, however, that Hater is simply your other online pseudonym.
Posted on October 12th, 2007 at 1:50 pm
Josh Says:
You’re the 2nd person to come out and say that I’m Hater. I guarantee I am not Hater. I am not Marcia Brady either (another one of my favorite commenters).
Posted on October 12th, 2007 at 1:52 pm
#1 Hater Says:
Scott- You sound like a pissed off salesman from another development. Don’t worry, get a hot bowl of ramen noodles, blow the dust of your sales slips and do what you have been doing for the last few years.
Remember, its not you, its the “market.”
I like how you were able to do investigative work and figure out #1 hater isn’t my real name. Good for you! I might be crazy, but I think you were probably the smartest kid on the shortbus.
I also like how you put #1 hater as josh- hahahah
That is really sneaky again, you have outsmarted me. If i’m not Josh, I better say who I am otherwise people will think I’m josh. (idiot)
Enough wasting my time, don’t you have some ramen to eat.
#1 Hater
Posted on October 12th, 2007 at 2:33 pm
Trina Braafhart Says:
Thank you Tina! Wow, all these nice complaints just for doing what I love and pursuing a passion that I truly believe in. I appreciate all of your comments. Even # 1 Hater! I do! I like his negative outlook, it helps me to better prepare for objections.
Thank you!
Posted on October 12th, 2007 at 3:13 pm
#1 Hater Hater Says:
Let me first compliment #1 Hater on his use of punctuation. Most people don’t know that the period goes inside the quotation mark. I’ve seen your posts and have seen that you actually have exhibited this knowledge on a regular basis. Kudos to you!
Now, on to your posting faults. “Then” and “Than” are not the same word. They are not interchangeable. “Then” (as in “next then”) and “than” (as in “rather than”) may only be different by a single vowel, but they are actually different words. If you want me to actually copy and paste your errors, I will. I would actually be satisfied if you would just rather learn when to use either of the words properly.
The other consistent error in your posts is your persistent use of the word “to” without ever once taking the opportunity to actually press the “o” key one more time to truthfully convey your meaning. To and Too are not the same word. Thankfully you haven’t substituted “Two” for either of those. Yet. Just so you know, and maybe for your own future reference: When you mean to imply “also,” the word is “too” and when you mean to say “I’m going to go to the strip club to see the dancers,” the single “o” is the only one that is necessary.
I hate to criticize grammar on blogs, but when someone decides to take every opportunity to criticize authors for their (not “there” nor “they’re”) errors, it’s time to call them out.
Posted on October 13th, 2007 at 1:01 am
Josh Says:
Best name ever!
Posted on October 13th, 2007 at 11:56 am
TCooney Says:
Hi Trina,
I had the privilage of working with you about 10 years ago at an apartment complex. Little did i know i was before such potential. I remember you beeing able to intellegently balance professionalism and compassion for your tenants. At the same time keeping your eye on a high level of propriety. Having lived in Brooklyn, NY for the last 7 years and volunteering 3 days a week in the south Bronx (don’t believe me? ask how many times i have passed Yankee Stadium on the Major Deegan!) I have seen no shortage of apartment buildings, tenants (many disgruntled), and “supers” - aka managers. Belive me, your level of altruism still shines. The success proves it. In fact, i wonder if your nemisis above has spent time, if any out side of Des Moines to broden his opinion of cooporative living. I am very proud of you. Keep up all your hard work. tj
Posted on November 22nd, 2007 at 8:19 am
Trina Braafhart Says:
TJ, yes I remember you - feels like yesterday not 10 years ago! Great, did you have to mention 10 years, not every one will be able to guess my age! ;–) Des Moines misses you. I think that next time you travel this way you will be very surprised by the wonderful changes to our marvelously historic downtown. Diversity and culture are not longer lacking as it once was. Look me up next time you are passing by - I would love to give you a tour.
Take care.
Posted on November 24th, 2007 at 8:53 pm