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What did you do before real estate and how did you get started in the business?
I had a career in banking before becoming a Global Real Estate Advisor. When Ileft the banking industry, I was the Senior Vice president of Retail overseeing thirteen branchesand over 100 employees for a Massachusetts-based bank. Prior to that, I held a position as Senior VicePresident of Marketing for a bank in Washington DC. As a young girl I was always fascinatedwith new construction and I would sneak into construction sites at night to watch theprogress of a new home being built in the neighborhood. My interest in residentialhomes continued into adulthood. When I was ready to become a real estateprofessional, I researched all the brands and found a connection with SothebysInternational Realty. I admired the culture, adoption of new technology, the marketingdiscipline and most importantly that attitude that white glove service be made available toall clients regardless of price point.
What is something your clients find comfort and that makes them turn to you for theirreal estate needs?
My background in banking, along with my MBA, has helped me build a strongunderstanding of data, statistics, marketing, social media and contracts. Incorporating thisknowledge with my ability to connect with clients on a personal level has led torepeat business and referrals. I love the expression we have two ears and one mouth." Ilisten more than I speak and I ask open-ended questions to get a sense of whats reallyimportant to my clients.
What are some of your favorite local activities or organizations that you like toparticipate in?
I am currently the President of the Rotary Club of Marblehead Harbor and a boardmember of the Marblehead Chamber of Commerce. I am also an Ambassador forShelterBox, which provides emergency shelter and tools for individuals and families whohave been displaced either by natural disaster or conflict. The mission of ShelterBox is tocreate a world where no family is left without shelter. As a Global Real Estate Advisor, Iunderstand first-hand how important it is to have protection from the elements: a safe place tosleep, eat and call home. My role with ShelterBox is tospeak to clubs and organizations about the work the organization is doing. Currently, ShelterBox works in ten different countries responding to floods, earthquakes and cyclones. Weare still in Syria helping hundreds of thousands of individuals who have been displacedbecause of airstrikes and ground attacks.
Because most of my work is uniting buyers and sellers along the North Shore of Massachusetts, I havediscovered many parks, trails, beaches and historic sites that make up the region's unique character. I particularly love that most of the homes are unique and one of a kind."What may have started out as a 1,000-square-foot fishermans home built in the 1700s couldnow be a 3,800-square-foot family home having undergone several restorations and additionsover its long history. The blending of the old with the new can be so appealing andinteresting.
What do you love most about my work?
There are many aspects of this work that I love. Being relied upon whenpurchasing or selling a home is rewarding. Most of the time, this transition is a happy one asa client may be starting a new and exciting chapter in their life. Their family may beexpanding, they may be relocating for a new job, they may be moving to be closer tofamily. Other times it can be quite stressful due to a divorce or death of a loved one. Ineither situation, my expertise, patience, and empathy help lead to a positive outcome. It is aprivilege to be part of this important transition and I do everything possible to make it easyfor the client along with negotiating a deal that matches the clients financial goal. I alsoenjoy the ability to work from anywhere. Last summer I was able to negotiate a purchase foryoung buyers while I was vacationing in Portugal. I love that this work is not confined to atraditional 8am-6pm corporate timeline. This work also opens doors. Additionally, I have beenenriched by my work with clients from different cultures such as India, Brazil and the UnitedKingdom. Specializing in properties located in seaside communities also brings me joy. Thesea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever. Jacques Cousteau
What are three sources of joy in your week?
I have more than three!
- Baking something sweet (I just made Madeleines for the first time).
- Paying a compliment to a stranger
- Snuggling with my husband.
- Eating feta cheese.
- Talking with my mom who is 84 and bakes teriyaki chicken every night for herdog, Tucker.
To learn more about Kathleen, click HERE.
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