After establishing a successful career in sales and marketing at a number of impressive global companies, Kristin Francoeur combined her business acumen with her passion for architecture, home design, and renovation, becoming a successful realtor. Described by her clients as a “full-service” agent, Kristin goes above and beyond to achieve her clients’ goals. Read on to discover how Kristin’s path led her to real estate, and why she loves living and working on Boston’s North Shore.
What did you do before real estate and how did you get started in the business?
I have always been passionate about architecture, home design, and renovation. Prior to my career in real estate, I forged my sales, marketing, promotional, negotiation and valuation capabilities at some of the most well-known consumer brands in the world. I’ve worked as a District Manager at Coca-Cola, a Manager of Sales Planning at the Gillette Company, and a Strategic Category manager at Osram Sylvania, to name a few.
What is something your clients find comfort in that makes them turn to you for their real estate needs?
The best way to articulate the level of trust and comfort that my clients value from working with me is to provide examples of actual testimonials from my clients:
“I find comfort and turn to Kristin because she has incredible knowledge on the local market here as well as invaluable contacts surrounding all things in real estate. She is knowledgeable, a great counselor, and a trusted intermediary in high stakes transactions. Nobody is positioned better than Kristin to handle the Boston to North Shore market and beyond.”
“Kristin possesses all of the required skills and capabilities - the sales and marketing skills, detailed knowledge of all the execution steps, broad network of resources, deep knowledge of the market, and masterful negotiation skills, etc. Kristin is truly a ‘full-service’ agent and we are very fortunate to have chosen her to help us transition into our forever dream house.”
What are some of your favorite local hobbies, activities or organizations that you participate in?
I have a wide range of interests, and I am involved with many local clubs. I love gardening and landscape design, and get to apply that craft as a member of the Manchester Garden Club. I also enjoy taking part in many civic organizations. I am a member of the Manchester Women’s club, North Shore Chamber of Commerce, North Shore Realtors Association, American Legion, and Manchester Historical Society. I serve as a board member for the Manchester Community Center. Finally, I value giving back to my community working with such wonderful organizations such as the Open Pantry, Beverly Bootstraps, Chrons and Colitis foundation.
Outside of work my passions include tennis, paddle, pickleball, sailing, volleyball, biking, gardening, and reading.
What do you love most about where you live and work?
I chose Manchester-by-the-Sea as it offers one of the most beautiful settings on the North Shore. In addition, we are fortunate to be part of one of the highest ranked school districts in the state. The community feels like a small village, and offers wonderful restaurants and more. I love the North Shore for its legendary sunrises and sunsets. We are very lucky to have close proximity to Boston and to have access to the Commuter Rail right downtown. The arrival of the Gibson Sotheby’s office in Manchester has been a game changer. There is an incredible support team that assists with every aspect of my business and the resources provided are extremely helpful as I continue to build my brand.
Favorite spots in Manchester/the North Shore?
There are too many to mention here, but a few of my favorites include the Coolidge Reservation, Smiths Point, Singing Beach, attending the concerts in the park summer series at Masconomo Park, Tucks Point, Eastern Point Yacht club and Manchester Yacht club. Some of my favorite hangouts include the Beauport Hotel, Tono Restaurant in Gloucester, and the Feather and Wedge restaurant in Rockport.
What are three sources of joy in your week?
Buying and selling a property represent the largest transactions most people will male in their lifetimes. It can be very stressful and emotional as well. A few elements of my work that make it so rewarding to me include:
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Establishing that trusted advisor relationship with my clients, and providing them with my expertise and easy to follow roadmaps that break down the buying/selling process into small components that put my clients at ease.
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The sense of joy that my clients feel at the close of a transaction, when they find that “forever home” that they paid a fair price for. Similarly, the serenity my clients feel as they move on with their next phase of life after getting the maximum value for their property.
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From a personal perspective, going to bed at night knowing my family is happy and healthy, along with the joy and promise of establishing stronger ties with my clients and community in the days to come.
