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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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