What was your most interesting job before going into real estate? I was once a radio announcer.
Where did you grow up? Brookline, Massachusetts
Growing up, what did you want to be? I wanted to be an actor and director in the theatre.
What do you do to relax when you’re stressed? I like to take my dog for a walk around my neighborhood whenever I’m stressed.
If you could meet any well-known figure (living or not), who would it be and why? I love musicians, arrangers, and singers. My favorite is Quincy Jones. His life is a living testimony to overcoming adversity for the love of his craft. He had the ability to face insurmountable challenges without fear. Some of these include: his age starting out, working and promoting diversity in spite of overt racism, and overcoming a brain aneurysm, only to later score, arrange, and create some of the best musical pieces of his career. I’m not sure he let much stop him.
What is Boston’s best-kept secret? Peter Hills, the highest point in The Emerald Necklace. The view of the city is breathtaking!
What do you love most about the industry? In this industry, you have the potential to make a difference in people’s lives on a personal level through a real estate transaction. To have someone say you’ve helped them and remind you of how much you were needed during their real estate process is quite gratifying, to say the least.
How do you distinguish yourself from the crowd of agents? I try to distinguish myself by knowing my product; knowing everything about a home you are selling and the home your client may buy is key to the business. It starts with getting a market comparison, then understanding the neighborhood, schools, and shopping environment of a particular area. Then I outline the best plan of action for each business, family, or individual I get the pleasure and opportunity to work with.
What is the most difficult aspect of your job? Getting clear and accurate information, even when it’s complex, is imperative. If I don’t ask questions and listen intently to a client’s concerns or fears, I could potentially destroy the deal.
What’s your best advice for generating new leads? Let people know what you do. Everyone at some point will be in need of a real estate professional or knows someone who may require our services. Don’t be afraid to strike up a conversation with strangers and let them know what you do.
What has been your greatest accomplishment? My two sons, both Boston Latin School grads, who are both going after their dreams: one is a musician and the other is an entrepreneur.
What are you binge-watching/reading/listening to lately? I’ve been watching “The Roosevelts: An Intimate History” which chronicles the lives of Theodore, Franklin, and Eleanor Roosevelt, the news, and my typical music and podcast stations on Spotify.
What’s your favorite meal in Boston? Thai food!
Architecturally speaking, what is your favorite building in Boston? The Boston Public Library on Boylston Street was one of my favorite haunts in high school.
What’s the weirdest thing that’s ever happened to you on the job? I was about to quit the business after six months because my agency was closing and the owner told me I may need to get out of the industry. I called a broker I had initially interviewed with, Karin Cahill of Century 21 who is now retired. Even though I hadn’t done much in the industry in those six months, she hired me and became one of my best friends and mentors.
What’s one thing people are surprised to learn about you? I worked in the ministry full time for 14 years.
What is your favorite vacation spot and why? Paris, France. I was blessed to visit three cities in Europe in two weeks: Athens, London, and Paris. I visually loved everything about Paris: the small cafes, the various boutiques and food shops, the flowers sold from corner to corner, the historical architecture going back to the 16th century, and being able to look out from a garden filled rooftop and see the Eiffel Tower over the skyline with your neighbors.
In 10 words or less, what is your advice for someone new to the industry? Do not stop learning everything you can about this business.
What’s your favorite real estate iPhone/Android app? My voice memo app. After asking if I can record our conversation with a potential seller, I like to record so I am able to remember all that transpired in our conversation, including information about the home, along with their concerns and questions about my role representing them. It also helps me to see how I came across and how I can improve my client skills.
Who are your favorite people to follow on social media? These days, I’ve been monitoring our country’s collective concerns and trying to be mindful of how the pandemic, politics, and social dynamics are affecting our culture and our wellbeing. But usually, when things are calmer, I like to watch various chefs who can challenge and upgrade my cooking skills, including the Barefoot Contessa on TV and on TikTok I watch menwiththepot and chefchrischo.