What was your most interesting job before going into real estate? The most interesting job I had before getting into real estate was definitely my time doing lab work at UMass Medical School. I was an intern learning about the biology and biotechnology fields. The lab was a nematode lab with a focus on genome sequencing of a certain species of nematode that has similar genetic characteristics to human beings.
Where did you grow up? I grew up in Hadley, MA.
Growing up, what did you want to be? I wanted to be a genetic engineer, but my goals shifted as I grew up.
What do you do to relax when you’re stressed? I’ve always found exercise, music, and occasionally yoga are great for relieving stress.
If you could meet any well-known figure (living or not), who would it be and why? Ryan Serhant, his journey in real estate is incredible and I’d love to learn some of his strategies.
What is Boston’s best-kept secret? Boston’s best kept secret is East Cambridge. In this location, you’re minutes from almost all of Boston’s most desirable neighborhoods such as the North End, Back Bay, and Fenway which are all located just on the other side of the Charles. The neighborhood is just far enough away from MIT and Harvard so that the value of properties aren’t inflated by the presence of students like in Cambridgeport and Harvard Square. With an abundance of restaurants and shops, it’s truly the central spot around all the best locations in Boston and Cambridge. East Cambridge is the neighborhood that you never considered but should’ve!
What do you love most about the industry? What I love most about real estate is that it’s a people industry. I love meeting people of all different backgrounds and learning all about their perspectives while at the same time helping and guiding them through a very important step in their life, finding a home.
How do you distinguish yourself from the crowd of agents? This one is easy: The answer is always putting your clients’ needs above your own. I believe the keys to building trust are displaying honestly, competency, and compassion. What’s most important to me is getting the best home at the best price for my clients, and because this is how I measure my own success. My clients really like working with me and that is how I stand out!
What is the most difficult aspect of your job? I think the most difficult aspect of the job is getting your name out there to build a business. Many people have trouble finding a good and ethical real estate representative to help them. This is often because of bad experiences and many people will dismiss you right away because of the way other people in your industry have conducted themselves.
What’s your best advice for generating new leads? The internet is king! Learn to leverage it.
What has been your greatest accomplishment? I recently graduated with an engineering degree from WPI. I have no plans on using it but it was a rigorous course load and I’m proud of myself for getting through it in great standing!
What are you binge-watching/reading/listening to lately? Peaky Blinders
What’s your favorite meal in Boston? My favorite meal has to be the black bean burger from Cambridge Brewing Company.
Architecturally speaking, what is your favorite building in Boston? The MIT Stata Center. For those who haven’t seen it before check it out.
What’s the weirdest thing that’s ever happened to you on the job? I was getting cosigner financial information for a client looking to lease an apartment. The cosigner was worth a few million dollars and instead of sending me what I requested, he sent me his login information to his bank account to get it myself. I was a newbie at the time, but I knew I was definitely not supposed to do that! All is well now and the account information is safe and secure.
What’s one thing people are surprised to learn about you? People are usually surprised to hear that I went to an engineering school and now work in real estate. It’s a transition not many people do, especially at my age, but I am very happy to have done it.
What is your favorite vacation spot and why? My favorite vacation destination has to be where I studied abroad: New Zealand. On a more local note, Nantucket is my favorite place to visit. If you know the right beaches, it’s very peaceful in the day and there’s a lot to do at night, so going out is always a great time.
In 10 words or less, what is your advice for someone new to the industry? Prospect, build your sphere, advertise online, and get a mentor.
What’s your favorite real estate iPhone/Android app? I use QuickBooks Self-Employed to track my mileage.
Who are your favorite people to follow on social media? David Avgi, a top producing real estate agent in NYC and Graham Stephen, a top producing real estate agent in California.