What was your most interesting job before going into real estate? I taught high school World History north of Boston in Winchester before pursuing my career in real estate (my master’s degree is in education). Some of my funniest stories are from my time in the classroom — and I’m not a bad trivia partner either (all that world history knowledge comes in handy!)
Where did you grow up? I’m a third-generation Weston, MA native and Weston High graduate. I have such love for that community and local market. As an agent, I love serving the Greater Boston area but there will always be a special place in my heart for my clients who are selling or buying in the Metro West.
Growing up, what did you want to be? A forever student! As a kid, the first day of school used to hold the same excitement as Christmas morning. Education has always been important to me. Even today, I prioritize my career development and training to stay in front of market trends.
What do you do to relax when you’re stressed? I’ll either jump on my Peloton Tread to clear my head and boost my mood or I will craft. There is something so calming and therapeutic about knitting or needlepoint! Right now, I’m working on a sweater, which is a big step-up from the scarves I usually do.
If you could meet any well-known figure (living or not), who would it be and why? I would love to meet Jaqueline Kennedy Onassis. I have had a fascination with her ever since I was in grade school and my Girl Scout Troop visited the Kennedy Library. In fact, there’s a photo of Jackie while in Martha’s Vineyard hanging in my living room at home.
What is Boston’s best-kept secret? The Mapparium at the Mary Baker Eddy Library. It’s a three-story tall, inside-out glass globe built in 1935 that not many Bostonians know about. I would highly recommend a visit.
What do you love most about the industry? Working with clients on their home sale or search is an intimate and often emotional process. I consider it such a privilege to be welcomed into my clients’ lives and homes. The close relationships that often result from a transaction is what I love most about this industry.There is absolutely nothing better than when a client becomes a close friend.
How do you distinguish yourself from the crowd of agents? Personally, I offer a dedicated approach that’s rooted in truly caring about people. I try to combine the complementary roles of advisor and advocate for my clients, and I pride myself on delivering unparalleled service through clear communication and meticulous organization. I believe my work as an educator sharpened my skills as both a listener and communicator, positioning me to provide clients with a valuable understanding of their options, empowering them to make sound decisions.
At the end of the day, my goal is to deliver world-class customer service and an overall first-rate experience for my clients.
What is the most difficult aspect of your job? I have yet to find a way to be in multiple places at one time! For those rare instances where two commitments are booked for the same date and time, I am so grateful to belong to a team of wonderful agents on which I can lean. My teammates and I are always willing to provide coverage and assistance for one another when needed — the added plus being that our clients are able to benefit from our pooled knowledge, experience and expertise.
What’s your best advice for generating new leads? My best advice is to prioritize one’s relationships. In my experience, simply being a good friend, colleague, family member and contributor to your local community will be your greatest source of leads and referrals.
What has been your greatest accomplishment? Last spring, I was awarded Member of the Year by the Junior League of Boston, a non-profit organization where I dedicated my time outside of work. I love the work I do for the League and the women of that community, so I was humbled by and extremely grateful for their recognition.
What are you binge-watching/reading/listening to lately? I love dating and relationship podcasts. My favorite is the U Up? Podcast. I find the stories from listeners who write in to be so funny and relatable. I’ll often have a podcast playing in the background while working at home or in the car driving to and from showings and appointments — it feels like I’m hanging out with my girlfriends.
What’s your favorite meal in Boston? The Ben & Jerry’s on Newbury Street holds a special place in my heart. My father’s office is located right next door, so, as kids, any time my siblings and I would come into the city to visit my father at work, we would always go next door for a Ben & Jerry’s ice cream cone and then enjoy it together on the stoop steps of my father’s office.
Architecturally speaking, what is your favorite building in Boston? As a BC grad, I may be biased, but Gasson Hall in the heart of Boston College’s campus is one of my all-time favorite buildings inside and out.
What’s the weirdest thing that’s ever happened to you on the job? I have a terrible history of flat tires. It may not be the weirdest thing, but it definitely ends up being the most inconvenient thing that happens to me on the job – and more times than I’d like to admit.
What’s one thing people are surprised to learn about you? I almost always keep an empty email inbox. My superpower is and always has been organization. I will start the day cleaning out my inbox — responding to, sorting through and prioritizing emails. After that, I know for the rest of the day, no incoming message will ever fall through the cracks.
What is your favorite vacation spot and why? If I could only vacation in one spot for the rest of my life, it would be Cape Cod. I grew up visiting my grandparents’ place in Osterville Village and continue to spend the better part of my summers there. Every year, the Fourth of July always doubles as a family reunion, as their home houses three generations of Donahue’s. Some of my best memories are from time spent in Osterville.
In 10 words or less, what is your advice for someone new to the industry? Always remember to be yourself.
What’s your favorite real estate iPhone/Android app? Hands down, the COMPASS app. I use the app everyday to communicate with my clients, research the market and new listings, track my business, and so much more.
Who are your favorite people to follow on social media? Accounts like @boston25, @bostonmagazine, and @thebostoncal help me to stay up-to-date on all that’s new and coming soon to Boston.