What was your most interesting job before going into real estate? A law firm business manager
Where did you grow up? Portsmouth, NH
Growing up, what did you want to be? In high school I thought being a Mounted Patrol Officer in Boston would be an amazing job. For years I wanted to be a rock musician and a creative mind in the world of fashion.
What do you do to relax when you’re stressed? I seek peace by spending time with my three horses. Walking in the woods or visiting my yoga/barre practice is very centering.
If you could meet any well-known figure (living or not), who would it be and why? This is a tough question to choose only one person. I would love to meet Jade Mills. I admire her hard work and dedication as a real estate mogul. She always attracts the most discerning clients yet is still down to earth and human. She is a self made woman with an enormously successful business. I’d love to know how she operates day to day. She values her family and continues to be wildly successful at what she does. In spite of her success she remains calm and humble. I consider her a mentor and great example of how to live your life.
What is Boston’s best-kept secret? I believe that Boston’s best kept secret is not one place or thing. I believe that it’s the generations of relationships that carry over time. The very fabric of human connections and history between people, families and businesses that inspire trust, loyalty and familiarity. My parents exposed me to this as a child by bringing us to Boston for years whether to the ballet, shopping, or dining. That sense of warmth and tradition will always resonate with me.
What do you love most about the industry? What I love most about the industry is the many relationships I have made and will make with every step forward. You never know who you’re going to meet or how they are going to impact your life. Every connection creates a new journey towards opportunities. It’s about incorporating your life into your work and vice versa. It reminds me to always bring my best self to any situation. You never know where it may lead.
How do you distinguish yourself from the crowd of agents? I always look for the opportunity to be creative with my choices. While I respect the ethical and social boundaries I always seek the road less traveled. In other words I look for alternative ways to achieve my goals. I like to incorporate my imagination with how I market myself and use my everyday life and experiences around me to share that with others. I like to find solutions for my clients problems that others may not think about. I’m not afraid to ask questions or think outside of the box.
What is the most difficult aspect of your job? I’d have to say that the most difficult part of the job is establishing myself. I’ve changed careers and while I am not new to real estate I am new as an agent. I know that with patience and perseverance in time I will realize my efforts will be worthwhile. It’s probably one of the biggest challenges I’ve ever had to face.
What’s your best advice for generating new leads? Try everything but stay true to your sphere of influence. I realize that people I already know and that know me are my best resource. It’s taken a lifetime to create these connections and I value these relationships. It’s learning how to communicate my appreciation for those in my circle that is most important. I am forever realizing just how many people I am already connected to.
What has been your greatest accomplishment? My greatest accomplishment has been realizing how successful I have been to create a life that makes me happy and that encourages those around me. I thrive on being independent and a resource to share my knowledge and experiences to anyone who wants to learn. Creating a life that centers on happiness is the most rewarding. A big part of that was finally owning property where I have my horses at home.
What are you binge-watching/reading/listening to lately? Just binge watched “Bridgerton,” just read two books, “My Body” by Emily Ratajkowski and “Une Femme Française: The Seductive Style of French Women “by Catherine Malandrino. I’ve been listening to my son’s latest bands.
What’s your favorite meal in Boston? Sushi!
Architecturally speaking, what is your favorite building in Boston? I love the older buildings on Beacon Hill, Back Bay and the North End.
What’s the weirdest thing that’s ever happened to you on the job? Having a gate to a land lot locked behind me so that I couldn’t leave without the selling agent unlocking it so that we could. It was a dirt road with a couple of log cabins on it. I was half expecting to be met with an armed militia. It was creepy for sure.
What’s one thing people are surprised to learn about you? Being a new agent people like to assume that my experience in the field is limited. I grew up with my father investing and developing in both residential and commercial real estate my entire life. I also worked with him to manage his businesses as well as his law firm that handled mostly commercial real estate. I’ve been pouring over real estate as a hobby since I was a teenager. I’ve watched the market in my area for decades as well as all of the agent and agencies come and go. My neighbor used to be a prominent realtor and as kids we would play real estate in his office sending and receiving calls. I used to be in a rock band for years with my sister and still entertain the thought of revisiting that part of my life. I run a vintage clothing business online after owning a retail store over 20 years ago and still enjoy the thrill of the hunt for vintage clothing and accessories.
What is your favorite vacation spot and why? I honestly haven’t been on vacation for years. The last one I did take was to Aruba. I loved everything about it. The weather is perfect, the people friendly. The picturesque laid back atmosphere and ease of travel made it truly enjoyable. I also adore France. The countryside and coast are incredible. The food and culture are magic.
In 10 words or less, what is your advice for someone new to the industry? Treat everyone with respect and kindness. Be true to yourself.
What’s your favorite real estate iPhone/Android app? I’d have to say that Showing Time is most efficient for scheduling. RPR is a great easy resource to use for reliable current information also.
Who are your favorite people to follow on social media? Jade Mills, Christophe Choo, Craig Hogan, Vanda & Laurent Demure. Barbara Dunkle in my area, I also consider her a mentor and example of how to conduct my business.