What was your most interesting job before going into real estate? I worked in the printing pressroom of the Boston Globe for 44 years.
Where did you grow up? Dorchester
Growing up, what did you want to be? An actor
What do you do to relax when you’re stressed? Walk/run, read, play chess
If you could meet any well-known figure (living or not), who would it be and why? Terry Gilliam; I’ve been a fan of the Monty Python troupe since I was a teenager, and his own movies (as a director) are fantastic.
What is Boston’s best-kept secret? Bova’s bakery in the North End is open all night.
What do you love most about the industry? Meeting clients from other cities, states and countries, and showing them what Boston has to offer, not just in a home but in the overall region.
How do you distinguish yourself from the crowd of agents? Because I started in real estate as a profession later in life, I bring empathy and understanding to people who have a negative image in their minds about real estate agents. I can relate to people who work in other jobs, fields, etc.
What is the most difficult aspect of your job? Clients who always think that there are “hidden deals” out there, and that they can take their time in making decisions. In this current market, if you see something you like then jump on it, because there’s someone else right behind you ready to take it. I know this not just from working in the field as a licensed agent, but also in my “day job” as a leasing professional for Hancock Village (part of the Chestnut Hill Realty family of apartment communities).
What’s your best advice for generating new leads? Maintain contact with former prospects and establish a relationship with the leasing offices for several large buildings/communities and ask if you can advertise their apartments, especially if they are paying the broker’s fee. You’ll be surprised at how many responses you’ll get from one $5 ad on craigslist.
What has been your greatest accomplishment? This is not from the real estate world: with several colleagues, I helped to establish the first real contract for my group that defined work jurisdictions, benefit structures, favorable schedules and a measure of autonomy.
What are you binge-watching/reading/listening to lately? Recently binge-watched “Endeavor,” a British detective series (a prequel to “Inspector Morse”). I also re-read “In Cold Blood” after finding a first-edition print in a thrift store.
What’s your favorite meal in Boston? Linguini and clams in a white sauce (extra garlic) at the Daily Catch, with Grill 23 and Davio’s right behind.
Architecturally speaking, what is your favorite building in Boston? The Copley Square Library
What’s the weirdest thing that’s ever happened to you on the job? I was showing a house for sale to a client (I had never been at the property). The owner greeted us…in his underwear and drinking a can of beer.
What’s one thing people are surprised to learn about you? That I have two sons aged 50 and 47, and five grandchildren to boot.
What is your favorite vacation spot and why? Italy, especially Florence and the Tuscan region. Reasons include heritage, food, art and history.
In 10 words or less, what is your advice for someone new to the industry? Don’t let the cranks get you down.
What’s your favorite real estate iPhone/Android app? Zillow mortgages; easy to use mortgage payment calculator.