Real Estate

Running On Real Estate for November 21

November 21, 2013 By Karen Monroe Brooklyn Daily Eagle
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Once upon a time in a faraway land called Southern California, I was a journalist. First as a newspaper reporter, then as a magazine editor and finally as a publicist. It was a great profession for a curious person. And so is real estate.


Gathering the facts of a situation and then reporting back the story to others in a concise, interesting and accurate manner is my thing. It educates and oftentimes helps others. It’s all about trust and telling truthful stories. Again, so is real estate. We gather facts, learn about a lot of different topics and then share our knowledge with our clients to guide and assist them.

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Getting the above-the-fold, headline story is like getting the exclusive listing. It’s timing, trust and relationships that give you access. You earn that by working hard; you wreck that by failing to follow up, stay in touch, or remain transparent in your dealings. Both are careers that don’t stop at 5, weekends or holidays. We continuously work to make things happen, finalize deals and keep new opportunities coming.

That deadline-driven, results-oriented environment from my journalistic yesteryear developed my skills in a way that has served me as I’ve moved on to new endeavors. Learning early on how to manage my time and set priorities is an asset; understanding how to work with other people effectively is invaluable.

Fast forward to my current career in real estate and the skills of listening, learning, sharing information and earning trust are the very essence of what I do as an agent. Turns out my skill set is transferable. That’s the great thing about real estate; most of us come from some other job or career and bring with us unique talents.

We all have history – professional and personal. And it adds value to what we bring to the table as real estaters. It takes all kinds of real estate agents to relate to the variety of personalities we work with as clients. It’s finding that connection with others that makes the real estate relationship succeed.

This journalist-turned-real estate salesperson is still a work in progress, forever bringing new experiences and knowledge into everyday life. The end.


On the Run

I’ve got beef with Williamsburg. Why is it such a hassle to get there from Brooklyn Heights by subway? The trip can require a ride to Union Square in Manhattan to switch directions and come back over to Williamsburg. I know there are buses. But busses to me are like sitting on Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride at Disneyland. I want a seatbelt and crash helmet. And sure, we can drive, taxi, bike or run there, but I like the subway.

I’m working with a client who is set on finding an apartment, fast, in Williamsburg. Yesterday is the timeframe of this potential rental, so I’m spending time in the neighborhood. Lots of time and lots of trips to and from Union Square. It’s cool in Williamsburg. I get it. It’s a very desirable place to live for lots of reasons, except subway access from Brooklyn Heights.

Maybe it’s because I am so immersed in the live, work, play life I have in the Heights – all of which can be done on foot without the help of even a subway – that I complain about my travels to Williamsburg. I just need to expand my borders more often. Williamsburg is certainly no faraway land.

Karen Monroe practices real estate at Douglas Elliman Real Estate, 156 Montague Street in Brooklyn Heights. She lives in the neighborhood and represents buyers, sellers and renters in Brooklyn and Manhattan. Karen can be found walking her dogs and running the parks, paths, streets and bridges of Brooklyn and beyond. For feedback and all of your real estate needs, contact Karen at [email protected].

 


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