Learn how New York City agent Maggie Kent uses her professionalism to earn a higher level of client trust and how she develops resilience to adapt to the ever-changing world of real estate.
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Top producer and celebrity negotiator Maggie Kent made a name for herself as a featured agent on HGTV’s hit show for sale new york Real estate experts featured in seven seasons and publications including wall street journal and new york times.
Kent’s family real estate company has won numerous awards across Canada, providing rapid market insight, experience and customer service expertise, coupled with her own artistic background, creativity and marketing acumen.
Learn how she uses her professionalism to build higher levels of client trust and how she develops resilience to navigate the ever-changing world of real estate.
Name: Maggie kent
title: CORE Associate Broker, Eastlight Condominiums Sales Team
experience: 20 years
Place: New York
Brokerage business: Core group marketing
Sales volume: $850 million career sales
What would you tell a new agent before they start in the business?
Real estate can be an emotionally rewarding and lucrative career, but too many people enter the industry thinking it doesn’t take much work to get started. The days when real estate existed as a side hustle are long gone, and it’s important for new agents to realize that real estate is a full-time job and those first few years are crucial.
From building a customer base to getting listings to working with sellers, these things take time, energy, effort, and strategy.
Find a good mentor who can guide you as you grow your career, stay up to date on the latest market trends and pricing, and never be afraid to ask questions.
What do clients need to know before starting a real estate transaction?
It’s crucial to be realistic about financial requirements. For buyers, getting pre-approved for a mortgage is a crucial first step. Not only does this give them a clear idea of what they can afford, but it also strengthens their position when making an offer.
It is important for clients to consider additional costs beyond the purchase price of the property. This includes closing costs, property taxes, insurance, maintenance and any potential renovation costs. Buyers should also consider the costs associated with moving and setting up their new home.
Perhaps most importantly, buyers and sellers need to know that while financial preparation is important, mental preparation is just as important. Real estate transactions can be emotional and stressful – there can be challenges and delays, so stay calm throughout the process.
Having a support system, whether it’s friends, family, or of course a good real estate agent, can help manage the emotional side of a transaction.
What do few agents know that would make their lives easier?
Realistic pricing and maintaining confidence in pricing are key to business success. In 2019, I was developing a new project in New York City; we priced all products based on market comparisons and felt confident in our choices.
Then COVID-19 hit and the markets were thrown into chaos. While other projects offered great deals on properties, we stayed firm on pricing, offered no concessions, and were still able to sell the building during COVID.
The same is true for my current project at Eastlight in Kips Bay, Manhattan. We have seen great success with this project and realistic pricing based on market forecasts is at the heart of this success.
What is the one thing everyone should do to make their life and career better?
Work-life balance. Because we are independent contractors, our jobs tend to take over – you eat what you kill. As a result, burnout is common in our industry, so planning and scheduling time to rest, recharge, and spend time with family and friends will help you maintain your sanity. As a result, you’ll increase efficiency and build a longer-lasting, sustainable business.
If you could do anything else besides real estate, what would you do?
I would become a doctor, specifically a doctor from Doctors Without Borders. As my life progresses, it becomes clearer and clearer to me that health is the most important aspect of every living thing. If I really had the ability to be a doctor, I would be happy to help others cure their illnesses. I can’t think of anything more noble or important.
Email Christie Murdoch
