The Inspiring Tale of Kate Korenblit & Her Tips for Aspiring Home Buyers
On this episode of The Closing Table, we sat down with Kate Korenblit!
To watch the full episode, check it out on YouTube below. In the meantime, here’s a summary of the conversation…
Here’s what you missed from Kate Korenblit…
Kate’s interest in real estate spans over seven years, though her professional journey began in an entirely different field. Originally a dental hygienist, she transitioned into real estate during maternity leave after the birth of her second child, despite initial discouragement from friends. Kate’s determination pushed her to overcome obstacles and build a thriving career in real estate.
He believes in thoroughly preparing her clients. She sends detailed presentations to both buyers and sellers before meeting them. For sellers, she includes a comprehensive home improvement list to maximize the property’s value. For buyers, she offers a consultation with her husband, who is a loan officer. This allows her to not only guide clients through the buying and selling process but also educate them on what to expect.
In today’s competitive real estate market, Kate emphasizes that first-time buyers need to be ready to make aggressive offers, including going above the asking price if necessary. She highlights the importance of utilizing first-time homebuyer programs and low down payment options. Above all, she stresses the significance of finding the right loan officer and agent, noting, “Getting in touch with the right loan officer and agent is super, super important.”
Kate advises sellers not to overprice their properties, a common mistake that can leave homes unsold even in hot markets. To support her clients, she offers complimentary services such as pre-inspections for older homes and move-out cleaning services, ensuring properties are in optimal condition for potential buyers.
Also, Kate guides sellers on key areas to prioritize when preparing their homes for sale. Major improvement areas include the roof, windows, furnace, and air conditioning. She advises clients to carefully consider their repair budget versus the potential impact on the sale price.
Kate’s husband, a loan officer, works extensively with low-income individuals. For non-English speaking clients, particularly Russian speakers, Kate connects them with a Russian-speaking realtor. She shares a story about clients who managed to purchase the home they had rented for years, thanks to government grants that covered most of the costs. They only needed to bring a small amount to closing, demonstrating the value of such programs.
Reflecting on her experiences, Kate stresses the importance of never assuming anything in real estate. She recalls a situation where a friend didn’t sell their home with her, a valuable lesson in developing thick skin. However, she also highlights the positive impact of referrals from friends and family, noting that, “The biggest thing they can do for you is refer you.”
Kate focuses heavily on social media for lead generation, preferring it over traditional methods like cold calling or door knocking. She began seeing results after several months, crediting her content strategy, which blends personal life with business. She follows the “70/30 rule,” where 70% of her content is about her personal life and fun, while 30% is real estate-focused.
She regularly creates engaging content by sharing her daily activities, including stories and pictures featuring her kids. She collaborates with an Instagram specialist to produce video content, and her family actively participates in her social media presence. Her son even shares information about real estate, making the family involvement a key part of her brand.
Looking ahead, Kate plans to grow her team, with a particular focus on commercial real estate, an area she sees growing demand for. To maintain her success, she follows a strict daily contact routine, aiming to reach out to at least five people every morning before 2 p.m., balancing her professional commitments with family life.
Kate addresses common misconceptions in real estate, particularly the idea that commissions are fixed. She emphasizes the importance of having open, honest conversations with agents about commissions, as they are always negotiable. Another myth she encounters is the belief that buyers’ agents are free to use, which can cause confusion.
Branding plays a crucial role in Kate’s approach to real estate. She is currently taking a staging and interior design course, aiming to offer staging services at no additional cost to her clients. Building brand recognition is key for her, and she ensures her logo is prominently displayed across platforms.
Kate’s goal is to secure at least one or two listings each month, with her current focus on sellers. She recently completed her first double-ended transaction, a significant milestone in her career. In addition to her professional goals, Kate has booked a vacation in the Dominican Republic to escape the cold winter and spend time with her kids and friends, striking a balance between work and personal life.
Check out Kate Korenblit:
https://www.instagram.com/kate_krealestate/
https://www.facebook.com/KateKrealestate/
https://katekrealestate.kw.com
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