Posted by
Elana Safronsky, Managing Editor
Tuesday, September 14, 2010 4:31 PM EDT
Selling New York got off to a roaring start last week! Our Live Blogging of the premiere with the Kleier mom-and-daughters team got a great turnout, the ladies dishing New York City scoop left, right and centre (see highlights.)
This week, joining us in a Live Blog of Episode 2 is Maggie Kent from CORE Real Estate, the second of the two agencies featured on the show. Maggie is a Canadian expat who grew up just outside of Toronto, and brings a noticeable level-headedness to this week's episode.
Meet Maggie Kent...
HGTV: How long have you been in the business?
Maggie Kent: 7 years
HGTV: Are you ‘from’ New York?
MK: No, I am Canadian! I grew up just outside of Toronto.
HGTV: I've seen some real estate agents in Toronto, and they can be pretty schleppy. Is everyone always so put together?
MK: Yes, it is part of the business.
HGTV: Do you think New Yorkers are any different as clients than people in other cities?
MK: Well, I haven't done real estate in cities outside of New York, but I would say that there are always common threads in what people desire in a home. There are plenty of characters in NYC of course and I really like meeting new clients. You learn so much about a person from their real estate needs, their home. And there are plenty of interesting people that flock here from all over the world, of course because of finance, the arts, food and fashion industries, design and architecture, etc -it's endlessly stimulating.
HGTV: What would you say is the most coveted and/or hard to find feature in New York apartments?
MK: Private outdoor space is highly coveted. High floor corner apartments are also always well-liked for their amazing views! Closet space is always a huge deal since space is hard to come by in NYC.
HGTV: What decor style sells/shows the best?
MK: Generally, Mid Century modern is the overriding theme right now and I think it works when there is a contemporary, warm setting (very popular with stagers here.) Danish modern works for me too. As we all know from design shows etc --you consider the space first and how to magnify the best features and create a comfortable flow - I am a big fan of custom lighting in design. We see all kinds of amazing decor and mixing of styles here. It is easy for a potential client to spot bad decor which doesn't sell, and I think it takes a trained eye to create decor that is something outstanding and inviting.
HGTV: What are your favourite areas in NYC?
MK: West Village, Chelsea West, Central Park W, E, S, areas, Bowery, East Village, Carnegie Hill, and Gramercy Park to name a few
HGTV: What do you enjoy most about your job?
MK: Hands down, I love looking at real estate , but the art of matchmaking (the buyer with the right property) and the art of the deal (making the sale(s) for your seller or your buyer) are what drives me.
I am never ever bored at my job.