Every quarter we celebrate the realtors, developers, and flippers who are so often our home staging clients. They are the ones who understand the value of home staging to sell homes fast – and to the right buyers. So, in honor of Get to Know Your Customers Day, we are excited to showcase Anna Kolberg, licensed Real Estate Salesperson with The Corcoran Group. We just staged a wonderful apartment in Bushwick/Brooklyn, NY for Anna and the results? She’ll tell you about it. But first, let’s learn something about Anna.
Anna joined Corcoran with 10 years of real estate experience in NYC as a property owner and an investor. In addition to their two-family primary home in Williamsburg, she and her husband, a sales director for Corcoran Sunshine, own several income-producing properties which they’ve gut-renovated, managed, and substantially increased their value.
Where’s your home base, Anna?
I am based at the Williamsburg office. I cover all of NYC, but specialize in the North Brooklyn neighborhoods of Williamsburg, Greenpoint, and Bushwick.
Anna Koblerg’s client needed a quick turnaround time on this Bushwick, Brooklyn, NY listing. Staged Ryte delivered on the staging and Anna sold the apartment in two weeks.
What do you find challenging about real estate in the city right now?
Since January, the velocity in the real estate market has picked up considerably. In certain segments of the market, we are seeing multiple bids above asking. Inventory in Brooklyn is low which makes it even more competitive for prospective buyers. Buyers need to be ready to go and submit their strongest offer from the start, or they risk losing out. [Editors Note: Brooklyn’s second quarter saw the highest number of closed sales on record.]
I always try to be upfront with my clients about the state of the market, so they know what they are getting into. Buying or selling a home is such an emotional experience. I find that people can remain calm if they know what to expect and are prepared for a situation. Arming them with information and a game plan is just one way I help my clients keep their cool in a hot market.
What do you find rewarding about real estate?
I find it rewarding to help someone achieve a goal that they may never felt possible (such as buying their first home or selling their property above ask in 2 weeks.) My clients enjoy working with me because I work tirelessly and do whatever it takes to help make the buying or selling process as easy as possible for them. (You would not believe some of the things I have done!!)
As a property owner and landlord myself, I have experience with finding undervalued properties and renovating them to increase their worth. It is extremely rewarding to help someone find a "diamond in the rough" — something that not only excites them, but is also a sound investment that helps them achieve financial independence.
Working in real estate is challenging, but it is also fun! Where else you can spend the day with a friend, exploring different neighborhoods, checking out properties and call that work?
How did 2020 go for you?
2020 was an interesting and challenging year for everyone. Real estate agents had to pivot on a dime and quickly figure out how to adapt a very personal, face-to-face process to a virtual one. The online classes Corcoran's Agent Studio offered definitely helped us make this transformation in stride. While it was definitely not "normal," I learned a lot about resilience, and enjoyed the extra quality time with my family. I guess I am a "glass half full" kind of person!
What are you looking forward to in Q3 & Q4?
Summer is usually slow for real estate agents in NYC. But this year is anything but normal! I guess we are still making up for lost time due to COVID. I expect Q3 and Q4 to be just as busy as Q2. So hold on to your hats!
Why did you choose to work with Staged Ryte?
We needed a quick turnaround on our staging so that our listing could hit the market asap. Nancy and Dawn promised a quick service at a great price and they truly delivered! The quality of their work exceeded my expectations and they were also fun to work with!
Staged Ryte took a half furnished apartment and made it look fresh & stylish. I think people could see themselves living in that space, and they wanted to live there. Every single showing, someone commented on the furniture and some even asked to buy it. We had multiple offers in the first two weeks and went into contract at asking!
Thanks, Anna! Learn more about Anna at at www.corcoran.com.