Welcome to Hottest Week 2012, that magical time in August when we pit local brokers against each other to determine once and for all (for this year) who's the hottest of the hot. Stay tuned this week and next as the tournament unfolds. And let the games begin!
Welcome to Round 1, day 3--from the women today we have Courtney Poulos of ACME Real Estate (she's also Better Shelter's gal), who used to be in a downtempo electronica band, and Celine Mackerdichian of Newmark Grubb Knight Frank (yes, we're going nuts and getting into the commercial real estate zone), who once helped a client find a space that could fit a giant dinosaur. In keeping with our New Year's resolution to be a little less shallow, we asked all the contestants a few questions about their lives before real estate, their advice for buyers and sellers, and more. Check those out below:
Courtney Poulos
What did you do before you became a real estate agent? How did you get into the real estate game?
I was a television actor and a singer in a downtempo electronica band, in addition to a credit car fraud collection investigator, front desk girl at Silverlake Conservatory of Music, a first time homebuyer lead consultant, and Queen of Silverlake 2003. I got into real estate when I saw what an impact home ownership had on the lives of others. As the broker at one of the few female owned boutique brokerages, I have flexibility to help buyers and sellers achieve their real estate dreams!
What's the most memorable property you ever helped buy or sell?
As the exclusive agent for Los Angeles bettershelter properties, I am frequently walking through cobwebs, scuffing up my pumps on uneven pavement, crawling into creepy crawlspaces to find the perfect properties to rehab. 7613 De Longpre Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90046, which will be the next bettershelter listing, had no walls, was poorly framed out, and basically, there was no “there” there! The walls were boarded. It was in the worst condition of any home we've ever done. This will completely stand out as the biggest improvement in terms of before and after. You can check progress on www.acme-re.com.
What's the biggest mistake made by either buyers or sellers?
A huge mistake is hiring more than one agent. If you are committed to an agent, you will be at the top of the priority list. If you think you'll get more out of having several agents working for you, you might not know it, but you are likely not getting the full attention of the agent. We know when our clients are loyal.
Why do you think real estate agents are, on the whole, so damn attractive?
In Hollywood? Because most of us were actors. Overall? Because we wear many hats, run around all day long, and can rarely be found sitting on our bums. The energy of change is a powerful one, and we are the gatekeepers for realized hopes and new beginnings. That's pretty hot.
Celine Mackerdichian
What did you do before you became a real estate agent? How did you get into the real estate game?
I got into the real estate game by pure luck and loving every day of it. Before I became a broker, I went to the University of California, San Diego and dreamt of becoming a lawyer. After studying for the LSAT and working at the brokerage firm (marketing and research) I realized the potential of commercial real estate and switched paths.
What's the most memorable property you ever helped buy or sell?
The most memorable transaction I’ve been a part of was when one of our clients wanted to build a life-size dinosaur in their office space, you can only imagine all the fun we had touring Downtown LA.
What's the biggest mistake made by either buyers or sellers?
The biggest mistake made by buyers and/or sellers would be if they don’t use my services and work directly with Landlords. Using a brokerage firm to help find the right space that works for your company is extremely important financially and emotionally. The right office can change up the energy and set positive vibes.
Why do you think real estate agents are, on the whole, so damn attractive?
I wish I had an answer as to why RE Agents are so damn attractive? I’m guessing because we work on our own time we are able to enjoy life and sun bathe more often?
Vote below--poll closes at 3 pm PDT on Thursday, Aug. 16, 2012.
· Hottest Week 2012 [Curbed LA]
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