Today we’d like to introduce you to Keri Califano.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Like so many others here, I came to Boston from NY to go to college.
After graduating from Boston University, I embarked on a non-profit career that would last over two decades. My work included direct client care and customer service, marketing and promotions, advocacy and social justice work, and fundraising and special event production.
In 2012, I threw caution to the wind, left the stability of full time employment, and launched myself into a second career in Real Estate.
My interest in Real Estate is lifelong. My enthusiasm began as a young girl in the back seat of my mother’s car as we searched for the perfect home to move to the parcel of land my parents owned. When we couldn’t find the right house, we poured through issues of Architectural Digest on a quest for the perfect home to build. I was 14.
Our new construction home- built by my dad and grandfather- was finished in 1988 and, as a young teen, I offered a hand- and my curiosity- to every step of the process.
I took that love of building, architecture, and design with me as I sought to build my real estate career.
Because of social justice and charity background, my approach to Real Estate is completely people-focused. Contrary to public perception, Real Estate Agents don’t buy and sell property. We provide support, care, and advocacy to assist people in making one of life’s biggest decisions. THAT is the art of Real Estate. Working with buyers and sellers to make their home dreams come true. People come to me to purchase or sell a home at critical juncture in their lives- first timers, just married, first kid on the way, divorce, third kid on the way, down-sizing…it is an emotionally charged time and it’s my job to ensure the best experience for my clients as that navigate through the sale. My only legacy should be a roster of happy clients.
Throughout my career, one thing has been constant, my deep commitment to my community, social justice and causes I care about. Over the years, I have supported and served numerous non-profits in organizational and fundraising capacities and continue to do so. My kids and my charitable nature keep me driven to succeed.
Has it been a smooth road?
Doesn’t everyone experience some bumps along the road to success and happiness? I can honestly say that mine have been very manageable and in the end the helped to build my strength and character. Juggling a full time new second career, three young kids, a social life, self-care and a healthy marriage isn’t easy, but how boring life would be is everything was easy.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
When I took the leap into corporate America it was important for me to find a company whose core values aligned with mine. A company that would not only tolerate, but welcome and support, individualism and creativity and an agent who cares deeply about people and community. A company that is rooted in people just as much as it is in profit.
And William Raveis Real Estate is all that. A regional, family-owned company that actively engages in making the world a kinder, better place through The William Raveis Charitable Fund and many local community initiatives.
At Raveis I am encouraged to grow and nurture my very own special brand of Real Estate. A brand that is warm, personal, and genuine but also smart, communicative, and fiercely dedicated to supporting my clients’ goals.
My biggest strengths, I’ve been told, are my vibrant nature, my keen ability to relate to people, and my capacity to juggle many tasks in a perpetual state of calm and ease. Good thing, because these qualities are key in Real Estate. (I’m Italian, so I also like to negotiate…another key skill that I put to good use in my work!)
It has always been very important to me to find a way to give back through my work.
So, in celebration of my 6th year in Real Estate, I recently introduced Dany’s Dream Club, an effort to send a steady stream of donations to my favorite charities.
Inspired by our first adopted daughter, Danyella, Dany’s Dream Club will provide financial assistance, support, and resources for children in foster care.
We will accomplish this through partnerships with organizations like the Massachusetts Adoption Resource Exchange (MARE), Silver Lining Mentoring, and the Rise Above Foundation – organizations that work tirelessly on behalf of displaced and distressed foster kids.
I will be making financial contributions to these charities for each Real Estate sale I close. In addition, my social media channels will offer content on the great work they’re doing, relevant events and activities, and other meaningful ways to get involved.
Deeply indebted to the MA foster care system for helping me and my wife build our family (we got married in 2015 and now have three kids under 7!), I am truly honored to launch Dany’s Dream Club and hope sales go through the roof this year so that we can help the many children who are looking for a place to call home.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Boston is a thriving, robust, energetic city with good bones. It has a strong foundation (see that Real Estate illusion I created there?!) and deep historical significance but also has a timeless and modern vibe that is unparalleled.
And the Boston Real Estate industry mirrors that: old homes renovated for today’s lifestyle needs, quaint charm blended with sleek finishes.
It’s also one of the most active, competitive real estate markets in the country and not for faint of heart. For a new agent it can feel daunting and overwhelming but my advice to them would be to find a good mentor (I have openings on my team!) and learn the ropes from a seasoned professional who will help shape and guide your road into the business. It’s a competitive field in a busy city, but there’s always room for a few more good agents!
There are so many robust neighborhoods in and around the city…find your niche, the small handful of places you really love, and be the undisputed, must-have agent for those places!
Contact Info:
- Address: 191 Grove Street, Brookline, MA 02467
- Website: http://kericalifano.raveis.com
- Phone: 617-651-1261
- Email: keri.califano@raveis.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kerinicole26
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KeriCalifanoRE
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/KeriCalifano
- Other: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kericalifano
Image Credit:
Property shots by Vis Home
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